Video Premiere: Jamison Ross Shares Soulful Original “Call Me”

Drummer, composer, and vocalist Jamison Ross shows off his multi-faceted skills in his latest video for “Call Me.” Directed by Laurence Jacobs, the new visuals accompany the tenth track from Ross’ sophomore effort All For One, which was released at the top of the year via Concord Jazz. Featuring a feel-good old school soul vibe, “Call Me” acts as the perfect vehicle to showcase Ross’ abilities as a vocalist, drummer, and songwriter. The new single comes ahead of a busy tour schedule that will see Ross and his band play throughout the United States and Europe from September through October (click here to see if Ross is hitting at a city near you). But before he hits the road, the 2012 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition winner caught up with us to discuss his latest album and how he’s grown since then. Scroll down to watch the video for “Call Me” and read our conversation.

Revive: Should listeners expect anything different in ‘All For One’ or is it more of a continuation from ‘Jamison,’ your self-titled debut?

Jamison Ross:I think listeners should expect growth. As an artist, I am deliberate about being true to my self. That’s all that really matters. The evolution of who I am as an artist is sonically clear. The stories along with the musical compositions bring you closer to my perspective on this thing we call life.

JR: I’ve grown by simply becoming more confident in what I hear. I trust my instincts. The success that has come my way has been a direct result of not overthinking it. I can honestly say I believe in what I hear as a composer, drummer, and vocalist.

JR: No. Me and Rick are new writing partners. We’ve played together for years ( he’s the guitarist in my band) and I’ve always admired the way he can clarify and explain any point of view; even if it’s something he doesn’t agree with. He has a high emotional IQ when it comes to people. This allows him to imagine and articulate great stories.

R: There’s a line in the first verse that I think really connects for a lot of people when you sing:

JR: Limit social media! Of course we have to use it to further our brands and to simply let people know what we are doing. But you have to limit how much of it you take into to your mental space. I like to use time limits to aggressively put a barometer on how much and what I see. Comparison kills. If you are constantly scrolling for hours of the day, you will eventually start to compare.

I like to specify what my agenda is for any given day. I literally write down my task for each day before I go to bed. It keeps me focused, productive and away from an idle mind. This allows me to really embrace the people I love with my emotional and physical attention.

The most important thing is to step away from the music and embrace all of the things that you wouldn’t think to post on social media. When I’m not on the road, I wash and fold clothes for my wife and daughter on Mondays and sometimes Thursdays. I iron there clothes for the week to make things run smoother in our house. I drop off and pick up my daughter from school every day.

I try and encourage my younger brother when “adulting” seems too much to bear. I constantly think about ways to make my wife smile. How can I give her that butterfly feeling that makes her feel like a girlfriend within a 7 year of marriage? Easier said than done. But the point is I embrace my life outside of music and the inspiration for the music never stops.

R: Anything else you’d like to add that you think our readers might find interesting?