Joel Ross’s Nublues is a masterful exploration of the blues as spirit and energy, rather than a mere genre. Inspired by a seminar at the New School, Ross uses this album to probe the essence of the blues across a richly varied set of ten tracks. From the brooding opener “early,” the album unfurls with a subtle, earthy grace. Ross’s rendition of Coltrane’s “equinox” is a standout, evolving into a sublime blend of post-rock and chamber jazz. The blues here is not always obvious—it lingers in the spirit of the music, a thread of emotional resonance running throughout. Ross’s virtuosic command of the vibraphone shines brilliantly, extracting a stunning spectrum of tones and moods, while the music retains its soulful core. Tracks like “Bach (God the Father in Eternity)” and “chant” reveal the album’s depth, balancing sonic experimentation with profound expression.
A key strength of Nublues is Ross’s willingness to push boundaries while remaining true to his sound. The interplay between Ross and his talented ensemble creates a vibrant and dynamic sonic landscape, marked by warmth, trust, and cohesion. Each musician contributes uniquely, enriching the album with introspective ballads, complex rhythms, and moments of striking beauty.
Nublues showcases Ross’s maturity as both a composer and performer. It is an album that feels alive with curiosity and invention, blending the familiar with the avant-garde. By capturing the blues as an energy—raw, fluid, and ever-evolving—Ross solidifies his place as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.
