JOE ALTERMAN is an Atlanta-born jazz pianist, composer, writer, and cultural curator who channels the timeless joy of swing with youthful energy and heartfelt enthusiasm.
Praised by legends like Ahmad Jamal as "a very special artist," Les McCann as "tiny but only in stature; as a man and musician, he is already a giant," and Ramsey Lewis as "an inspiration" whose playing is "a joy to behold," Alterman has carved out a singular space in the jazz world.
A graduate of New York University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Jazz Piano Performance, Alterman has performed at iconic venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Blue Note, sharing stages with jazz greats like Houston Person, Les McCann, and Ramsey Lewis. He also had the privilege of opening for Dick Gregory at the Kennedy Center, where the legendary comedian introduced him with a knowing smile and the line: “See? Integration works!”
Whether leading his trio or captivating audiences solo, Alterman’s music has been described by Downbeat Magazine as "hard-swinging" and by the late journalist Nat Hentoff as "making people smile and, if the room is right, dance." With a deep groove, bluesy touch, and an exuberance that's hard to resist, his playing is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern. His ability to keep the spirit of swing alive has earned admiration from jazz masters. As Monty Alexander put it, “Joe Alterman is doing his part to keep alive the art of the swinging trio. He is a wonderful pianist whose playing brings smiles and good feelings to his listeners.” Similarly, Benny Green calls Alterman “absolutely one of the most musically enjoyable, swingingest jazz pianists who can be heard playing today.”
With eight critically acclaimed albums to his name, including the 2023 release Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe, Alterman continues to evolve as a recording artist while honoring jazz’s deep traditions. His swinging style and infectious enthusiasm have made him a favorite among both jazz devotees and casual listeners. As George Benson once told him, “You play good and you sound good, and there’s a difference.” That difference—the ability to channel joy, soul, and deep connection through every note—is what sets Alterman apart.
As Dick Cavett aptly said, “Joe Alterman combines outstanding musical technique with infectious enthusiasm for his work. He fills a room with joy.”
Beyond the piano, Alterman’s creative reach extends into cultural leadership and writing. As the Executive Director of Neranenah, an Atlanta-based Concert & Culture series, he celebrates Jewish contributions to music and the arts. His writing has also garnered acclaim—he has penned liner notes for three Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra albums and was the subject of Nat Hentoff’s final piece on music, in which the legendary journalist described Alterman's essays as "some of the very best on the essence and spirit of jazz." In 2025, Alterman’s musicianship was further recognized when he was featured on President Jimmy Carter’s Grammy-winning album, Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration, marking another milestone in his ever-expanding artistic journey.
Whether performing on world-renowned stages, leading cultural initiatives, or writing about the music he loves, Joe Alterman bridges the past and present of jazz, delivering music that, as Ramsey Lewis put it, is “happy music with tasty meat on the bones.”
“Joe Alterman is doing his part to keep alive the art of the swinging trio. He is a wonderful pianist whose playing brings smiles and good feelings to his listeners - as he has caused me to experience when I heard his enjoyable album.”
“Joe is, for me, absolutely one of the most musically enjoyable, swingingest Jazz pianists who can be heard playing today. ”
“Joe Alterman combines outstanding musical technique with infectious enthusiasm for his work. I’ve seen him fill a room with joy as his skill at the keyboard combines seamlessly with his delightful and appealing onstage personality. Young Alterman is one fine, first-class entertainer.”
