Joe Alterman

Joe Alterman is a jazz pianist, bandleader, and radio program host based in Atlanta, Georgia. He possesses a bright, swinging style anchored in hard bop and soul jazz. Alterman is celebrated by legendary pianists including Les McCann, Ramsey Lewis, Monty Alexander and Ahmad Jamal. Give Me the Simple Life, his 2012 debut album, showcased a quartet that included Herlin Riley, James Cammack, and Houston Person. 2015's self-released Georgia Sunset was produced by Person, while the pianist produced 2016's Comin' Home to You. He signed with Ropeadope for the widely acclaimed The Upside of Down. Two years later he self-issued Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe. That release drew the attention of electronicist, bassist, and producer Mocean Worker (Adam Dorn). Both men were longtime friends with McCann and jointly recorded the tribute Keep the Line Open in 2025.