Without music, life would be a mistake. And without support, the arts can’t survive.
The National Endowment for the Arts is being quietly gutted—grants that were already awarded are now being rescinded. #SaveTheNEA #SupportTheArts

Two stories I’ll never forget—one with Donald Fagen, the other with Harold Mabern.
New Substack essay is up now. It’s about humility, honesty, and the spark that keeps artists going—even after decades of success. Hope you enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/joealter...

One week until the release of the next single from my upcoming live album with the legendary & incredible Houston Person! In the meantime, I hope you’ve been enjoying our latest single, ‘You Are My Sunshine.’ Stay tuned for more music coming your way!
📸 Anna Yatskevich

One year ago today, Les McCann passed away. Today, Jimmy Carter did.
It now feels surreal to look at this photo of these two giants—each leaving behind a legacy of love, courage, and change in their own unique way.
Rest in peace to two legends 🙏
#lesmccann #jimmycarter

The cure for having the blues? Playing more blues, of course! Feeling those Sunday blues? Here’s hoping there’s blues turn those blues around!

From last Sunday at the Boulder JCC with the great team of bassist Brendan O'Donoghue and drummer Andreas Schmid.

Another time he asked me, “You’re a pianist, right?” “Yes,” I replied. He said, “Well, keep with it. Never give up. It’s a life force.”
He was a kind soul, a beacon of wisdom, and a great source of inspiration. Happy Birthday to an extraordinary artist and person! 3/3

I’ll never forget one day in his dressing room discussing our mutual love for Hank Jones. “He’s got the magic touch,” McCoy said with a smile. Then, as if letting me in on a secret, he added, “Come with me.” We went to the piano, where he played the most stunning Hank Jones impression…2/3

Happy Birthday, McCoy Tyner! During my time as a student intern at the Blue Note while at NYU, I was so lucky to have had many unforgettable encounters with him. Those afternoons spent behind the piano during his soundchecks were pure magic…1/3

Throwing it back to an unforgettable birthday concert at Roswell Cultural Arts on 11/16! Sharing the stage with the incredible Ken Peplowski, Toni Byrd, Kevin Smith, and Justin Chesarek made it truly special. Huge thanks to Dani Weiss for capturing these moments from such a memorable night!

This past month has been full of really special performances, including this fun moment @aurora.theatre on November 15th. I’m excited to keep the music going this Friday in Tulsa, Oklahoma @thetulsatreehouse and this Sunday in Boulder, Colorado @boulderjcc!

Here’s a picture of Dick Cavett and me holding a picture of Dick Cavett and me holding a picture of Dick Cavett and me! Happy Thanksgiving from Dick Cavett and me!

#dickcavett #me

Last week at All Saints Atlanta was truly unforgettable! It was such a joy to perform in that stunning setting for such a great audience alongside the phenomenal Kevin Smith & the legendary Terreon Gully. An uplifting evening I’ll always treasure, lots to be thankful for!
📸 @dustchambers

Back with more talkin’ to the camera! Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite quotes about jazz—straight from baseball legend Yogi Berra. Who knew he could sum up jazz so brilliantly (and hilariously)? Fans of Mark Twain’s classic line, “Wagner’s music is better than it sounds,” you’ll love this one!

OTD in 2018, “More Cornbread” was released! This album holds a special place in my heart. It came out shortly after I moved back to Atlanta from NYC, during a time when I was embracing the fact that I’m not a New York jazz pianist but rather a southern one. And this title is my way of saying that.

Starting off the month of December with an exciting performance at the Boulder JCC! I’m already looking forward to bringing some happy music to you all out in Colorado, tickets are available now!

#piano #jazz #livemusic #jazzpiano #boulder #bouldermusic #joealterman

Late-night fun with Duke Ellington’s beautiful and playful “Take Love Easy”—thinking of Nat Hentoff, was a close friend of Ellington’s and coined a phrase I love: “Take it easy, but take it.” 1/2

“Gaslight” was composed by one of my all-time favorite pianists, Erroll Garner. While Garner is best known for his classic, “Misty,” he wrote many other stunning melodies, “Gaslight” as example. I hope you enjoy my take on this beautiful song, now streaming on all platforms!

Hi Bluesky! I’m happy to be here!
Reflecting on a great week of music. Huge thanks to everyone who came out and made each show so special. Here’s a taste of my original blues “Les Is More” from my solo piano performance @bluesalleydc earlier in the week. Solo or not, we brought the party!