Joel Ross -vibraphone
Patrick Bartley -alto saxophone
Tivon Pennicott -tenor saxophone
Jeremy Corren -piano
Junius Paul -bass
Marcus Gilmore -drums
In collaboration with The Jazz Gallery, Harlem Stage presents accomplished vibraphonist-composer Joel Ross and his project, Being A Young Black Man. Commissioned by and originally presented at The Jazz Gallery in 2017 as part of its Residency Commission series, the work is a suite of compositions that examine two main themes: family and faith. It explores experiences and interpretation of Ross' life as A Young Black Man — the interaction with friends and family, the discovery and questioning of faith and beliefs, and witnessing the different events that have taken place throughout the country and world regarding young Black men and women in recent years.
Raised in the South Side of Chicago, Ross and his twin brother took an interest in music by the age of three. Their father, a police officer and choir director, helped serve as one of the first musical influences in Ross’s life and career. Studying and honing his technique under musician and educator Stefon Harris, Ross discovered his own personal sound. The New York Times states “Particularly on his own compositions, Mr. Ross and the band treat rhythm as both fundamental and unfixed, while dousing the music in harmonies derived from modern gospel.” His refreshing and unique sound is one to witness in this riveting project. Join Harlem Stage and The Jazz Gallery for an intimate and thought-provoking performance by Edison Award winner, educator, and composer Joel Ross.