Pianist Joey Alexander Releases New Rendition of “My Funny Valentine” ft. Lisa Fischer | LISTEN!
Joey Alexander Releases Rendition of
“My Funny Valentine” featuring Lisa Fischer
New Album Celestial Keeper
out July 17, 2026 via Mack Avenue Records
June 12, 2026: Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated pianist and composer Joey Alexander released his powerful new rendition of “My Funny Valentine,” featuring acclaimed vocalist Lisa Fischer. The track appears on Joey’s forthcoming album, Celestial Keeper, due out July 17 via Mack Avenue Records. Marking a milestone in Joey’s recorded catalog, “My Funny Valentine” is the first collaboration with a featured vocalist to appear on one of his albums – the crystalline arrangement is an ideal setting for Lisa Fischer’s soulful, rapturous vocal.
At just 22 years old, Joey Alexander has already spent more than a decade establishing himself as one of jazz’s most celebrated young voices – beginning his professional career in 2013 when Wynton Marsalis invited him to perform at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala, Alexander performed with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the Obama White House.
On Celestial Keeper, Alexander’s third album for Mack Avenue Records, the pianist and composer reflects on creativity, faith, gratitude, and personal transformation. Inspired by what Alexander describes as his “Celestial Keeper” – a spiritual force akin to a muse or guardian angel – the album explores the challenge of overcoming doubt and artist’s block. “There’s a spiritual force that reminds me of the gift of music that God has bestowed upon me,” Alexander explains. “That voice prompts me to keep the lamp burning or the music playing.”
Celestial Keeper arrives during a pivotal chapter in Alexander’s life following his family’s recent move back to his native Bali after years spent in New York and Baltimore. Reimmersing himself in Indonesia’s nature and rhythm of life profoundly shaped the album’s aura of beauty and wonder. “I live by the mountains, which are a constant reminder of the beauty of nature and the gift of life,” he says.
The album debuts his latest trio, with bassist Kris Funn – returning from 2023’s much-lauded Continuance – and drummer Jonathan Barber, recording with Alexander for the first time after two years of touring. The trio is joined on three tracks by the brilliant Philadelphia-born saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. Alexander also adds vocals to the mix for the first time on Celestial Keeper – in addition to Lisa Fischer’s vocals on “My Funny Valentine,” Alexander collaborates with rising star Alita Moses on the new original tune “Whispers of Love.” In a full circle moment, Celestial Keeper was produced by Jason Olaine, whose longstanding creative partnership with Alexander began on his debut album My Favorite Things, and continued through Warna, Joey.Monk.Live!, Eclipse, Countdown, and A Joey Alexander Christmas.
Photo Credit: Evelyn Freja
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