JIMBO ROSS

BEYOND THE GROOVE

Bodacious Records

Jimbo Ross, 5-string electric viola/violin; Joe Gaeta, guitar; Stuart Elster, piano; Peter Marshall, upright bass; Ron Wagner, drums.

Jimbo Ross plays a five-string electric viola that was custom-designed by Ojai-based luthier Brandon McDougall, who is founder of Liquid Violins. The added E string to the traditional viola gives Ross access to the violin’s upper register, but it still retains the viola’s rich middle and lower octaves. As an opener, you hear Jimbo Ross’s incredible talent shine on the Dizzy Gillespie tune, “Groovin’ High” that begins this album. Ron Wagner makes a bold statement on drums.

Fifty years ago, jazz trumpeter Don Ellis introduced Ross as a surprisingly gifted string player, announcing to the ladies and gentlemen in their audience, “the only jazz violist in captivity.”

In 2026, Ross continues his awesome individuality and creativity, exploring what his string mastery can bring to jazz.  He has a distinctive sound.  On this album, he reimagines compositions by some of the gold standard names in jazz including Miles Davis, Benny Golson, Bill Evans, Horace Silver, Monk, Dizzy and John Lewis.

Ross continues his swinging delivery with “Monk’s” standard, “In Walked Bud.” Guitarist Joe Gaeta takes his time improvising creatively during this arrangement.  Ross and Gaeta have been friends since the 1970s. They have a special magic when playing together. Then, enters Stuart Elster on piano.  As always, this sensitive pianist is tinkling the keys with improvised creativity.

Peter Marshall opens the Dizzy gem, “Night in Tunisia,” playing the familiar bass line we’ve come to know and love.  Once again, this magnificent ensemble puts beauty and energy into each tune they pick.  That’s the one thing I have always appreciated about Jimbo Ross and his recordings.  He brings so much great energy and excitement to every song he performs.  Jimbo Ross is inspirational and sincere. He’s not just playing a tune we’ve heard a million times.  The string master puts his heart and soul into the music, inspiring his bandmates to do the same. In the midst of shifting tempos, inventive solos, and the magic of Jimbo Ross on his specialized viola/violin instrument, you will also enjoy his band and the way they reinvent jazz standard songs we know and appreciate. Jimbo Ross and his band make each familiar song sound remarkably refreshed.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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