Joey Alexander plays Giant Steps

11-year old piano prodigy Joey Alexander visited the University of District of Columbia and graced everybody present with an intense version of Giant Steps by John Coltrane.
9/23/2014
**UPDATE -- At the age of 12, Joey has released his first album as a leader on Motema Records called "My Favorite Things", which was nominated for 2 GRAMMY's (Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Improvised Solo). Joey is the 6th youngest person to ever receive a Grammy nomination.
"My Favorite Things" can be purchased here: www.amazon.com/My-Favorite-Thi...

[@mrbrianc]

He is an encyclopedia of old jazz pianist styles, and he moves between them so smoothly its just astounding. You hear some Oscar, Chick Corea, McCoy, all while playing one of the hardest pieces of jazz music conceived. And he was 11 at the time.

[@user-fg4fr2bz5y]

Iam 79 years old and love jazz since I bought Giant Steps when I was 15 years old. My first jazz record. Joey’s version blew me away!!😮at that age!

[@upjumpedspring]

I agree. Totally appropriate reaction to Joey. The respect is shown by not reacting any differently than he would to an adult who can swing that hard. The kid makes me cry he's so beautiful. I couldn't believe it when Joey says, "Jazz is not technique. It's from the heart (pause). It's from the groove." Oh, my god, what wisdom. Please keep this kid safe!

[@KhoeblalSonny]

Some great pianist from the past, came back in this boy !

[@Lemwell7]

I think the original commenter was just making a joke. In the case that it wasn´t a joke than that´s just a poor understanding of how most people view reincarnation.

[@dandyman5720]

Tommy Flanagan wanted a retake!

[@heardlessmusic]

@@dandyman5720 lmao

[@noroardanto]

That ol' grand piano has been waitin' to be played like that all his life :D

[@rachidvanheyningen]

Bro caught feelings

[@ernietollar407]

Incredible. and beautiful too. completely musical. Usually these prodigies kind of whip through their shtick mechanically, but Joey Alexander is special even among prodigies. Creative and intelligent spontaneous it sounds like. May the jealous haters be warded off by a loving community of supportive adults. I hope that I can hear him perform live, but most of all wish him a happy childhood.

[@EffemeyJon]

Some very good points. He does not need to be "hot housed" like Micheal Jackson. He seems to have it all already. Given I am 61 I could well be in a box when he finally develops. Will he take a Wynton Marsalis path and be a consolidator with feet firmly in both Jazz and Classical music or an innovator like Miles Davies or John Coltrane. I pick up hints of Bill Evans in his style too. Some prodigies blast through like comets then vanish, but as you say there is something very special about Joey. He is from Indonesia so this may influence his playing with their very developed traditions now and in the future.I see Wynton Marsalis has noticed him too. Yes he will play a lot then may be go to the Julliard. It is also good that some one from the East has broken through like this. I live in the Philippines now, so i will keep a close eye on his progress and hopefully sort out a visit over there to seem him play. Hearing Giant steps played by Joey was like listening to Mozart play it.

[@ernietollar407]

nice thoughts

[@cachilojaime5840]

Ernie Tollar '

[@Coveskipper]

I think Julliard would be a waste of time for him. Another commenter on another video said it best, he should teach at Julliard. And it's always interesting to consider what Mozart or Bach would do if they were alive to today in the era of jazz. I'm thinking Bach was burnin' up the harpsichord with all kinds of changes he wouldn't let them hear in church.

[@paxwallacejazz]

Exactly

[@CruceEntertainment]

2021 here. Still some of the hottest playing I’ve heard.

[@CliffHuxtableSweater]

I’m starting a support group for all adult pianists who watched this and decided “maybe piano ain’t my thang…” We’ll have weekly zooms on Monday nights.

[@reniadiwijaya8211]

Lol lol lol... I already sold my piano... no hope 🤣🤣🤣

[@mrcneale]

I just turned mine in to firewood and am using it to heat my house after watching this again

[@dancollinsandapiano]

He can't be 11 years old... this is unbelievable.

[@subscribetobanbasstabs2599]

Dan Collins and a Piano my same a reaction

[@veryveryloud]

Hello👋🏻

[@johnbender6760]

Outside John Coltrane's version this young man plays it right. On his way to becoming a Jazz Giant. I have hears many jazz musicians who couldn't play this tune right. Howie Smith form Cleveland does it too. This kid blew me away on that piano. God Bless him.

