JazzTimes is honored to premiere “SALT” by three-time Grammy-nominated pianist Joey Alexander. The track will be released tomorrow (March 19) as a single on Verve Records, one of three by Alexander scheduled for release this spring. “Under the Sun” is due out on April 23, and “Summer Rising” will follow on May 28.
“SALT” features Alexander on Fender Rhodes electric piano—for the first time on a recording—along with his latest rhythm section of Daniel Winshall (electric and upright bass) and Tyson D. Jackson (drums); this trio made its onstage debut last September at the 2020 Detroit Jazz Festival. Special guests Jaleel Shaw (alto saxophone) and Gilad Hekselman (electric guitar) also perform on the track.
Like the two other Alexander singles scheduled for release this spring, “SALT” was written last summer in Manhattan during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. The composer comments: “Salt is essential in our lives, just like blues is to jazz, and music in general. As we live in a worried world right now, we all need a bit of blues to make us feel good.”
Over the past seven years, Alexander—who has yet to turn 18 (that auspicious occasion will occur this summer)—has released five critically acclaimed studio albums, the most recent being last year’s Warna. He also appeared on prime-time TV at the 58th Grammy Awards; performed for the Obamas at the White House; sold out his debut at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall; sold out the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center; and was profiled by 60 Minutes.
For more information on Joey Alexander, visit joeyalexandermusic.net.
