JIMBO ROSS: new Album JAZZ PASSION &SATIN LATIN released August 23, 2024 on Bodacious Records, Jimbo, playing his Electric 5 String Viola/Violin returns to his Jazz Roots with musicians Joe Gaeta - Guitar, Stuart Elster - Piano, Peter Marshall - Bass, Ron Wagner - Drums, with 13 hand picked Songs that features the virtuosity of each player. They deliver the goods just as the title describes.
ALSO. . .Jimbo Ross is the real deal, with his other group, the BODACIOUS BAND . .. They have recorded 4 CDs: "Zydeco Boogaloo", "Hit The Ground Running", "Drivin' By The Blues" and "Steady Rollin' Man" which shows why this highly respected and seasoned session player has stepped to the forefront. Singing with committed soulful passion, and playing a custom made electric 5 String Viola/Violin (he calls it his "quit-fiddle") the way most master guitarists play guitar, Jimbo blazes through electrifying improvisational leaps that will make a believer out of any skeptic. Performing with a band of stellar musicians, Jimbo and crew dish out a soulful gumbo of Chicago blues, old school R &B, with rockin' funk and soul that will make you smack your lips and holler for more. Arranged and produced by Jimbo Ross, they spin hand picked classics like "I Put A Spell On You", and "The Hunter" with flavorful original compositions as sophisticated as Jimbo's virtuosity.
JIMBO has spent years playing and recording with many of the greats in the industry as a session player and soloist as well as playing concerts and festivals worldwide. His credits can be found on every genre of American music and with some of the worlds most notable musical icons including: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Paul McCartney, Don Ellis Big Band with electric String Quartet, Horace Silver, Teddy Edwards, Affirmation (Jazz Fusion-core member 2 albums), Swingstreet, Dr. Jazz (30's Hot Club Swing), The Rhythm Kings, Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, Forever Tango Tour, The 3 Tenors, The Band "The Last Waltz" Album, Ray Charles, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, Roy Orbison, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Blue Bland, Earth Wind &Fire, Michael Jackson, Page &Plant Tour, Carrie Underwood, American Idol Band. The list g o e s on & on.....
Jimbo is a true virtuoso string man who plays his axe with a bow, not a pick. His sound and style has distinguished him from the pack and is infused with a raw energy and powerful punch, beautifully complimented by his amazing technical dexterity and soulful prowess. Anyone who has seen this band perform live will attest to one serious party rocking on stage that is as good live as it is in the studio.
To say that Jimbo Ross is an eclectic performer is an almost laughable understatement. When your bio includes being a session musician for Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, Johnny Mathis, the Moody Blues, Roy Orbison, Elton John and a tour with Led Zeppelin (to name just a few of the many artists listed) it becomes apparent that his knowledge and talent has earned him huge respect and demand in every genre. The electric viola is his instrument of choice and my interview with him revealed a deep respect and love of the Blues &Jazz that he has translated onto an instrument that, for most of us, doesn't come to mind when thinking of the Blues & Jazz.
Some people think the blues is a down thing. But to quote Willie Dixon again, "Al blues are happy blues." Willie would be happy to hear Jimbo Ross plays the blues, because when Jimbo plays, people listen. He's the embodiment of the happy blues - even in the deepest and darkest of songs, he finds the shining silver lining in the dark clouds, the joy inside the blues.
JIMBO ROSS on DISCOGS
Jimbo performing with Carrie Underwood on American Idol.
Jimbo at the Playboy Jazz Festival
Jimbo Ross performing at The Playboy Jazz Festival
Jimbo Ross - Viola