Carmel
In contemporary jazz, few artists in their early twenties—or any age, for that matter—have encapsulated the essence of innovation, technical fluidity, and emotional depth as Joey Alexander. With his offering, "Continuance," Alexander's seventh studio album, Alexander shows his evolving artistry and indelible influence from the broader span of music, achieved at the tender age of 20. This album provides a precise listening experience of emotional narratives and complex musical ideas with a maturity that belies his years.
At the heart of "Continuance" lies Alexander's command of the piano, a skill that intertwines effortlessly with his compositional contributions tone. The album, featuring a mix of five of his original compositions alongside transformative renditions of "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," showcases Alexander's maturity as a performer, composer, and arranger. His ability to phrase melodies like stories through harmonies is particularly evident in "Blue." Here, Alexander employs a staccato riff as the foundational motif, which blossoms under his touch into a captivating narrative, enhanced by Kris Funn's bass and John Davis's drums, with Theo Croker's trumpet melodies adding a layer of warmth. Alexander's solo is a musical narration marked by dynamic contrasts and a fluent, elegant groove that speaks volumes of his emotional intelligence as a musician.
"Hear Me Now" is another composition that underscores Alexander's finesse in melding textures and tones. The addition of the Mellotron introduces a classical dimension to the jazz quartet, creating a space that feels familiar and fresh. Alexander's exploration of harmonic textures and mood shifts in this piece highlights his compositional development, offering a sonic experience as rich in emotion as technical sophistication.
His rendition of "I Can't Make You Love Me" has a balance of harmonic complexity and emotional appeal. Alexander's dual performance on piano and Fender Rhodes injects a fresh vitality into this pop-rock hit, supported by Funn's resonant bass and the cohesive dynamism of Davis' drums. This arrangement bridges pop-rock and contemporary jazz, infusing new life into a well-loved melody with an artistic vision.
"Continuance" is a strong presence in Alexander's discography, marking a phase of artistic variability and creative maturity. This album emphasizes storytelling, textural richness, and rhythmic sophistication. The synergy between Alexander and his rhythms section and Theo Croker's contributions elevates the album to a conversational and engaging performance. The ensemble's cohesion and the intuitive interplay bring Alexander's compositions to life, making "Continuance" have a narrative of growth, exploration, and depth of styles.