On the 17th of July, the 2019 Jazz San Javier Festival presented a young jazz artist who is often referred to as a vital instrument to the modern takes on the classical components of jazz. The San Javier Festival has a long history starting in 1998 and is no stranger to the famous and prestigious forms of jazz as well as to the novel and evolving branches of the genre. Jamison Ross is likely the most prevalent example as he embodies both the unconventional yet exciting changes to typical song standards and the prestige of jazz as a decades-old art form.
The venue itself is located in San Javier, a town that faces the Mar Menor, the largest salt lake in all of Europe. The weather is rarely ruined by rain or wind and the beaches are some of the most beautiful in Spain. The natural beauty of the area only works to enhance the experience that jazz provides. In fact, Jamison Ross’ performance was highlighted by the outdoor setting and the gentle ambiance of nature.
While San Javier had a variety of unique and excellent performers, Jamison Ross embodied a special presence during the concert. It is his multitasking, as a singer, drummer, and presenter that likely impressed the audience. While the band consisted of only four musicians, they had made themselves distinct and full of sound without needing to raise their volume in excess.
Jamison Ross, the star of the show, has a notable history as the winner of the 2012 “The Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition” and the 2018 Down Beat magazine award for the best male singer of rising stars (Jazz San Javier). His discography is made up of two albums, the 2015 “Jamison” and 2018 “All For One”, under the prestigious Concord label. Not only is Ross considered to be one of the best performing and innovative young drummers currently working in jazz but is also full of personality through his music and conversations with the audience.
Mariano Díaz is one of the most demanded piano artists in the European music scene. Despite his involvement in the European world of jazz, he also makes time to study with renowned artists such as Bruce Barth and Aaron Goldberg in New York.
Barry Stephenson, a native of Florida, has moved to be a key presence in the world of acoustic and electric bass music worldwide. He has been awarded the ASCAP Foundation Louis Armstrong Award in 2011 and the Svenson Composition Award in 2012. After joining Jon Batiste and Stay Human in 2013, Stephenson has yet to stop traveling and performing internationally. Rick Lollar embodies an expressive and inventive approach to jazz and is also gifted as a songwriter and lyricist. Each album released by Lollar including the 2019 “Missing Pieces” as Kenosha Kid or the 2017 EP “More of Us” under Weisshund presents great audial diversity, innovative virtuosity, and skillful guitar work.
The song list begins with a high-energy introduction followed by Ross’ introduction to the audience. Following this, “We’re Gonna Have Mellow Good Time” eases the audience into a melodious yet exciting track. Clapping along is not only allowed but welcomed.
Ross follows many songs with an intriguing narrative, whether it is the simpler desire of freedom during his time in college invoked by “I Wanna Be Free” or the brightness found in dark political times referred to in “In the Arms of Love ”. Ross makes a return to the bridge of “I Wanna Be Free” to highlight the importance of certain lyrics.
Many of Ross’ works are segmented by rich and melodic storytelling that is broken up through exciting rhythmic textures of the drums, piano, and guitar. “I Get That Feeling When She Calls Me” is a prime example of this, during the end of which Ross’ singing transforms from a performance to a conversation with the audience.
“Away” is another personal expression, this time Ross speaks about his relationship with his daughter and how international travel creates barriers amidst the time they are meant to spend together. While the song is melancholy in its lyrics, the accompanying melody suggests optimism that the future holds better times.
Between the story-rich and slow-paced pieces, Ross includes purely instrumental introductions such as “One For All” and skillful and technical songs. While Ross is at the center of all the works, it is undeniable that Lollar harnesses the attention of the audience during these segments.
Ross begins to conclude the concert with “Sack Full of Dreams” after a short dialogue with the concert attendants. The song was first performed by Grady Tate in 1968 and invokes many of the recurring themes of the concert: unity, love, and unfiltered emotions between people.
“Keep On” closes the show with a strong vocal performance from Ross and an excellent accompaniment by Lollar. Lollar is also able to display his skills as a singer as he harmonizes with Ross during the latter part of the piece.
The impression at the conclusion of the concert was of great optimism and general emotion of hope. Ross had exhibited all that was promised throughout the performance, romantic ballads, innovative compositions, and heartfelt reactions from the audience. All the performers had undeniable chemistry and spotlights that made the most of their skills and unique musical attributes. The concert had a slow and quiet beginning but began to unravel into an expressive, involving, and impactful story of skillfully excellent jazz and raw emotion.
Work Cited
“Jamison Ross. Jazz San Javier 2019”. YouTube, uploaded by Jazz San Javier, Web.