12-year-old Indonesian jazz maestro is nominated for 2 Grammys

08 Dec 2015

Indonesian jazz prodigy Joey Alexander has become one of the youngest musicians ever to be nominated for a Grammy award. And he’s not up for just one award either. He will be vying for two gongs – ‘Best Improvised Jazz Solo’ and ‘Best Jazz Instrumental Album’ – when awards night comes around in February.

The 12-year-old maestro has joined previous child Grammy nominees Michael Jackson and Zac Hanson, picking up the nominations before he even hits his teens.

On the back of his first album, ‘My Favorite Things’, Joey was already firmly on the international radar, being touted as one of the most promising jazz talents to emerge in quite some time.

After performing for jazz legend Herbie Hancock at an event in Jakarta at the age of eight (below), it was only a matter of time before international recognition beckoned.

It was an honor to be part of an important article on jazz. Thx @vanityfair + Mark Seliger! https://t.co/WXAcpU2gaa pic.twitter.com/YktLrKgxKE

— Joey Alexander (@_JoeyAlexander) December 2, 2015

Two years later, the Bali-born maestro was invited to perform in the Big Apple by Wynton Marsalis, the director of Jazz at New York’s Lincoln Center.

“There has never been anyone that you can think of who could play like that at his age. I loved everything about his playing — his rhythm, his confidence, his understanding of the music,” Marsalis was reported as saying.

Joey already has a admirable list of fans, including Herbie Hancock himself

Two Grammy nominations…WOW…such a blessing. I thank God for giving me this wonderful gift of jazz piano and swing. And thanks to my fans!

— Joey Alexander (@_JoeyAlexander) December 8, 2015

If Joey wins either of the awards at February’s awards he will become the youngest ever person to win a Grammy, by a long shot. LeeAnn Rimes is currently the youngest, after winning two Grammys when she was 14.

Joey’s album, ‘My Favorite Things’ was released in May this year. So far, it has received 4.9 out of 5 rating on Amazon, based on 130 reviews.

Saying goodbye to Mr. @wyntonmarsalis after @TownHallNYC! Hanging out with him for 5 days was truly educating. pic.twitter.com/SW1g4QBDDX

— Joey Alexander (@_JoeyAlexander) October 26, 2015

This article was first published on Asian Correspondent.

Image via AP Images.