Joe Alterman

Biography

Joe Alterman is an acclaimed American jazz pianist and composer renowned for his groove-heavy, joyful, and blues-infused performance style. Born in Atlanta in 1988, Alterman discovered his passion for music at a young age. Initially drawn to the acoustic storytelling of American folk and bluegrass icons like Doc Watson, he later shifted his focus to the rich lineages of jazz. For Alterman, the piano became much more than an instrument; it served as a vital emotional outlet and a form of personal salvation that helped him overcome severe teenage obsessive-compulsive disorder.

He relocated to New York City to formalize his training, earning both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Jazz Piano Performance from New York University. During and after his studies, Alterman developed deep personal and professional relationships with some of the most towering figures in jazz history. He secured invaluable mentorships with legends like Les McCann and Ramsey Lewis, while regularly collaborating with veteran tenor saxophonist Houston Person. Critics and peers alike quickly took notice of his distinct touch, with DownBeat magazine describing his sound as deeply rooted in the blues and reminiscent of 1950s masters such as Red Garland, Ahmad Jamal, and Bill Evans.

As a premier performer, Alterman has headlined at some of the world’s most prestigious music venues, including the Blue Note, Birdland, the Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center. His extensive discography includes several critically acclaimed trio and ensemble records, such as The Upside of Down, Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe, and the live release Brisket For Breakfast. Beyond standard club dates and albums, his musical reach extends to the screen, where he has composed original scores for multiple documentary films, and his playing has been featured on high-profile, Grammy-winning projects for figures like Jimmy Carter and the Dalai Lama.

In addition to his prowess at the keyboard, Alterman is a respected jazz journalist, historian, and arts administrator. He has written the official liner notes for multiple albums by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. His insightful writing earned the enthusiastic praise of the iconic music critic Nat Hentoff, who championed Alterman's records and profiled him in his final music column in 2016. Alterman also honors the legacy of his musical heroes behind the scenes, working closely with major archival projects and serving as an Associate Producer on historical releases for Ahmad Jamal and Les McCann.

Today, Alterman splits his creative energy between the stage and community leadership in his hometown. He serves as the Executive Director of Neranenah (formerly the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival), a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to celebrating Jewish contributions to music. He also connects with broader audiences as the host and producer of The Upside of Jazz on Atlanta's WABE 90.1 FM. Through all of his diverse endeavors, Alterman maintains a steadfast dedication to keeping jazz accessible, melodic, and celebratory, proving to audiences worldwide that the music is at its best when it simply feels good.