Ready Able and Tested Joey Is Here

Joey Alexander’s performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert brought the young jazz phenom into sharp focus for seasoned listeners and casual fans alike. Accompanied by Reuben Rogers on bass and Kendrick Scott on drums, Alexander’s trio delivered a performance that was both intimate and electrifying, proving once again that age is no barrier to mastery in jazz.

Joey Alexander, now 15, has captivated audiences since his breakout at 11 years old. A native of Bali, Indonesia, his prodigious talent first drew attention when Wynton Marsalis invited him to perform at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Alexander’s playing embodies a rare combination of technical prowess, emotional depth, and a fearless approach to improvisation, which earned him three Grammy nominations and a place among contemporary jazz’s elite.

The Trio: Reuben Rogers and Kendrick Scott

For this Tiny Desk performance, Alexander was joined by bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Kendrick Scott, two seasoned musicians whose contributions elevated the session to new heights.

• Reuben Rogers, a masterful bassist from the Virgin Islands, brings decades of experience to the trio. Known for his melodic sensitivity and groove-driven style, Rogers has performed with jazz luminaries such as Joshua Redman, Dianne Reeves, and Charles Lloyd. His interplay with Alexander’s piano creates a dynamic yet grounded foundation, allowing the music to soar while remaining anchored.

• Kendrick Scott, one of the most in-demand drummers in jazz today, adds a nuanced rhythmic complexity to the trio’s sound. A Houston native and Berklee College of Music graduate, Scott’s resume includes work with Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, and Pat Metheny. His approach is cerebral and soulful, weaving intricate patterns complementing Alexander’s adventurous improvisations.

Together, this trio exemplifies the collaborative spirit of jazz, where individual brilliance merges into a cohesive, organic whole.

A Legacy in the Making

Joey Alexander’s ascent recalls the early careers of other jazz prodigies, such as Harry Connick Jr., who performed publicly with a jazz band by age 10. Like Connick, Alexander has a precociousness that belies his years, but he also possesses a maturity in his playing that suggests an artist wise beyond his age. His ability to reinterpret standards and compose original works with equal aplomb marks him as not just a talented young musician but a true innovator.

At the Tiny Desk, Alexander showcased his original compositions, including pieces from his album Warna (which means “color” in Indonesian). Tracks like “Downtime” and “Mosaic” highlight his penchant for intricate melodies and harmonic sophistication, underscored by Rogers’ and Scott’s expert accompaniment.

The Future of Jazz

While jazz often rewards experience and lived-in artistry, Joey Alexander reminds us that the genre also thrives on youthful curiosity and daring exploration. His performances are a testament to jazz’s boundless possibilities and enduring appeal to new generations. With mentors and collaborators like Rogers and Scott, Alexander is positioned to honor the tradition and push its boundaries.

As Joey Alexander continues to grow, both as a musician and person, it’s clear that his potential is limitless. He is no longer simply a child prodigy—he is an artist, ready, able, and tested. And as his NPR Tiny Desk performance so aptly demonstrated, Joey is here to stay.

Watch Joey Alexander at 11 years of age Ted Talk performance of a Thelonius Monk classic.