Jamison Ross: Soul Music

Let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “Tell me you Love Me” — Talk to me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

I love this question! I went through a time period in my marriage where I didn’t feel the love. It was quiet. Not a lot of fireworks, you know? In other words, dry! I learned during that time to speak up and communicate about my needs as a man. This is a touchy subject for most men, but the more vulnerable I became in expressing my specific desires to my wife, the better our relationship was. I needed love from my soulmate and I needed to HEAR it! Words go a long way for a man that’s doing everything he can to make life amazing for his family. Men Need Love, Too! Not only do we want to feel it, we need to hear it as well. Lol! “Tell me you Love Me.”

Of course “Tell me you Love Me” comes courtesy of your new solo LP, JAMO — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you? And, how then does JAMO either differ and / or compare to previous Jamison Ross entries?

JAMO is the real ME! Simple as that. It’s the nickname my friends and people close to me have called me for years. They actually KNOW me! Not everybody calls me JAMO. My earlier albums I was “Jamison”… the “Drummer”… the “Young Jazz Sensation”…I had to find myself and do some deep digging in order to give people the JAMO that has always been alive and present. The album, JAMO is my artistry evolved and expressed with real stories laced with male vulnerability through the filter of Soul music.

JAMO is an Affective Music release — What particular string of events actually led up to this inking?

I started my career off with a bang signing a record deal with Concord Records, releasing two albums, All For One and Jamison, which was Grammy nominated for best Jazz Vocal Album. My music started to change. My soundl. My vision. Honestly, I don’t think we were seeing eye to eye with the label for the duration of my entire second album. In a nutshell, my sound, eyes and vision was set on the Soul music I was creating already. To me, the label cut ties at the onset of that. In 2019, my friend and business partner, David S. Hargrett, he was my manager during those tough periods with the Concord; we saw the entire machine first hand, and I founded Affective Music, a Soul music-focused record label and management company dedicated to defining the sound of Soul for this era. Later that year, the label released Mykal Kilgore’s debut single, “Let Me Go,” in which I produced, earning me my second Grammy nomination.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

My life. My family and my experience of the world we live in as a husband, father, brother, son and friend. I also draw inspiration from tough trials that take place throughout my life. Those reflective moments are great “Pen Joggers.”

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? How did it all begin for Jamison Ross? Also, where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I’m a preacher’s kid from Jacksonville, Florida. My entire family is filled with great musicians. Dad was an amazing Gospel songwriter and organist. My mom sings HEAVEN DOWN and is currently a Minister of Music within the COGIC…If you know, You Know.…Lol! My grandfather pastored for over 40 years. I come from a God-Led strong black family that raised me to dream with my talents and ability. I honed my talent studying at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, before attending Florida State University and then on to the University of New Orleans, where he earned a Master of Music. Growing up, Gospel music was always playing in my house. I later became an extreme Jazz nerd starting in middle school. Duke Ellington. Miles Davis. Charles Mingus, etcetera. My drumming influences came right along the Jazz tree as well; Billy Higgins, Jimmy Cobb, Frankie Dunlap, Idris Muhammad, Grady Tate. When it came to singers. I’m a huge Marvin Winans fan. His tone changed my life. Marvin Gaye of course. I’m also a huge fan of early Marvin. That “ When I’m Alone I Cry” record is my favorite; Back when he was crooning. Rance Allen is my GUY!! RIP! His records that he released on Stax…man, SPECIAL!!! He WAS Soul music!!

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

SOUL MUSIC! Nothing else to add there.

You’re also are an active member of Snarky Puppy — Tell me about this musical collective…

With the release of JAMO, I hope people actually start to forget about the fact that I’m a member of Snarky Puppy. This would mean my album is making its way around the world! Lol! I love my Snarky family. It’s honestly an outlet for me to express myself as a drummer. I’ve toured with some of the industry’s best and being a part of the Snarky family is an honor and once was a dream. There was a point in my career where I wanted to be known and respected as an extremely versatile drummer. I think it’s safe to say I’ve achieved that and much more.

What has been the key to your longevity? And, what will continue to sustain you in music?

