If you haven’t heard of him yet, Joey Alexander is a name you will be hearing more and more of in the world of music.

Joey was born Bali in 2003, and started on the piano at the ripe age of 6 (that’s only 2009!). Joey began listening to his father’s jazz collection, and the playing melodies by ear right away. His father noted his interest and talent and started taking him to jam sessions in Bali and Jakarta showing him even more music. Being constantly surrounded by high caliber live music from a very early age made a massive impact.

The first records he was able to get his hands on were Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans and John Coltrane. With no formal teaching, Joey developed impeccable technique, from watching, listening and talking to other jazz musicians. He quickly became quite well known in the indonesian jazz scene.

When most professional musicians have a chance of doing this in their lifetime,  at the young age of 8 Joey was performing in front of Herbie Hancock during one of his tours to Indonesia. At age 10 Joey won an international improvisation contest in Ukraine beating out over 200 professionals from 17 different countries!

The next year, Joey moved to New York city to play venues like the Lincoln Center, The Apollo, and Hotham Hall. He has sat down to collaborate and record with the likes of Larry Grenadier and 2-time Grammy-winning drummer Ulysses Owens. This past May, Joey released his first album ‘My Favorite Things’ with Motema Music. This young man has accomplished more than most professional players 4 times his age. Keep an eye out for this name!