GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer Joey Alexander has announced his new album Celestial Keeper, arriving July 17 via Mack Avenue Records. Drawing inspiration from his lifelong admiration for Miles Davis and Bill Evans, Alexander introduces the project with “Stella By Starlight,” out this Friday—a striking reinterpretation of the standard that highlights his rare ability to reimagine timeless material. He celebrates the announcement with a five-night run at Birdland in New York City.
At just 22, Alexander has already built a remarkable career spanning more than a decade. He first gained international attention in 2013 when Wynton Marsalis invited him to perform at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala. Since then, he has shared the stage with icons like Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the Obama White House, and has been profiled by major outlets including 60 Minutes and The New York Times.
Celestial Keeper, Alexander’s third release for Mack Avenue Records, finds the pianist exploring themes of creativity, faith, gratitude, and personal transformation. Inspired by what he calls his “Celestial Keeper”—a spiritual presence akin to a muse or guardian—Alexander reflects on overcoming doubt and artistic block. As he describes it, this force serves as a reminder of music as a divine gift, urging him to keep creating and stay connected to his purpose.
The album arrives during a significant transition in Alexander’s life, following his family’s return to his native Bali after years in New York and Baltimore. Immersed once again in Indonesia’s natural beauty and rhythms, he channels that environment into the album’s sense of wonder and introspection.
Celestial Keeper also introduces Alexander’s latest trio, featuring bassist Kris Funn and drummer Jonathan Barber, alongside guest appearances from Philadelphia-born saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. Expanding his artistic range, Alexander adds vocals for the first time, collaborating with rising singer Alita Moses on the original “Whispers of Love” and joining forces with Grammy-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer for a powerful take on “My Funny Valentine.” The album is produced by Jason Olaine, bringing Alexander full circle after Olaine helmed his debut, My Favorite Things.
The record’s tracklist includes “Bemused (solo improv I),” “Aversion,” “Whispers of Love,” “Stella by Starlight,” “Deep Calls to Deep,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Bemused Again (solo improv II),” “Aliceanna (Bmore),” “As Far as the Eye Can See,” and “How Great Thou Art.”
Alexander will support the release with a global tour, including stops in New York, Portsmouth, Oakland, Seattle, Phoenix, Indonesia, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Monterey.
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