There comes a point when every piano prodigy must show something more than chops. Many have come over the years, and many have gone. Joey Alexander, just old enough for Driver’s Training, is showing on this album that by touch and pen, he’s got the ability for the musical marathon.
He teams up with his regular trio of Reuben Rogers/b and Eric Harland/dr with a few cameos by Joshua Redman, and is impressive on all fronts.
On the performing/interpretation front, he does a gorgeous solo gospel read of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” as well as an elegant take of Bill Evans’ “Time Remembered.” In trio form, his composition “Bali” is rich with a wonderful cadence, and he uses space highly judiciously for one so young and full of energy. He chimes wonderfully on his own delicate title track and takes John Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice” and buoyantly bops, while showing his own faith on a stained glass window reflective take of “Draw Me Nearer.”
With Redman’s warm tenor, the trio is rich and relaxed on “The Very Thought Of You,” with the young lad and vet weaving well together, while the two slink in a hip groove on Alexander’s own “Faithful” and snap like snow peas on his “Fourteen.” This guy is built for the long haul; by far his best album yet.