Without formal training, and initially only playing on a small keyboard his father had given him, Alexander achieved a high degree of proficiency. By age six, he had taught himself how to play piano by listening to albums by Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, and others. He has also regularly landed in the jazz Top 20 as on 2018's Eclipse, 2020's Warna, and 2022's Origin.īorn Josiah Alexander Sila in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia in 2003, Alexander was introduced to music by his father, an amateur musician and jazz aficionado. Alexander has continued to mature as an improviser and composer, leading his trio with veteran bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Kendrick Scott. Championed by veterans, including his idol Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis, Alexander emerged to wide acclaim in 2014, earning several Grammy nominations including for 2015's My Favorite Things and 2016's Countdown, both of which also hit number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Gans in New York contributed to this report.įollow Michelle R.Indonesian-born pianist Joey Alexander is an extremely gifted jazz musician who first came to the public's attention as a ten-year-old prodigy. Smith reported from Providence, Rhode Island. ‘‘At least I’ll be able to say I have joint custody of this child now.’’ ![]() ‘‘Once I’m there, I’m expecting some sort of feeling to wash up on me. McBride, who has played regularly at Newport since 1991, said he’s looking forward to taking some time to experience it for the first time this year as an audience member. ‘‘Christian is a beautiful force in the music and so fun to play with and collaborate with through the years,’’ Lovano said. He’s excited to see what McBride does in Newport. Lovano will perform this year as the co-leader of the John Scofield-Joe Lovano Quartet and is releasing an album of his 2005 performance there: Joe Lovano Quartet: ‘‘Classic! Live At Newport,’’ featuring legendary pianist Hank Jones, who died in 2010. ‘‘At the time, (they) were a little far out and now, today, are like treasures.’’ Some of those later Coltrane moments are, like, really amazing,’’ he said. Or John Coltrane’s performances at Newport in his short-lived life. ‘‘Look at all the beautiful Miles Davis moments at Newport through the years. Saxophonist and composer Joe Lovano said Wein’s contribution to music can be seen today in other outdoor festivals, not to mention the many memorable performances in Newport. He took the risk giving me the opportunity to perform at Newport and that encouraged me to push myself to get better and this is super important to my career,’’ said Alexander, a two-time Grammy nominee who will be releasing his second full-length album, ‘‘Countdown,’’ in September. He was one of the few who believed in me regardless of my age. Thirteen-year-old Indonesian piano prodigy Joey Alexander is returning this weekend after making a sensational debut at last year’s festival. Through the decades, Wein has not only presented established jazz stars but also provided a boost to the careers of up-and-coming jazz artists such as ‘‘Late Show’’ bandleader Jon Batiste. It’s everything that has come through historically, representing the world,’’ Wein said. It’s not New Orleans, it’s not traditional, it’s not swing. ‘‘There’s no one word that describes it, no one period of music that describes it. Wein, now 90, likes to say he presents jazz ‘‘from J to Z,’’ meaning the range of jazz styles. In McBride’s new role, which officially begins with next year’s festival, he will choose the artists while Danny Melnick will book them and work behind the scenes on the business side. His numerous other projects include hosting NPR’s ‘‘Jazz Night in America.’’ He has a lengthy resume including five Grammys, and has been involved in small bands, big bands and everything in between. ![]() McBride was a great pick because he is involved in every aspect of the music, Wein said. … My plan is to take his palette and go with that.’’ ‘‘I would never go in in with guns blazing telling George what’s going to happen. ‘‘I understand that as long as George is alive, he’s always going to be the boss,’’ McBride, 44, said. While he is stepping away from duties picking the lineup at the jazz festival, he will remain involved. Wein in 2010 established a nonprofit foundation with the plan to continue the festival long after he’s gone. Next weekend’s jazz fest, now held at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and at Fort Adams overlooking Narragansett Bay, is also scheduled to include performances by Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Galactic, Kamasi Washington, Charles Lloyd, Robert Glasper, Lizz Wright and Angélique Kidjo
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |