Countdown

Joey Alexander's jaw-dropping ability and beyond-his-years artistry brought him to some of the grandest stages, from performing at the Grammys and the White House, to appearing on the Today Show and 60 Minutes. Just over a year from his debut, the same maturity and dedication to his craft that made him a phenomenon is evident in his remarkable evolution on his sophomore release, COUNTDOWN.

Produced by Jason Olaine - the Director of Programming and Touring for Jazz at Lincoln Center, who was also at the helm for this young prodigy's first album My Favorite Things - Countdown builds upon the balance of grace and groove, deep soulfulness, rich melodicism and freewheeling improvisational style that made Joey's first project a critical and popular success.

Essentially a trio project, Countdown reunites Joey with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr., the rhythm section from My Favorite Things, and includes three tracks featuring bassist Dan Chmielinksi, saxophonist Chris Potter is also featured on Countdown, joining the trio for an extended exploration of Hancock's "Maiden Voyage."

Joey's arrangements of well-known pieces by jazz greats make for great invitations into the experience of Countdown. Yet it's his three originals, "City Lights," "Sunday Waltz" and "Soul Dreamer," that are the true emotional heart and soul of the project - re-affirming his remarkable dedication to his craft and showcasing his potential as a contemporary jazz composer.