[@EffemeyJon]

This sequence is a problem still for some of the best pro players but this kid just eats through the changes...yes a real Jazz Mozart...interesting to see how he develops!

[@ploopybear]

The way he ends the piece with a single low note brought me more joy than any of his amazing displays of talent. It brought me back to when I was 11 and I ended all my songs the exact same way.

[@gleff3345]

Just went to the concert of Joey in Bimhuis Amsterdam. A dream come true.

[@ahmadmusnansyah5662]

The guys' reactions is also making this performance great.. thanks

[@eugenebraig413]

I remember to visit this once in a great while and am still blown away. Wow.

[@RKarasikMusic]

I'm 70 years old and find Joey Alexander to be very inspirational in my quest to improve my own playing. Go Joey! You're awesome!

[@pass2srf]

You gotta love the guys in the background laughing because he is so amazing. I never tire of listening to him play this. So good!!

[@jasonkearse9887]

Sweet. He should of got up and said "anyone else want to try?"

[@DanielKodiak]

I seriously think this is my favorite solo of giant steps!

[@archiemilan]

Still haven't picked my jaw up from the ground.

[@IRACEMABABU]

:o))

[@ottobismar8497]

Is it still there, ur jaw 😳

[@ralphmarktanner4586]

I watched this so often in the past - it always gives me the biggest smiles!

[@lopezb]

I just love the reaction of the guys in the back- it's just the way I feel when I hear this- just so happy, so happy, so amazed and so inspired- for everything- to live life, to help people, to save our blue green earth spinning in space, to make music, to be pure like a mountain stream like this music.

[@praditobiz6616]

ask Joey to make a signature on the piano. if you did that, the piano will become a fortune after 70 years... trust me...

[@Chyl9zn]

I cannot upvote this video enough. This kid’s got chops for eons 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@newvultraz]

Guys? Guys. I think Joey Alexander is an alien, come down from space to teach us how to do music properly. It's the only possible explanation. Goddamn!

[@jeffreyruggles2780]

+newvultraz SUN RA!

[@reniadiwijaya8211]

🤣🤣🤣

[@CruceEntertainment]

Just right from the first chords, that intro, you know it’s going to be amazing.

[@irwanandaltria]

stop it joey u gonna kill me. i cnt handle the awesomeness.

[@michaelarndt3823]

This is better than the newer versions!

[@gmichelle1000]

That intro and soloing and how he take the parts to stratosphere amazing!

[@phoenixhartmann7121]

i have never before enjoyed a giant steps arrangement this much. such a good groove

[@Mynameisnumber5]

That guys reaction in the corner is amazing.

[@libenasukro]

Arthur Garwood Delahooke I think his reaction is borderline disrepectful and condescending. The performer deserves the same respect as any other musician.

[@MJKauz]

Stay FarFarAway You must never be around jazz musicians. You react to things that tug at you and impress you and make you think. It's nothing to do with his age or disrespect. In fact it's the most utmost respect.

[@praditobiz6616]

Arthur Garwood Delahooke He was surprising him self from the hart and mind...

[@cematuchanel6482]

Arthur Garwood Delahooke orgasm

[@ElijahJamalBalbed]

+Jake Rittlinger The guys standing there are the people who brought him to the school from the Indonesian Embassy. And nobody knew it was being recorded it, I last minute hit record because I could feel Joey was getting ready to play some heavy shit!

[@NoName-tq7qc]

This is sick! Damn, I hear stride and swing throughout. Most prodigies have some style, but he's got the most I've ever heard. He's grooving!

[@keyofbrink810]

Incredible talent!! Never get tired of hearing him play this! Inspired!!

[@lw216316]

I am always amazed at young talent like this. He heard it when he was very young and could play it. I once coached some kids in sports. Some of them could watch a video and then just do it. It was like a direct connection in their brain to the video. It was like they did not have to study it....just see it and do it. This kid just hears it and does it. How could a child just listen to a jazz record and then just play it? If you have no teaching on scales or chords or meter how can you just do it? I don't believe in reincarnation of the human spirit so that is ruled out. I read that his parents are Christians and I read an interview where Joey said he prays before he plays and then it just flows. I've heard Joey say that he is thankful and that he likes gospel music. He seems humble and very mature for his age, not just in music - unlike other prodigies I've seen. I hope he will always honor God with his talent.

