The Upside of Jazz

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today he plays jazz, tomorrow he betrays the motherland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guitarist Oliver Wood (who happens to be Joe's guitar teacher from years ago) and Joe talk about the joy of being surprised by the music you make as well as Wood's career, including touring with Tinsley Ellis, playing with King Johnson, and form The Wood Brothers with his brother Chris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The relationship between Black and Jewish musicians in jazz has a long and sometimes complicated history. In this episode, saxophonist Jimmy Heath reflects on his own experiences and what he learned from a lifetime in the music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bassist Ron Carter joins Joe to talk about growing up with church music, his introduction into jazz, and returning to his church roots on the new album, “Sweet, Sweet Spirit.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe and bassist Rufus Reid have a conversation about the role the bass plays in a band and finding chemistry with fellow musicians .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guitarist John Scofield joins Joe for a discussion about what playing music means for Scofield, seamlessly flowing between genres, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From small record shop on 42nd Street in New York City to recording company that worked with the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bill Haley & The Comets, Commodore Records holds an important place in music history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bassist Christian McBride and host Joe Alterman talk why jazz is far from dead and McBride's latest album, "Without Further Ado, Vol. 1."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe sits down for a conversation with the Saxophone Colossus himself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jazz as sustenance. Jazz as resistance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.