Growing into his own style
If I could give Joey Alexander’s most recent album my own personal title, I would choose “Maturity”. Of course, I don’t have that privilege. It’s actually called “Warna”, and has nothing to do with “Warna Brothers” — the first thing that came into my head when I heard the title. Google Translate says it means colour and who am I to contradict? And now that I know the meaning, yes, I can see the hues and tints in this music.
Joey has proved his greatness on the piano in his earlier work but this latest outing shows how he is maturing into an even greater talent. The harmonies are stronger and somehow from an “older head”. There is also rather less of the playfulness that appears on some of his earlier music but then again, we all have to grow up. And what we lose in the passing of youth is more than made up for in augmented understanding. His fingers seem to be even more powerful now as he attacks the keys with great vigour on several of the tracks here. He was never lacking much in confidence before, but his confidence now is at a stratospheric level.
This album does not represent a complete change in style but he is evolving into an even stronger musician by incorporating some new ideas. In the title track, he allows the percussionist (Luisito Quintero) to shine, especially toward the end of the track, which builds to a crescendo and a typical Joey ending note. The second track, “Mosaic (of Beauty)”, reminds me melodically of George Benson’s “Affirmation”. Whether it’s close enough for copyright lawyers to start chewing their fingernails in apprehension is another matter. Whatever; it’s a nice enough track with a light spirit and just enough complexity to keep it interesting. “Lonely Streets” has a beautifully lyrical melody and is sensitively played with the perfect level of emotion. “Downtime” will get your foot tapping (and your head nodding), with its solid beat.
Now, not to confuse you, but there is actually a track named “Affirmation I” up next; however, it’s nothing like the aforementioned “Affirmation”. It’s a piano solo that demonstrates Joey’s ability to keep time and subtly shift the tempo when necessary; I just know that I’m still going to be enjoying this in a few years’ time after hundreds of plays. “Inner Urge” is, by contrast, a highly complex track featuring the rest of the highly capable band. The playing seems to have echoes of many of the jazz greats of the past hovering around each of the musicians. It’s a wonderful track that will really engross you.
Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t remember Joey’s previous music making much use of the flute. The magic flute in question on “We Here” belongs to Ann Drummond, who creates an incredible sense of space around her superb playing. Her breath tones make me breathless. What an incredibly tuneful tune. What finesse! “Tis Our Prayer” sounds to me like a boy praying before sleep; maybe I’m just being fanciful but Joey has often talked about his religious belief and it’s a cute image in my mind at least so I’m keeping it.
Sting’s well-known track “Fragile” appears on this album. It was already a warm song but Joey seems to envelop it in a velvet pouch and make it something to snuggle inside. Toward the end, there is what I think a brief homage to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and now that Joey is firmly in his mid-teens, that has to be appropriate.
“Our Story” feels like more familiar territory for those who know Joey’s earlier albums and features his inventive and musical playing style with a kind of uplifting lilt. The penultimate track is “Affirmation III” (what happened to Affirmation II?) and this has some call & response phrasing yet in Joey’s own style. And I think that we can now recognize that he does have his own style, which is one of the most difficult battles of being an instrumentalist, with all the thousands of pianists that have come before.
The album finishes with “The Light”, which again features flute, providing a beautiful contrast against the piano. Some songs with particular harmonies, melodies or chord progressions usually bring a tear to my eye that runs silently down my cheek; this track has already got me misty eyed. When it’s finished, you’re sure to want to go back and play the album again. Thank you Joey and your talented band.
