J3PO / Joel Ross

The final season installment of Terence Blanchard’s wildly popular UpSwing concert series highlights a pair of instrumentalists forging singular careers guided by uncompromising artistic vision. 

Los Angeles-based keyboardist and producer Julian Pollack, known widely as J3PO, is among the most exciting young artists on the scene. Raised in Berkeley, he was an award-winning member of the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars and appeared on Marian McPartland’s iconic Piano Jazz program on NPR at age 18. Since then, Pollack has emerged as a visionary force bridging jazz virtuosity with electronic production, hip-hop, and experimental sound design. He has worked with artists across jazz and contemporary music while developing a distinctive solo voice that positions him at the forefront of a new generation redefining jazz for the digital age. 

Vibraphonist Joel Ross has earned widespread renown as the most remarkable young voice on his instrument. Since the 2019 release of Ross’ debut album Kingmaker on Blue Note, he’s quickly established himself as a triple threat with a far-reaching approach. A graduate of Stockton’s University of the Pacific, Ross went on to study jazz at The New School and was mentored by former SFJAZZ Collective vibraphonist Stefon Harris. His new Blue Note release, Gospel Music, is a sonic interpretation of the Biblical story and an exploration of faith, featuring an expanded sextet lineup of his Good Vibes band.