Joe graduated from NYU with a BA and Masters in Jazz Piano. He has since performed at many world renowned venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland and Blue Note alongside jazz greats Houston Person, Les McCann, Dick Gregory, Ramsey Lewis, among others. Downbeat describes Joe’s sound as “rooted in the blues, and with a touch reminiscent of the great pianists of the 1950s—Red Garland, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans.” It is clear Joe hits all of the necessary points for Jazz critics and fans alike.
Joe Alterman & Houston Person: "Blues Everywhere" (Live at Birdland)
Here’s what some of the great jazz, rock and blues pianists have to say about Joe:
“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
“Joe is tiny, but only in stature. As a man and a musician he is already a giant. He’s on a ‘blow your mind’ level.”
– Les McCann
“Having known Joe Alterman on a personal level, I can attest to the fact that he is a very special artist.”
– Ahmad Jamal
In the words of the Wall Street Journal, “Alterman’s continually evolving presence on the jazz scene surely makes people smile and, if the room is right, dance. There’ll be no need for any last rites of jazz.”
Joe’s playing seamlessly navigates between any genre. Jazz, Rock Blues, Pop, and Hip Hop. If you are interested in fusing Rock and Blues with Jazz, Pop or Hip Hop, then Joe is the ideal teacher for you. Joe’s enthusiasm for the piano is contagious.