Finding the Humor in Jazz

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

"I find my spirituality in the doing of the theater." - An interview with Julie Benko and Jason Yeager

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.

"Each note has a declaration" - An Interview with Trumpeter Charles Tolliver

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. 

"I tend to think of music as just one thing" - An Interview with Guitarist Pat Metheny

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.

"Communication is so key to what the music's about" - An Interview with Guitarist and Vocalist John Pizzarelli

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. Bennet…

"It all feels personal to me" - An Interview with Guitarist Randy Johnston

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.

Jazz Behind the Iron Curtain

Today he plays jazz, tomorrow he betrays the motherland.

"My favorite thing is not knowing how it's going to come out" - An Interview with Guitarist Oliver Wood

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. 

Jimmy Heath on Jazz at the Intersection of Black and Jewish Communities

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.

“I’m bringing that history book back” – An Interview with Bassist Ron Carter

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.”