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 Bachelors and Masters 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...
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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 Bachelors and Masters 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. Whether leading his trio or captivating audiences solo, Altermans 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 thats hard to resist, his playing is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern.With eight critically acclaimed albums to his name, including the 2023 release Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo s deep traditions. As George Benson once told him, You play good and you sound good, and theres a difference. That differencethe ability to channel joy, soul, and deep connection through every noteis what sets Alterman apart.Beyond the piano, Altermans creative reach extends into cultural leadership and writing. As the Executive Director of Neranenah, an Atlanta-based Concert he has penned liner notes for three Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra albums and was the subject of Nat Hentoffs final piece on music, in which the legendary journalist described Altermans essays as some of the very best on the essence and spirit of jazz. In 2025, Altermans musicianship was further recognized when he was featured on President Jimmy Carters 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.
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