(July 18, 2022) When an artist has proven proficiency in more than one area, their career path can take them in so many glorious places. After singer/musician/producer Jamison Ross won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2012, the journey enfolded beginning with a record contract on Concord Jazz. And his intricate drumming and voice have supported vocal jazz giant Carmen Lundy and gospel powerhouse Maranda Curtis. Throughout his career, the genre and musical era never mattered as Ross’s musical canvas transforms into indescribable rainbows, as evidenced by his first two CD’s (reviewed by SoulTracks) – the self-titled 2015 debut spinning soul and blues classics with a modern acoustic jazz twist and the follow up in 2018, All for One.
Now four years later and a switch to R&B/soul label Affective Music (also home to Avery*Sunshine), Ross returns to SoulTracks with the latest First Listen spotlight, “Tell Me You Love Me.” As in the past, the voice is unmistakably enriching, even if the soundtrack shifts from Ross’ hybrid jazz work towards edgier R&B balladry.
From the moment the accompanying video unveils the storyline behind “Tell Me You Love Me,” Ross effectively captures the inquisitive mind of a romantic encounter: “It’s too quiet for me/Is there room for me/I can read your energy/Baby tell me.” Time will tell what Ross will throw down concerning a future CD project. In the meantime, check out “Tell Me You Love Me.”
By Peggy Oliver
Jamison Ross – “Tell Me You Love Me”
