Meet the 12-Year-Old Pianist Headlining the Newport Jazz Festival

One of the highlights of the Newport Jazz Festival this year will be the performance of Joey Alexander, an accomplished pianist who displays a mastery of technique and a deep, emotional connection with his music.

Listening to Alexander will remind jazz aficionados of the greats both alive and sadly departed: Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock.

It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what differentiates a good pianist from a great one; there’s something extra in the music, a subtle embellishment that brings more urgency, more expression.

Alexander, who has quickly cultivated a following of millions of fans, is considered one of -- if not the best new great jazz pianists to emerge in years.

What makes his music soar even more is the fact that he’s just 12-years-old.

The gift is one that was born organically. He taught himself how to play by listening to his dad’s albums.

His father recognized his gift and facing a lack of jazz education in his birthplace of Bali, he was encouraged to play with local musicians and jam.

It didn’t take long for his talent to be recognized by more people and UNESCO eventually invited him to play solo in honor of one of his idols, Herbie Hancock, as well as support his early career.

Today, he lives in New York City and is basking in the success of his debut album that dropped on May 14 of this year.

“A Thelonious Monk devotee, he can play the standards with astounding virtuosity and an advanced harmonic palette,” according to his biography posted on the Newport Jazz Festival website.

For a boy who is quickly becoming a superstar, many are excited that he’ll spark renewed interest in jazz. And performing in front of huge crowds and finding fame apparently hasn’t corrupted his polite nature.

“Jazz is a hard music,” he told the New York Times response to a question about heightened expectations, “and you have to really work hard and also have fun performing; that’s the most important thing.”

National Public Radio interviewed Alexander and delved into his life story and his calling, jazz.

Listen to the story:

Everything you need to know about the Newport Jazz Festival is HERE.

Photo courtesy: Joey Alexander via Facebook.