Origin – Joey Alexander

Origin marks a turning point in Joey Alexander’s career, consolidating his creative maturity both as a pianist and a composer. In this first release composed entirely of original work and issued under the Mack Avenue Records label, the Indonesian pianist articulates a repertoire originally conceived during global isolation, managing to inject a subtle current of hope into times of uncertainty.

The core rhythm section, formed by Larry Grenadier on upright bass and Kendrick Scott on drums, endows the pieces with an elastic pulse and relentless rhythmic dynamism. The compositions engage in a challenging dialogue with the concept of the seasons: the kinetic drive of "Dear Autumn" and the vibrant electric friction of "Summer Rising" — the latter featuring guitarist Gilad Hekselman as a counterpoint — dissolve the clichés of melancholy to embrace vitality.

Meanwhile, Chris Potter’s saxophone interventions contribute a warm, incisive melodic edge, expanding the quartet's texture across passages of undeniable freshness.

The balance between formal rigor and expressive freedom is sustained without unnecessary flourishes, culminating in small gestures of genuine compositional audacity, such as the inconclusive ending of "Hesitation," which ironically underscores the uncertain nature of the future.