Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As a jazz pianist for over 45 years, I try to keep up with every jazz pianist out there. I first heard of Joey about 6 months ago after googling for "Jazz piano prodigies". I had been familiar with Eldar Djangirov from the age of 13, totally amazed at his early development and mastery of the piano and jazz idiom. Then there has been Beka Gochiashvili, the Georgian phenom. Now here's another prodigy that is destined to amaze listeners around the world in the months and years ahead--The incredibly gifted Joey Alexander. Prior to the release of this debut album, I had been searching for every clip on YouTube and Joey's Facebook page that I could find. He amazes me on all levels. When he plays solo, his inventiveness and unpredictability as to what he will play next are always clearly at the forefront. When he plays in a trio format, he blows me away. But I also have been very impressed with his accompaniments of other musicians and even singers. All of this is just so rare in a musician so young. This is about so much more than technique, or understanding of jazz harmonies, phrasing, licks and the jazz/standards repertoire. Joey exhibits tremendous maturity in his playing--like a pianist with five times his experience. I'm aghast at how well seasoned he sounds--leaving space, weaving in and out of the groove in ingenious ways, even sounding at times like he's lost his place in the tune, even though he hasn't. Joey has all the tools--he can play with fire, very softly and introspectively, he swings, his harmonic sense is very deep, he plays up and down the entire keyboard, he is very creative and you never know what going to come out next--he's full of surprises in his playing, never boring. This album was recorded last October, so already he has an additional seven months of experience. I regret missing his live-stream performance at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola this past April 30, but comments I've read all indicate a stellar performance. But the album is a joy and every track is rich in content and drama. His reading of ballads like "Over the Rainbow" and "Lush Life" is first rate for a pianist of ANY age, let alone 11 years old. Most importantly, Joey is a beautiful person with a deep Christian faith, good principles and very likable. He will go very far and I wish him all the success in the world. 5 stars is woefully inadequate! Go Joey!!