Joey Alexander Announces New Album "Celestial Keeper" Out July 17, 2026 via Mack Avenue Records

Today, GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer Joey Alexander announced his new album Celestial Keeper, out July 17 via Mack Avenue Records. Harkening back to Alexander’s lifelong love of Miles Davis and Bill Evans, the first single “Stella By Starlight” will be released this Friday – Alexander’s beautiful take on the standard that showcases the critically acclaimed pianist’s genius ability to breathe new life into a classic. Tonight, Alexander celebrates the album announcement by kicking off five nights at NYC’s Birdland.

Listen to Joey Alexander’s “Stella By Starlight”

At just 22 years old, Joey Alexander has already spent more than a decade establishing himself as one of jazz’s most celebrated young voices – beginning his professional career in 2013 when Wynton Marsalis invited him to perform at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala, Alexander performed with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the Obama White House, and has been the subject of profiles on 60 Minutes, The New York Times, and many more.

On Celestial Keeper, Alexander’s third album for Mack Avenue Records, the pianist and composer reflects on creativity, faith, gratitude, and personal transformation. Inspired by what Alexander describes as his “Celestial Keeper” – a spiritual force akin to a muse or guardian angel – the album explores the challenge of overcoming doubt and artist’s block. “There’s a spiritual force that reminds me of the gift of music that God has bestowed upon me,” Alexander explains. “That voice prompts me to keep the lamp burning or the music playing.”

Celestial Keeper arrives during a pivotal chapter in Alexander’s life following his family’s recent move back to his native Bali after years spent in New York and Baltimore. Reimmersing himself in Indonesia’s nature and rhythm of life profoundly shaped the album’s aura of beauty and wonder. “I live by the mountains, which are a constant reminder of the beauty of nature and the gift of life,” he says.

The album debuts his latest trio, with bassist Kris Funn - returning from 2023’s much-lauded Continuance - and drummer Jonathan Barber, recording with Alexander for the first time after two years of touring. The trio is joined on three tracks by the brilliant Philadelphia-born saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. Alexander also adds vocals to the mix for the first time on Celestial Keeper, collaborating with rising star Alita Moses on a new original tune “Whispers of Love” and welcoming the Grammy-winning Lisa Fischer for a powerful rendition of the classic “My Funny Valentine.” In a full circle moment, Celestial Keeper was produced by Jason Olaine, who produced Joey’s debut album My Favorite Things.