By Brent Thompson

On Thursday, September 28, Jazz pianist Joey Alexander took the stage at the Alys Stephens Center. Backed by bassist Scott Colley and drummer Willie Jones, III, the 14-year-old prodigy displayed the talent that has made the Jazz world take note (Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis are both enthusiastic Alexander supporters). The concert took place on the eve of Alexander’s live release, Joey.Monk.Live!, a tribute album to the music of Thelonious Monk. Birmingham Stages was at the Stephens Center to capture this season’s last installment of “The Essentials” series.