Jamison Ross

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Florida-born drummer/vocalist Jamison Ross is a fluid percussionist and gospel-influenced singer, best known as the 2012 winner of the 25th annual Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Ross grew up singing in his grandfather’s church and began playing drums at age three. By the age of 15, he was already leading the church band as Minister of Music. Encouraged by his mother to pursue music formally, Ross took drum lessons throughout elementary school and attended high school at the prestigious Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. While there, Ross played in the jazz band and won top honors at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition — an experience captured in the 2007 documentary film Chops. After high school, Ross earned his B.A. in jazz studies from Florida State University. He then relocated to New Orleans, where he furthered his education, earning his Master’s degree from the University of New Orleans. Choosing to stay there, Ross found work with a bevy of name artists, including vocalist Carmen Lundy, pianist Ramsey Lewis, gospel singer Byron Cage, and others. In 2012, Ross won the 25th annual Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, and garnered a recording contract with Concord Records. Two years later, he released his debut solo album for the label, the R&B- and gospel-infused Jamison. Well-received, the album garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. In 2018, Ross returned with his sophomore Concord album All for One, featuring contributions from pianist Chris Pattishall, guitarist Rick Lollar, bassist Barry Stephenson, and organist Cory Irvin. ~ Matt Collar