Rivkah Ross

Rivkah Ross is a jazz drummer-composer-bandleader based in Portland, Oregon. Rivkah is poised to carve her own trail with the release of her debut album, Dare to Hope. This bold offering gives a glimpse into a world that's both deeply personal and informed by the language of giants like John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Steve Swallow.

Rivkah isn't merely channeling her heroes; she's using their vocabulary to craft a singular artistic statement that shows a path to new territory. Her compositions demonstrate technical prowess, and harmonic acuity. But they are also sonic narratives that grapple with themes of acceptance, resilience, and the unwavering human spirit. 

This isn't background music; it's a conversation waiting to be had, one that promises to resonate with anyone who's ever stared down life's inevitable hurdles. The band that accompanies Rivkah on this foray into bandleading are all like-minded, nimble improvisers that have put time in the trenches with her. The tunes have been battle-tested by saxophonist Brian Myers, pianist Patrick Carr, and bassist Matthew Holmes. They have performed these tunes at countless gigs, and the energy and connection is apparent.

With PJCE Records providing a platform and Ross's potent originality leading the way, the Montavilla Jazz Festival 2024 stage was the launchpad for Rivkah’s remarkable new voice in contemporary music. Over 100 people were in attendance on September 1, 2024 to see Rivkah’s first album release and first Montavilla Jazz Festival performance as a leader.

Rivkah has been playing drums on the East and West Coasts for the past two decades and got her Bachelor of Music at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. Highlights of her career as a drummer so far include performing in Europe and opening up for Dick Dale, the B-52s, The New Mastersounds, LMFAO, and Lady Gaga, and performing on stage with Stevie Wonder.

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