Joey Alexander’s first appearance at the Mondavi Center introduced local audiences to an artist wise beyond his years, yet still fully enmeshed in the wonder of creative discovery. Born in 2003 in Bali, Alexander moved to New York City in 2014, where he has experienced one of the most ascendant careers ever seen in jazz.

Jason Olaine, a Grammy winning producer who serves as director of programming for Jazz at Lincoln Center and has produced all four of Alexander’s albums, says he continues to be impressed by the pianist’s fantastic gift. “Joey is such a huge talent coming out of a young player, however he wants to create and have fun by playing. It’s not about the accolades or the applause.”