# CD review: Joey Alexander – Continuance – 2023: Video, CD cover

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2023/11/03/cd-review-joey-alexander-continuance-2023-video-cd-cover/
- Published: 2023-11-03T00:04:05+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**When listening to Joey Alexander, it’s hard not to be amazed at the technical 
wizardry on display. Even more amazing, considering the pianist is just 20 years
old. Age is nothing but a number for Joey. Already a veteran of the studio and stage—
his latest album Continuance is a more-than-fitting title for Joey’s new album and
career.**

At just twenty years old, this extraordinary composer and pianist is preparing to
release his new album on the Mack Avenue label, bringing together his touring band,
consisting of Kris Funn on bass and John Davis on drums, to translate their unique
improvisation from the stage to the studio with the assistance of trumpeter Theo
Croker.

His seventh album Continuance is the story of a critically acclaimed artist at the
peak of his creativity, not only as a bandleader but as a celebrated composer. Alexander
has gathered his touring band, consisting of Kris Funn (bass) and John Davis (drums),
to translate their unique improvisation on the stage to the studio with the help
of trumpeter Theo Croker. Featuring five newly written original compositions and
breathtaking renditions of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (made famous by Bonnie Raitt)
and the popular hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Alexander is bound to make new waves
on a global level.

The former Raitt song is just one of the singles Joey dropped in promotion of his
new album. The track Blue really highlights the virtuosity and improvisational skills
of the band. Blurring the lines between fusion and straight ahead jazz, the band
allowed Joey to stretch out and have some fun on this tune. We can only expect Joey
to continue to develop his artistry as his career soars.

Trumpeter Theo Croker, whom everyone wants on their album and who is on the verge
of international recognition akin to Miles Davis, as seen recently on albums from
the German label ACT, which is a sign, and the blend of this artist with Joe Alexander’s
music adds a particular interest to this album, as the chemistry between Joe Alexander
and Theo Croker is evident. Beautifully crafted music, intense yet thoughtful, creativity
in American jazz and among some European artists is at its peak right now.

Joe Alexander’s compositions are intriguing, rooted in classical music at times,
displaying elements of world music, and skillfully merging them into a form of jazz
that is easily digestible for all, which is one of the interesting aspects of Joe
Alexander’s work – the ability to be heard and accepted by all despite the relatively
complex writing. It is certain that, despite already commanding the respect of a
wide audience, Joe Alexander will quickly ascend to the highest ranks of the small
world of jazz. Although his music is very serious, Joe Alexander draws from other
sources as well, presenting five newly written original compositions and breathtaking
renditions of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (made famous by Bonnie Raitt) and the popular
hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

I find the album a bit short in length, with only seven tracks, including five originals
and two on which Joe Alexander has provided sublime arrangements. The cohesion with
the members of his group is also fascinating, evident in the quality of their exchanges
and musical intentions, a well-oiled complicity that makes them an exceptional ensemble.

Such a high level of musicality at the age of twenty is quite rare, and it is not
his youth that guided the reviews of Bayou Blue Radio and Paris-Move to award this
album the “Indispensable” label, but rather the high quality of the compositions
and arrangements, a compliment we extend to all the musicians on this album.

1. Blue
 2. Why Don’t We 3. Hear Me Now 4. I Can’t Make You Love Me 5. Zealousy 
6. Great Is Thy Faithfulness 7. Aliceanna

**Joey Alexander – piano, Fender Rhodes, Mellotron**
 **Theo Croker – trumpet (tracks
1, 2, 3, 5)** **Kris Funn – upright bass** **John Davis – drums**

![Continuance | Joey Alexander](https://i0.wp.com/f4.bcbits.com/img/a0212837094_10.
jpg?w=640&ssl=1)

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