I honestly believe it’s about the live performance. With such a high volume of music and content being put out in today’s world, nothing trumps seeing and experiencing a magical music moment live and in person. This has sustained and diversified my career. One thing I can stand behind is backing up the music I create on stage. I believe this will (in) my career. I have all the tools to create the real thing. I also believe that keeping my motives and inspirations pure allows me to not think about the numbers, charts or results. My new album JAMO is already a success because of the growth that took place within me while recording it. It’s the process for me.

What do you want people to get from your music?

My vision is to be a part of defining the sound of Soul music for this era. When the world hears this body of work, I want them to feel a deep sense of joy that only resonates within your soul when you hear the truth that comes from another soul.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B music?

Honestly, I think we should separate R&B and Soul music. I think this will illuminate all of the AMAZING ARTISTS who are creating AMAZING R&B, AS WELL AS SOUL MUSIC. R&B trumps the conversation. What about the current state of SOUL MUSIC…to me, The “REAL” R&B Artists are doing Soul Music. Look at the History! Aretha. Sam. Marvin…Isley Brothers…the R&B that actually makes its way through the pile is always something Hip Hop or Pop influenced. I actually like a lot of it. It’s the sound of our culture. But, there is tons of “REAL R&B” out that doesn’t get the respect because we really don’t understand the sound, art, history and role of SOUL MUSIC. I know this is a jump, but I think it would help clarify the state of R&B.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I want to write a book on SOUL MUSIC! I just purchased a home for my family. This made me a very happy man.

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Probably has to be the moment I found out about my first Grammy nomination as an artist. Also…the first time I went to the Grammy’s, got all dressed up and didn’t win!! Lol! That moment keeps me humble and helps me to stay close to the art.

What’s an average day like for you?

It depends. I travel quite a bit touring and performing. While on the road, the morning starts off with talking to my wife and daughter. Then I work my way into some quiet time with God; alignment of self…followed by the gym. Then tackling the list. Most times that list consist of editing records that I may be producing or building relationships with the artist. I have my weekly Affective Music meeting schedule that stays somewhat the same. This consists of my A&R responsibilities at the label. The rest of day is normally soundcheck. Lunch. Calls on my schedule for the day. Dinner…I like to take a nice walk Pre-show. Clear my head of the day and recalibrate for showtime. Then ShowTime! Maybe a libation or two aftershow. When I’m home, my days are pretty simple, but filled with me being present with my family. Wake up, get my daughter up for school, carpool line for school, drop off, gym…coffee…emails…correspondence. Check in with my wife, studio time; this could be a lot of different things…songwriting…research…editing. Listening to mixes, etcetera. Afternoon, car pick up, piano lessons…dance lessons…dinner…family time, wifey time…bedtime. Do it all over again! It may seem like a lack of creative space, but I think that’s exactly what gives my music meaning. I’m inspired constantly while being present for what’s most important; The ones that I love.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

Keep it real! I always keep it real. At my current level of access, I try and respond to everyone I can. I appreciate every “like” comment and ticket sale. I’m very approachable at live shows. Those are the real fans to me. They will be around when I’m old and stop releasing new music every two years.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Performing live in front of different audiences. There’s nothing like a moment shared in person with the music that’s inspired by my real life. Not to mention when we take the show overseas…man, Europe eats up a good batch of SOUL MUSIC! Least Favorite…HORRIBLE HOTELS!! I NEED WHITE SHEETS AND THE SMELL OF EUCALYPTUS! Lol!

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Find out why you love music and investigate what your real gift is. Gather a vision…this will change from season to season. This is key though. When this artistic journey gets cloudy — and it will — you have to fall back on a purpose and vision / goal that you have set out to achieve. Even if you don’t achieve a specific goal related to the vision, the vision and love for music will lead you to keep going.

Lastly, what’s next for you, Jamison?

MOVING INTO MY NEW HOUSE WITH MY FAMILY, TOURING JAMO ACROSS THE WORLD. FEEDING SOUL MUSIC TO THE MASSES, TAKING LIFE AS IT COMES.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention? Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

I Think you covered it! Lol! I NEED EVERYBODY AND THEY MOMMA, BROTHER, SISTER, SITUATION, BESTIE, HOMIE, ETCETERA…TO LISTEN TO MY NEW ALBUM, JAMO. LET IT FEED YOUR SOUL!