[@lw216316]

The world famous guitarist Chet Atkins did not like to play classical music either. It was too restrictive for him. He liked to improvise and play the song a little different each time. Creative geniuses do not like to be confined. You become one with your instrument and it becomes an extension of yourself. You are able to automatically play what you hear in your imagination. Beethoven wrote music after he lost his hearing. He still heard it in his mind. God has given us imagination and it can be a wonderful thing when used for good.

[@rizalgunawan5909]

+lw216316 Joey was self-taught, his dad once brought a piano teacher to his home, but classical musics was too restrictive for Joey and he didn't like it. What you are saying is absolutely true, creative geniuses do not like to be confined. No truer words were ever spoken. Look up Euler, the greatest mathematician of all time. He made a lot of discovery in mathematics ever since he was blind. His publication and inventions pouring forth to the world only after he was dead.

[@lw216316]

If I take a bird apart to see how it can fly will it fly again ? That is a famous quote that gets to me. Sometimes knowing the details can spoil the magic for some of us. I studied calculus for 2 years, never used any of it in a practical way. I never needed to design a dam or calculate an orbit.

[@wsohst]

Simply unbelieable... this young boy is already at the real top.

[@gabebabe1]

It’s so remarkable I don’t quite know how to describe it, except we are lucky to have Joey - he makes the world better.

[@maadakeili]

Blown away. Incredible.

[@jazztete1]

absolutely speechless---AMAZING!!!!!!

[@thebmusproject]

Wow! So many moments!

[@composish]

Anyone who thinks Joey lacks an emotional connection and needs to come up with an armchair diagnosis for him instead of just accepting him as a master... well, eat one.

[@streight4lk]

he has what it takes to become truly badass and a legend

[@gil-evens]

Tommy Flanagan just reincarnated himself in Joey's body just to take a revenge on all jazz pianist who are trolling

[@tplayford2006]

Has an ability to walk the groove, explore and then slam it right back on track with thunderous precision.

[@THELONIOUSMONstertrucK]

WHA?? John Coltrane is clutching his heart in amazement. I love the extra syncopation and the extended right hand playing. The melodic harmony is superb. The warm-up is sneaky, and the coda is TIGHT. Very well done!

[@18000rpm]

This video is amazing in so many ways.

[@deaveonjohnson9898]

Yaaay im glad music is coming nautrally threw the new generation 😊😊 return of music is coming

[@nelsongrimaldi3344]

everybody say wooooowwwww=)).....JOEY hope life will treat you well,and you will be wise n keep growing........wish to see your name among those Jazz giant one day,GBU

[@kongsaksithisakulrat2007]

He's true genius youngest jazz pianist. Born to be the next legend..

[@motoputz3201]

Dude man, thank you for that!!! So inspiring

[@Williamduran579]

Qué bárbaro este niño demasiado talento me deja con la boca cerrada que bárbaro!!!

[@songaday1559]

Holy crap...that was beautiful!! Go Joey!!

[@crmel5232]

Too beautiful

[@ejheng2979]

We are all like the guy behind with nervous laughter in the presence of genius. Guess these guys are jazz musicians themselves but Joey brings about the Nth derivative of amazement.

[@phly23]

I hate him!!!! I love him!!! Ooooohhhhhh!!! I've tried for 30 years what he does in a couple measures

[@ploopybear]

I love that wheeze of anticipation at 2:45 These guys knew the epicness that would ensue I almost thought that I made that noise

[@roymusiclessons7587]

Breathtaking !

[@frankysadikin]

I have to learn this , thanks for the video

[@Logan-Wolverine]

Mostruoso!!!Non oso pensare a come suonerà tra 15 anni .. grande Joeyyyyyyyy

[@mlcampbell64]

A true talent...

[@s_hutomo]

soothing....goose bumps ,.wow,..!!.

[@malesmandi]

Damn.. this kid literally has UNLIMITED vocabulary. I'm beyond impressed.

[@LucBoeren]

Man this kid is incredible. Truly incredible

[@jovonkeys5738]

U got it keep playing man👍👍👍👍👍

[@PAULOSANTANAVIOLEIRO]

SENSATIONAL, BEAUTIFUL!

[@wahdiatsyahrul7987]

the man from another planet..really

[@JordanoCerqueira]

Esse 'muleke' de 12 anos é um gênio musical... Com 12 anos ele improvisa no piano como ninguém. Indicado ao GRAMMY's.

