Rising jazz drummer Jamison Ross is the featured guest at this month’s edition of the “Gem Sessions” modern jazz series at the Little Gem Saloon’s Ramp Room on Monday, November 18. A jazz studies student at the University of New Orleans’ Masters program and regarded as one of school’s prized students by the college’s department head, Ross is without a doubt one to watch.

The Jacksonville, FL native has been living in New Orleans since entering the Masters of Jazz Studies program at UNO and just last year was awarded first place in the 2012 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums Competition, for which he received a scholarship and a recording contract with Concord Music Group. Although, even before receiving this prestigious award, he had already been touring with Grammy Award-winning jazz singer/songwriter Carmen Lundy’s band for nearly three years. No stranger to playing with some of the best in music, Ross has also since then accompanied New Orleans jazz pillars such as Ellis Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Irvin Mayfield Jr. and more. He also appears on Crescent City saxophonist Clarence Johnson III’s recent release, Watch Him Work (Like Father, Like Son).

But there is a reason that the Gems Sessions is hosting the young 25 year-old drummer this month. As the Gem Sessions series was created specifically to highlight contemporary jazz artists that push the boundaries of traditional jazz outward into the modern fusion sphere, Ross’ busy 2013 alone hints at a career trajectory that is certainly progressive, if not decidedly “modern.” In addition to performing with many of his jazz elders at institutions like the Monterey Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Johannesburg Joy of Jazz Festival and the Kennedy Center in New York City, he has also exhibited dynamic skill and a yen to think outside the box alongside more of his peers.

In August, Ross played on the electronic music laden S.S. Coachella Music at Sea cruise with Glen David Andrews, and spent a large part of the year touring with young New Orleanian Jonathan Batiste‘s band, Stay Human. He’s also trying out his funk chops this month with pianist Jon Cleary and his Absolute Monster Gentlemen. And for New Year’s he will have the opportunity to play with both Lundy and Patrice Rushen for a week-long series at the Jazz Standard in New York. All of this just before he prepares to wrap up his major label debut on Concord Records, set for January 2014 release. Yes, it’s safe to say that Jamison Ross is keeping all the right company lately in order to be “what’s next.”

But you’ll have the chance to experience Ross for yourself this Monday evening (November 18) at the Gem Sessions to hear just what the buzz on this young drummer is all about. Jamison Ross and special guests play two sets in the Little Gem Saloon’s Ramp Room (445 S. Rampart St) at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 advance or $25 the night of show. A full bar and full service kitchen menu are available in the Ramp Room for both sets. More Info: www.littlegemsaloon.com