Joe Alterman
PIANIST, STORYTELLER & CULTURAL CURATOR
“Joe Alterman is a breath of fresh air on the music scene. I love hearing him play! It’s happy music with tasty meat on the bones! Although much younger than I, he is an inspiration to me! His piano playing, his will to explore and his ability to swing is a joy to behold.”
— Ramsey Lewis
read Joe’s reflection on Ramsey’s friendship, music, and a life beautifully lived
JOE’S STORY
get to know Joe
“The 21st century has brought another transition for this thing called jazz; in one moment we see the push and pull between tradition and progression, and in another we see Pop and Hip-Hop musicians emulating and sampling. In Joe Alterman we find none of this struggle; the music just sounds good.”
radio show &
podcast
listen to Joe’s stories weekly
on The Upside of Jazz
Beyond the bandstand, Alterman is an accomplished writer, interviewer, and cultural historian.
Atlanta-based jazz pianist Joe Alterman expresses his deep appreciation of jazz and swing in his performances and compositions. Now he shares that love of jazz on his new show on WABE, celebrating the legendary performers of jazz and exploring what makes the music so timeless and endearing to listeners. Each week, Joe plays both influential and lesser-known jazz records and breaks down what makes them great. Experience what the love of jazz is about on The Upside of Jazz with Joe Alterman.
Listen Saturdays at 7-8 p.m. on WABE 90.1
or on Spotify & Apple Music
JOE ALTERMAN AND SONNY ROLLINS INTERVIEW FOR WABE 90.1
Read the transcript of their lively discussion in the WABE Archives
