Biography
Alex Koo defies categorization according to the renowned German Jazzthetik. Meanwhile, in his home country, he is hailed as the enfant terrible of Belgian jazz (RTBF). For the Belgian-Japanese piano talent, who began as a classical prodigy at the age of five and has since been praised by jazz icons such as Kurt Elling, Kenny Werner and Brad Mehldau, his core values are authenticity, curiosity and playfulness.
Acclaimed as ‘stunningly original’ by the prestigious Downbeat Jazz Magazine, his album Appleblueseagreen, featuring heavyweights Mark Turner and Ralph Alessi, was selected in Downbeat’s Best Albums of 2019. Nationally, superlatives are also brought forth: “Belgium is too small for pianist Alex Koo” (De Tijd).
His most recent solo album, “Etudes for Piano” (W.E.R.F. Records) was described as “an intriguing blend of classical and jazz, where the name Keith Jarrett often comes to mind. Not because Koo’s playing resembles that of the American master, but because it is of the same rare high level” (Trouw). The originality of his music is also evident in his piano playing: “Alex’ fabulous technique, sounding downright genius at times, is the basis for this dizzying tour de force of an album. He is also a superbly original composer.” (London Jazz News).
In his Alex Koo Trio, he is joined by drum icon Dré Pallemaerts (Toots Thielemans, Melanie de Biasio, Stéphane Belmondo, Bert Joris) and bass virtuoso Lennart Heyndels (Jef Neve, Ben Sluijs, Kaja Draksler). This Belgian trio guarantees adventurous compositions, hypnotic improvisations, and dynamic interplay.
Alex has an impressive list of prestigious awards to his name, including a first prize at the Prinses Christina Concours (NL), a B-Jazz Award for Best Composition (BE), a Fulbright Award (US/BE), a BAEF Award (US/BE), and a Prins Bernhard Cultuurfondsprijs (NL). Additionally, he was already winning awards at the age of ten at the Cantabile Concours for classical piano, where he also received two additional distinctions: the “Emmanuel Durlet” Prize for the best interpretation of the compulsory piece and the “Chris Van Hoof” Prize for the youngest laureate.
Alex studied at the conservatories of Kortrijk, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and New York (Steinhardt School of Culture), where he also taught as an adjunct professor of jazz piano and harmony. Currently, Alex is professor of jazz piano at the LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, Belgium (Lemmens Conservatory).
Koo is the type of piano player that appears to be painting with luscious pastel strokes. Melodies that, like a goldfinch, elegantly lift off and settle down again. – Trouw
Such bravura, such virtuosity… – De Standaard
Koo’s compositions and playing are absolutely world class. – Written in Music