Joey Alexander

Born in Bali, Indonesia, Joey Alexander first touched a piano at age six and immediately picked out Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't" by ear from his father's record collection. This self-taught prodigy, who learned jazz through listening rather than formal training, has since become one of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz.

Now in his twenties, Alexander brings a mature, contemplative approach to his music that balances technical mastery with emotional depth. His playing style draws from classic influences like Duke Ellington, Bill Evans, and John Coltrane, but filtered through what one reviewer described as "real modesty, restraint, and maturity." His sound has been compared to "hearing Bill Evans playing the soundtracks of Studio Ghibli" — lush voicings and ornamentations without dissonance, favoring open intervals and harmonies.

Live, Alexander "performs with intense command and makes complicated jazz arrangements seem effortless," according to concert reviews. He takes his time building intensity, developing each melodic fragment before moving to the next idea. Audiences witness both his technical prowess and his generous spirit as he "extends his compliments frequently towards his bandmates" and creates an atmosphere where "you could feel the joy in their playing."

Since his 2015 debut My Favorite Things, Alexander has released seven albums across Motéma, Verve, and Mack Avenue Records, earning three Grammy nominations and reaching #1 on Billboard Jazz Charts. His performances have graced the White House, Carnegie Hall, the Grammy Awards, and major jazz festivals worldwide. He's been profiled on 60 Minutes and featured in The New York Times, cementing his reputation as "a leading figure in modern jazz."

At Yoshi's Oakland, expect an intimate evening showcasing Alexander's original compositions alongside jazz standards, delivered with what one fan described as "intelligence and intensity, style and sincere integrity." The venue's 325-person capacity ensures every seat offers a close view of this remarkable artist's nuanced approach to the piano.