The art of musical improvisation is most commonly a conversation between artists. During a series of concerts at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, pianist Joey Alexander and trumpeter Theo Croker made the most of their meeting on stage and also did some collaborating in the KNKX studios.
Both have three Grammy nominations for their recordings as bandleaders. Croker augmented Alexander’s trio on half of the pianist’s 2023 album Continuance, but this live engagement in Seattle was a special occasion.
The mix of these two bandleaders’ styles, Alexander in mostly acoustic settings and Croker in more modern electronic music, finds a common connection in the groove. From that rhythmic bond, expertly provided by bassist Kris Funn and drummer Jonathan Barber, the band creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
Alexander explained that collaboration is a learning opportunity, bringing something new to his own artistic perspective. He described Croker as bringing positive energy.
“Assuring but also challenging at the same time. It’s fun!”
Croker agreed, saying that from “history, politics, etcetera… somebody else’s perspective can teach you more than your own."
"To play with someone twenty years younger than me,” Croker laughed, “I can explore how his mind works musically. I’m still exploring it.”
Also exploring Alexander’s artistic perspective was bassist Funn, who spent a few minutes before the session performance next to the pianist on his bench playing a few chords and talking about how they think about improvisation.
“We play these songs so much, we get a little bored and we start (musically) ‘jumping off of bridges." Funn explained. "So, I was trying to figure out when he jumps, what perspective he’s jumping with, and now I have some new avenues to go down.”
Along with the sensitively propulsive drumming of Barber, these four artists further developed the musical communication that in-the-moment collaboration brings. More than that, the fun Croker has performing with Alexander’s trio was contagious and immediately felt by the studio audience.
Listen for yourself to a pair of Alexander’s bright, challenging compositions and an innovative performance of the standard “My Funny Valentine.” This fun is to be shared by all.
Musicians:
- Joey Alexander - piano
- Theo Croker - trumpet
- Kris Funn - bass
- Jonathan Barber - drums
Songs:
- Blue (Joey Alexander)
- My Funny Valentine (Rodgers/Hart)
- Why Don't We (Joey Alexander)
