Musical child prodigies provoke two reactions: one is to stand back in non-critical amazement, the other is to wait until the prodigious becomes mature (or to wait for that in vain). Either way, the progess from “child” to adult is worth noting.
Joey Alexander embarks on his sixth album in a confident yet largely undemonstrative mood. He’s not yet 20 but the wunderkind label sticks and will probably do so for a while yet. Origin again sees him in the company of bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Kendrick Scott for six trio charts, with the addition of saxophonist Chris Potter and guitarist Gilad Hekselman for two quintet numbers and one each of Potter and Hekselman for two quartet settings; Potter plays tenor on the quintets and soprano on the quartet.
The overall impression is of a pianist – Alexander wrote all the tunes and arrangements – still creating anew with interest, though the opening track, Remembering, seems to be looking over its shoulder as its title suggests, and sets the album’s tone. Restrained piano comments inspire Grenadier and Scott to greater heights of participation, an approach to the trio which bodes well for the pianist in that and other formats: he knows when to delegate and is sure of the result.
The contemplative feeling stays for On The Horizon, with Potter taking charge of whatever intensity the tune suggests. Elsewhere, Hekselman is also given unhindered passage. Winter Blues finds him intertwining with Potter above Alexander’s Fender Rhodes chords on the second of a “four seasons” grouping that’s all of a piece. It suggests that Alexander the composer, having previously given due regard to standard repertoire, is now a more-or-less outgrown prodigy with his own musical statements to make. On this latest album, intricate thought processes applied to harmony and structure may account for the restraint but is part of a full flowering of creativity.
Discography
Remembering; On The Horizon; Dear Autumn; Winter Blues; Promise Of Spring; Summer Rising; Midnight Waves; Angel Eyes; Rise Up; Hesitation (52.42)
Collectively: Chris Potter (ss, ts); Joey Alexander (p, elp); Gilad Hekselman (g); Larry Grenadier (b); Kendrick Scott (d). New York, 23-24 June 2021.
Mack Avenue MAC 1198
