Mack Avenue Origin [VINYL]

On Origin , celebrated pianist, bandleader, and three-time Grammy nominee Joey Alexander has written the next chapter of his career: composer. His longstanding trio featuring Larry Grenadier and Kendrick Scott is the backbone of his creative freedom, with Chris Potter (a previous collaborator) and Gilad Hekselman joining the fray to bring to life the spectacular vision of Alexander's first full length release of all original music and debut with Mack Avenue Records. Over the course of his astonishing career, Steinway Artist Alexander has performed with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the Obama White House, for President Bill Clinton at the Arthur Ashe Learning Center Gala, at the Grand Ole Opry, the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall and at major jazz festivals and night clubs around the world. He has also been the subject of profiles on 60 Minutes and The New York Times. Joey Alexander, now 18, is stepping out as a composer and bandleader as well as a virtuoso pianist. "These past years have been especially trying for everyone, including those of us who didn't know when we would ever perform for live audiences again," Alexander said. "Origin represents a turning point for me - the time when I decided to turn frustration into an opportunity to truly express myself and to rise above the circumstances." Joey Alexander: piano, Fender Rhodes Larry Grenadier: double bass Kendrick Scott: drums Gilad Hekselman: electric guitar (4, 6, 9) Chris Potter: soprano saxophone (2); tenor saxophone (4, 9) Press: "For these acoustic tracks alone, the album not only deserves its four star rating, but, recorded during the two days before his 18th birthday, it charts Alexander's continuing progress to becoming one of the finest of all jazz pianists." - **** Jazzwise (Editor's Choice) "Now a veteran of 18, he gives us his first album of original compositions, again showing talent beyond his years, but also an emotional maturity to match. This is deeply thoughtful music played with plenty of heart. The best news: Alexander's only just begun." - **** The Times