Origin

Joey Alexander

Released on 2022-05-20 by Mack Avenue Records
Main artists: Joey Alexander
Genre: Jazz

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You can be wary of the idea of a child prodigy (questioning not the notion of precocity itself, but rather the way the entertainment industry takes over and manipulates it) and still recognise talent when it makes itself known. Especially when it asserts itself with such brilliance, as it does here. Origin is Joey Alexander’s first album released under the Mack Avenue Records label, though, at the tender age of 18, it’s his sixth in total. However, this release doesn’t just see the young Indonesian pianist prove his talent as an outstanding musician, but by approving all the tracks on this album he reveals his personality as a composer for the first time, giving his music a new lease of life. Accompanied by his usual accomplices, Larry Grenadier on double bass and Kendrick Scott on drums, a large part of this album features this mesmerising trio of musicians. The music is both organic and incredibly sophisticated in its composition; meticulously composed forms are brought to life through a sense of interplay and the overall sound is simply amazing for someone so young. Saxophonist Chris Potter and guitarist Gilad Hekselman join the group for a few tracks in quartet and quintet. On top of their lyricism and great sense of improvisation, they provide Alexander with an additional range of sonic colours and textures which he integrates into his arrangements with a great fluidity and nuance, capturing the personality of each musician. Alexander’s playing is masterful, though never demonstrative, and is essentially based on the art of precise rhythmic placement. It’s clear he favours natural sounds and giving his piano room to breathe. This album fully indulges in the true joy of swing and it’s without doubt his best release yet. © Stéphane Ollivier/Qobuz

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Origin

Joey Alexander

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