Joe Alterman, a gifted pianist from Atlanta, Georgia, has always embraced a musical journey that blends Southern roots with jazz tradition. While his early passion for bluegrass and the blues shaped his musical identity, Alterman soon became captivated by jazz greats rooted in the blues, such as Oscar Peterson, Les McCann, and Houston Person. These influences helped guide Alterman toward becoming an acclaimed torchbearer of the genre, known for his fresh approach to jazz that pays homage to its roots while adding his unique voice.
In Brisket for Breakfast, Alterman teams up with legendary saxophonist Houston Person for a joyous live album that showcases their deep musical bond and shared love for Southern culture. Set for release on February 7, 2025, the album is a celebration of the duo's friendship, their mutual appreciation for good food (especially Southern comfort food), and their exuberant, soul-filled jazz interpretations. As the album's title suggests, Brisket for Breakfast is a hearty, down-home experience, steeped in the warmth and soul of the South.
A Soulful Partnership Built on Blues
The connection between Alterman and Person goes beyond music. Both share a passion for blues-rooted jazz, with Person’s burly tenor sax sound and Alterman’s soulful, blues-infused piano lines coming together seamlessly on stage. "Every time we're on stage together, from the first note I hear, I feel so lucky to be in the room with Houston, let alone playing with him," Alterman says. "His sound makes me realize how great it is to be alive." The feeling is mutual, with Person adding, “Joe plays with a lot of humor, and he's just an all-around nice guy.”
Their musical chemistry is palpable throughout Brisket for Breakfast, recorded live during two performances in Georgia: one at the Breman Museum & Cultural Center in Atlanta and the other at the Savannah Music Festival. Alterman’s long-time trio—bassist Kevin Smith and drummer Justin Chesarek—provides solid support, with a rhythm section that evokes the soulful traditions of the South. "Joe keeps that southern heritage alive," Person says. "You get a little bit of country and western, a little bit of gospel, he plays all of that stuff with feeling."
From Fan to Collaborator: The Story Behind the Music
Alterman’s admiration for Houston Person dates back to his childhood, when he would listen to Person’s recordings and dream of meeting the saxophonist. The two first crossed paths at New York University in 2010, when Person gave a masterclass that Alterman attended. “Houston walked in the room and said, ‘Who wants to play some blues?’” Alterman recalls. “He counted off the slowest blues imaginable, and it was clear from the start that the blues is not easy.” Despite the 50-plus years between them, Alterman and Person immediately hit it off, forging a close mentorship and a musical partnership that would grow into a lasting friendship.
Alterman’s relationship with Person has been integral to his development as a musician, with Person joining him for live performances and contributing to two of Alterman’s previous albums, Give Me the Simple Life (2012) and Georgia Sunset (2015). Brisket for Breakfast represents the culmination of their musical journey together, capturing the joy and camaraderie they share when performing live.
Track-by-Track Highlights
Brisket for Breakfast opens with the Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen classic, “The Second Time Around,” a playful duet between Person’s breathy tenor and Smith’s bass, before the rhythm section gently kicks into gear. The track is a perfect introduction to the album’s laid-back but swinging vibe. “That’s All” showcases Person’s elegant side, while the lesser-known “Namely You” channels a high-spirited, freewheeling energy. “Since I Fell for You” dives deep into the blues, with Alterman and Person delivering a soulful interpretation, while “Only Trust Your Heart” brings a light Latin flavor to the mix.
One of the standout tracks is the sultry R&B ballad “Never Let Me Go,” which takes on a more intimate, late-night vibe. The album closes with the celebratory gospel-tinged rendition of “You Are My Sunshine,” a perfect ending to an album brimming with warmth and soul.
The Spirit of Brisket for Breakfast
From the playful exchanges between Person’s saxophone and Alterman’s piano to the intimate moments shared between the trio, Brisket for Breakfast is a tribute to friendship, food, and the joy of making music. “Our goal with Brisket for Breakfast was to make sure that you can tell that we were smiling while we were playing,” Alterman shares. Indeed, the album’s infectious joy and uplifting spirit shine through in every note.
Brisket for Breakfast is an album that invites listeners to experience the heart and soul of jazz, as Alterman and Person bring the comfort of Southern traditions and the excitement of live jazz to every track. It’s a celebration of life, music, and the bonds that form through shared experiences—whether on stage or over a good meal.
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