Arts

The Upside of Jazz

Atlanta-based jazz pianist Joe Alterman expresses his deep appreciation of jazz and swing in his performances and compositions. Now he shares that love of jazz on The Upside of Jazz, celebrating the legendary performers of jazz and exploring what makes the music so timeless and endearing to listeners.

Latest Episodes:

Sarah Sharp - "It's almost mythology, it's so universal" Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

In the first of two episodes featuring artists out of the South, Joe talks with Austin, Texas-based vocalist Sarah Sharp about sitting down and listening to multiple versions of the same song to learn how nuanced different artists' interpretations can be, the jazz scene in Austin, and her new album, "Déjà Vu."

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An Interview with Sonny Rollins May 30, 2026

Show notes

This week we revisit one of Sonny Rollins's final interviews recorded in October 2025, when Joe Alterman sat down for a conversation with the Saxophone Colossus himself.

Sonny Rollins passed away on May 25, 2026.

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Sean Mason - "There was something about jazz that pulled me" May 23, 2026

Show notes

Joe and pianist Sean Mason get together for a chat in which Sean explains why he believes the 20s are the most underrated jazz era, making the piano dance, and how Sean didn't feel like himself in the fullest sense until he started playing jazz.

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Bobby Broom - "It is who I am" May 16, 2026

Show notes

Joe and guitarist Bobby Broom talk about his latest album featuring Sonny Rollins' compositions, "Notes of Thanks," 16-year-old Broom getting his start alongside Sonny Rollins, and making a career in jazz in Chicago instead of New York City.

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Finding the Humor in Jazz May 09, 2026

Show notes

Joe looks behind the serious face that jazz sometimes puts on and uncovers a world of silliness, both on and off the stage.

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Julie Benko and Jason Yeager - "I find my spirituality in the doing of the theater" May 02, 2026

Show notes

Host Joe Atlerman invites Julie Benko and Jason Yeager to the show to talk about finding spirituality in music and theater, how to define Jewish music, and traditions built on questioning and listening.

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Charles Tolliver - "Each note has a declaration" Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

Joe Alterman and trumpeter Charles Tolliver chat about revisiting Tolliver's debut album as band leader, "Right Now... And Then," for its recent remixing and reissue, knowing he was going to be a trumpet player no matter what, and "rumbling" through improvisation.

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Pat Metheny - "I tend to think of music as just one thing" Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

Guitarist Pat Metheny joins Joe Alterman to share his thoughts on being a musician in a time of AI, how he developed his understanding of playing an instrument, and how sometimes the music finds us instead of the other way around.

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John Pizzarelli - "Communication is so key to what the music's about" Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

Guitarist/Vocalist John Pizzarelli and host Joe Alterman sit down to talk about Pizzarelli's career — including growing up and working alongside his father, jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli — learning not just how to play guitar but entertain, and his new Tony Bennett tribute album, "Dear Mr. Bennett."

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Randy Johnston - "It all feels personal to me" Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

Joe Alterman has a conversation with guitarist Randy Johnston about improvisation (and if that's what makes jazz jazz), if there's a connection between jam bands and jazz music, and what it means to be the side man.

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