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Atlanta Jazz Pianist Joe Alterman Celebrates Major Milestone with Hit WABE Radio Program ‘The Upside of Jazz’

Renowned Atlanta-based jazz pianist and cultural curator Joe Alterman is celebrating a major milestone as his weekly radio program, The Upside of Jazz on WABE 90.1, continues to captivate listeners and expand its reach. Airing every Saturday evening from 7 to 8 p.m., the show has become a staple of the Atlanta cultural landscape, serving as a vibrant educational platform and a celebration of the genre’s rich history. Blending deep musical knowledge with an accessible and engaging tone, Alterman has created a program that resonates with both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and new listeners. Each episode highlights legendary performers, introduces influential and lesser-known recordings, and explores the stories and elements that have shaped jazz into one of the world’s most enduring art forms. In addition to curated music and commentary, the show features in-depth conversations with some of the most respected voices in jazz, including Harry Connick Jr., Ron Carter, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Sonny Rollins. Alterman notes that his conversation with Rollins stands as a particularly meaningful moment, recorded just months before the legendary saxophonist’s passing. “These conversations are about more than music,” Alterman says. “They are about perspective, experience, and what this art form can teach us about life.” Beyond artist interviews, The Upside of Jazz has distinguished itself through thoughtful deep dives into complex and often overlooked subjects. Episodes have explored topics such as the treatment of jazz in Germany during World War II, the evolution of jazz in the Soviet Union, the role of humor in jazz, and the historical relationship between Black and Jewish communities in American music. Through these discussions, Alterman creates a program that connects cultural history with broader human themes. “I want people to hear the joy in this music and understand where it comes from,” Alterman says. “When you connect with the history and the feeling behind it, jazz becomes something personal. It becomes something you carry with you.” From its very first broadcast, The Upside of Jazz was rooted in a clear and compelling philosophy. “Feeling good is a choice and jazz is the soundtrack,” Alterman shared in the opening moments of the inaugural episode. He framed jazz as an emotional and accessible experience, adding, “Jazz, to me, is a feeling. And you cannot kill a feeling. There is hope in this music. It is something people choose in spite of conditions.” This perspective has shaped the program’s identity and contributed to its growing success. Alterman’s approach combines storytelling, scholarship, and a deeply personal connection to the material. “The hope is to combine thoughtful conversations with equally thoughtful stories,” he explains. “We explore not only the music itself but also what it can teach us about living well.” The continued growth and recognition of The Upside of Jazz reflects Alterman’s broader commitment to preserving and sharing the spirit of jazz. As a performer, he is widely recognized for his upbeat, hard-swinging style, rooted in the traditions of mid-century hard bop, soul jazz, and the blues. As a broadcaster, he extends that same philosophy into a curated listening experience that informs, inspires, and entertains. Alterman’s journey to this milestone is grounded in a lifelong dedication to music and shaped by formative relationships with legendary mentors who recognized his talent early in his career. These figures not only guided his artistic development but also publicly championed his work, helping him establish a strong foundation within the jazz community. “Having mentors who believed in me made all the difference,” Alterman says. “They showed me that jazz is a living tradition. It is something you contribute to over time. Their support gave me the confidence to find my own voice while honoring the music.” That sense of continuity and contribution is central to both his radio program and his work as a bandleader. Through his performances and broadcasts, Alterman remains committed to keeping jazz vibrant and accessible for future generations. At the core of his approach is a philosophy centered on connection and joy. He views jazz as a shared experience that brings people together through rhythm, melody, and emotion. “I have always believed that jazz is about making people feel good,” he says. “There is a human element to this music that goes beyond technique. It is about being present, listening, and creating something meaningful in the moment.” Beyond his artistic and broadcasting achievements, Alterman’s story also reflects a powerful message of resilience. Growing up, he faced significant challenges with obsessive-compulsive disorder, an experience that shaped his perspective and approach to both life and music. Rather than allowing these challenges to limit his path, he worked through them with determination and discipline, ultimately transforming them into a source of strength. “I had to learn how to navigate my own mind before I could fully express myself,” Alterman says. “That process taught me patience and persistence. It showed me that obstacles can become part of your growth if you stay committed to moving forward.” This perspective continues to influence his work today, both on air and on stage. His music carries a sense of clarity and purpose, while his radio program reflects a thoughtful and intentional approach to storytelling. Each episode of The Upside of Jazz is designed to deepen listeners’ understanding while maintaining a sense of warmth and accessibility. The milestone moment for the program represents more than longevity or audience growth. It signals the impact of a platform that has successfully bridged education and entertainment, bringing jazz into the lives of a diverse and evolving audience. As the show continues to expand its reach, Alterman remains focused on its original mission. He aims to create an experience that uplifts listeners while preserving the integrity and richness of the genre. He says, “I want every episode to feel like an invitation, an invitation to explore, to learn, and to feel something genuine. If someone finishes the show with a deeper appreciation for the music or a sense of joy, then it has done its job.” Looking ahead, Alterman plans to continue growing the program while maintaining the authenticity that has defined its success. His dual role as performer and broadcaster allows him to approach jazz from multiple perspectives, creating a dynamic and evolving platform that reflects both tradition and innovation. For audiences in Atlanta and beyond, The Upside of Jazz stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to educate, connect, and inspire. For Alterman, the milestone serves as both a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of purpose. “Jazz has given me a way to understand the world and connect with others,” he says. “Through the radio show and through my music, I want to share that sense of connection and keep the spirit of this music alive.”