If I were to play Joe Alterman's 'The Upside of Down,' a live recording from New York jazz club Birdland, on the radio, I'd certainly reach next for Billy Taylor's 'I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free'. It would be a natural fit. And then what? Oh go on then Ramsey Lewis time. Now we're sucking diesel!
Different tune, different era, but crucially all share the same upbeat spirit and positivity that remains ageless and time travels skippingly along. And make room too why not for some James Williams in the above mix and a special vintage kept in the jazz cellars courtesy of the Magical Trio 1 for that extra bit of 1980s elegance.
There is serious. And then there is serious fun. Alterman is from Atlanta and is a natural communicator and is unafraid to dazzle head-to-tail from riff to tease a groove through and out of his trio. There is lots of piano personality on display. Bassist Nathaniel Schroeder and drummer Marlon Patton bask in the dazzling reflected sunshine emanating from the keys. The full album, which also includes treatments of 'Pure Imagination' and 'Days of Wine and Roses' is officially released in mid-August. Joe Alterman, top
Tags: