Joey Alexander Releases New Album "Celestial Keeper"

Today, GRAMMY Award-nominated pianist and composer Joey Alexander releases "Celestial Keeper", his third album for Mack Avenue Records. At just 22 years old, 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 has performed with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the Obama White House, and has been the subject of profiles such as in The New York Times, and many more.

Listen to Joey Alexander’s "Celestial Keeper"

On Celestial Keeper, 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.” Celestial Keeper was produced by Jason Olaine, whose longstanding creative partnership with Alexander began on his debut album, My Favorite Things, and continued through Warna, Joey.Monk.Live!, Eclipse, Countdown, and A Joey Alexander Christmas.

Tracklisting:

01. Bemused (solo improv I)

02. Aversion feat. Jaleel Shaw

03. Whispers Of Love feat. Alita Moses

04. Stella by Starlight

05. Deep Calls to Deep feat. Jaleel Shaw

06. My Funny Valentine feat. Lisa Fischer

07. Bemused Again (solo improv II)

08. Aliceanna (Bmore)

09. As Far as the Eye Can See feat. Jaleel Shaw

10. How Great Thou Art

Tour Dates:

• August 22nd Los Angeles, CA - LA Jazz Festival
• September 7th Detroit, MI - Detroit Jazz Festival
• September 27th Monterey, CA - Monterey Jazz Festival