Origin

Artist: Joey Alexander

Title: Origin 

Release Date: May 20, 2022   (LP released June 24, 2022)

Format(s): 

• CD: 6-panel digipak

• LP: 2-LP regular weight sea glass colored vinyl; gatefold jacket

• Digital: High-res 96/24

Genre(s): Jazz / Trad Jazz / Piano Jazz

Project Description: On Origin, celebrated pianist and bandleader Joey Alexander has written the next chapter of his career: composer. His longstanding trio featuring Larry Grenadier and Kendrick Scott is the backbone of his creative freedom, with Chris Potter (a previous collaborator) and Gilad Hekselman joining the fray to bring to life the spectacular vision of Alexander’s first full length release of all original music and debut with Mack Avenue Records.

“…it’s a true coming of age for Joey. It’s such a mature sound…” — NPR Music

“…what we’re hearing right now, ‘Remembering,’ there’s just such a sense of pensiveness about it that feels really different from the past albums that he’s put out. I feel like he’s really putting himself more and more into his sound.” — NPR Music

“I can’t believe this is his first record of all original material, because it is so beautifully conceived and so completely realized. As you say, if he wants the record to lift people, it really does take you to a wonderful place.” — NPR Music

"Alexander demonstrates a growing emotional maturity that has added depth to his playing and thoughtfulness to his compositions" — All About Jazz

"...Origin, where our virtuoso...reveals another facet of his art with writing the ten compositions of this ambitious and fully successful disc, a surprisingly serene although adventurous, ultimate testimony of a formidable maturity." (translated from the French) — Rolling Stone (France)

 
"The best news: Alexander’s only just begun." — The Times (UK)

"An excellent set of modern post-bop jazz, Origin is a strong step forward for the still-young pianist." — Jazziz

“We are getting 'Joey Alexander: composer' showcased. Of course, 'Joey Alexander: musician' is still at the front and center as well, but his interpretive skills are replaced by his ability to take something he created and present it in the best light possible” — Something Else! 

"With the recent death of Chick Corea in mind, Origin suggests that Corea’s flame hadn’t been extinguished but rather, his lit torch was passed.” — Something Else!

“he’s attained a level of nuanced complexity even as he’s maintained the essentially accessible nature of his own distinct brand of modern jazz.” — Glide Magazine

"The impressive takeaways here are his gorgeous harmonics, his willingness to be explorative and to intently listen to his bandmates rather than being overly demonstrative. He’s already attained a level of maturity well beyond his years.” — Making A Scene

“...on Origin he showcases his writing skills to their fullest, writing and arranging every song. And it's not just his writing that has grown -- Alexander has matured into a balanced musical guide, commanding attention when necessary, but softly receding elsewhere to let his bandmates shine.” — All Music 

"No doubt with a countless amount of ‘firsts’ still on the horizon for Joey Alexander, this phenomenally talented artist solidifies this new phase of his career with a genuinely beautiful record indicative of the successes he has achieved to date." — UK Vibe

"Origin is a landmark album in the still-young and remarkable career of Joey Alexander." — Jazziz Travel