[@hotmojo1]

Galloping. Love supreme.

[@rezaarifin2345]

amazing joey...!

[@rogerioalbarelli5608]

Impressionante!

[@Thouveninpascal]

Every jazz musician can hear he is "in", but who can understand he does? A genius, obviously.

[@John007Jackson]

that kid is awesome. I love the response of the guy in the corner. Google the video of this kid playing at google's work place, those stiffs at google don't get it. Down below some guy commented that the bald guys reaction was not appropriate, look at the video that I mentioned up top, that response is not appropriate.

[@mandem010]

some people are just weird bruh

[@Coveskipper]

I’ve not bothered to watch that one just for that reason. It’s a corporate gig that benefits Google and has nothing to do with jazz. I don’t think I could stand it to watch this kind of thing played for people as a brief entertainment.

[@zombiemachinery4868]

What ware you expecting from Google's working men? They are dead inside.

[@russju7344]

O .O. This is insane , can’t believe what I’ve just listened .....

[@naomieleonora]

Talents were born not made. They become legends.

[@PawelLeszczynskipav]

I swear your not allowed to play the stuff he does at 2:16 unless you're a heavyweight :-P

[@gingerking9351]

+Pav L. Was that some polyrythm? What is it called exactly?

[@PawelLeszczynskipav]

Yep, a trick I guess. It's a pattern! I might work it out myself when I have time ☺

[@theninja9383]

@@gingerking9351 it's called "grouping", there's a group of 5 8th notes

[@mrbrianc]

His walking bass line at the 1:29 ish mark is equally astounding

[@Atezian]

i basically fell off my chair when i heard that. much like the guy next to the piano

[@simonmastrogiuseppe5318]

FRIGGIN' NUTS. Must've been crazy to see this live.

[@jean-christophehusson5552]

interprétation merveilleuse! Quelle facilité d'improvisation!! Joey Alexander est vraiment un Géant!! Mais, pour en savoir plus, que lui demande le musicien (au début)? merci!!

[@JohnMartinJrJazz]

Mercy.

[@vesakilpi5527]

Joey makes me laugh and cry simultaneously

[@mcmac9565]

so groovy..young master is giving a masterclass hehe

[@SteveSuriadjaja]

Pass the audition ?!?! He should be a lecturer there !!!!

[@LuigiRussoJazz]

hard to believe.... he plays so naturally where many masters fall

[@jerometaylor4243]

I love the expression on that guy's face watching this little genius rip up this time honored standard!! AMAZING!!

[@thriftdig]

I would have broke down and cried had I been sitting next to that display

[@djcalcio14]

Yeah... even I could play that... KIDDING! This musician is something truly and I mean TRULY special.

[@princessharris313]

I just heard him on the Today show this morning and I have chills all over my body. He reminds me of Michel Petrucciani. He is sooooooo goooooood DAMN!!!! he is good

[@jeremydaranua8477]

Amazing

[@marconiramalho3094]

Os caras estão ali apaixonados. Eu ficaria pior. Como não ficar...

[@isaacc9908]

Brilliant

[@TyKizer]

That was AmAZING. By the way I'm borrowing that move at around 2:17.

[@ricardotwin]

SENSACIONAL

[@billbernardi7819]

Wow!

[@AnthonyMuthurajah]

This video still gets me every time I come across it. fml

[@michaelkagan5451]

I see you Anthony

[@aaronrivers64]

Genius!

[@calvinjohnson2179]

SUPERB 😊

[@clarencemendonca579]

Only 11 and doing things, well beyond His 'Ears', pun intended. This gem could well be a statutory Ear Test. Joey's improvisation, a reflection of charity of thought and amazing imagination He is God's very special gift to us.

[@ploopybear]

Those commenting that the white guy is showing disrespect, no. That is the face of a man loving jazz.

[@manguera9]

famous jazz saxo player said "when you improvise ,everything is fast ,you have no time to think about the chord ,scale ,mode,chord substitution , just play what you feel" he meant that the player already studied and practiced the song before the gig, but for giant steps maybe needs many days ,weeks months of practice in the 12 keys..

[@SaccoBelmonte]

How does he plays things that take 20 years to learn, is beyond me.

[@yongkizblack8322]

beautifull

[@BREN248]

Wow!!!!!