Three-time GRAMMY Award-nominated pianist Joey Alexander follows his major-label debut album, WARNA (Verve Records), with three new singles "SALT" (March 19: LINK), "Under the Sun" (April 23: LINK), and "Summer Rising" (May 28) set for global release on Verve. In just seven years subsequent to the release of five critically-acclaimed albums (My Favorite Things, Countdown, Joey.Monk.Live!, Eclipse, WARNA), Alexander leads a career rarely witnessed in the jazz genre. He's garnered international acclaim from mainstream media, three nominations from The Recording Academy, and high praise from legendary jazz icons while evolving into one of today's most distinguished composers and bandleaders.
All before his 18th birthday (summer 2021), Alexander has accrued a lifetime of accolades and experiences a jazz pianist could only dream of. For Alexander, though, he's met each career highlight with great humility and lets his music speak for itself. He's appeared on primetime TV at the 58th GRAMMY Awards (2016); performed with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding for the Obamas at the White House (International Jazz Day, 2016); sold-out his debut at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall (2019); sold-out the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center; and was profiled by 60 Minutes. A through-line consistent across his career remains a steadfast dedication to his craft as a melodic composer captivating the hearts of music fans across the globe.
Alexander's second 2021 single, the track entitled "Under the Sun" reflects Alexander's improvisational dexterity and telepathic connection with his trio, featuring bandmates Daniel Winshall (electric and upright bass) and Tyson D. Jackson (drums). Alexander wrote the composition during the summer of 2020, while witnessing the protests across the country. The piece moves from contemplative to bluesy and free and back again, with one main narrative throughout - Under the Sun we're all just human beings - nuanced and complex creatures struggling to make ends meet individually while continually striving to seek peace, love and justice for everyone.
Alexander notes, "The work has ties to the times that we live in. The pandemic really hit us badly as musicians, and then I saw people marching on the streets where I live in Union Square in New York City. A lot of things have happened during the time I composed it. But I think the positive side is that people of all colors are standing up."
An inspiring force beaming with hope and positivity through his recordings, Alexander takes us to the roots of jazz where the blues are the key ingredient. "The blues gives us that optimistic spirit. It fills our souls with joy in the darkest hours."
Released on March 19, "SALT" lays down a deep groove featuring the pianist on Fender Rhodes for the first time on a recording. His trio expands to a quintet on "SALT" with special guests Jaleel Shaw on alto saxophone (who also appears on "Summer Rising") and Gilad Hekselman on electric guitar.
"Summer Rising" emulates the beauty of summer in New York City. Upon hearing the simple mention of "summer," the mind wonders to marvel in all of nature's splendor, and it's a time when music typically pours from outdoor stages throughout the world. Alexander offers a glimpse of elation in his harmonic chord changes while he and Jaleel Shaw trade off fervent solos.
Embodying a jaw-dropping mastery of jazz standards, Alexander now sets his sights beyond the break-out successes as a brilliant talent with razor-sharp focus on composing idiosyncratic original works. Alexander's latest recordings are at once highly expressive, emotional, and sincere. 2021 welcomes the thrilling pianist-composer with open arms.
To purchase and/or stream "Under the Sun," please visit: JoeyAlexander.lnk.to/UnderTheSun
