Lewis Franco
Lewis Franco is a fixture on the Vermont music scene, known for his clever and soulful lyrics, delightfully tuneful melodies, and fun-loving presence. According to Dan Bolles of SevenDaysVT, "Precious few hepcatamounts swing like Lewis Franco. The Central Vermont guitarist, songwriter and bandleader has almost single-handedly kept the jump and jive alive in the Green Mountains, wailing away with swagger and unimpeachable cool for nearly two decades."
Franco has released six CD's of original music to critical acclaim, from USA Today to Downbeat Magazine, the bible of Jazz journalism. Vermont Public Radio's Robert Resnik calls him, "a brilliant songwriter - one of our very finest."
However, it is in live performances where he shines brightest, finding unexpected ways to connect with audiences and to celebrate our shared humanity.
Joe Alterman
Atlanta native Joe Alterman expresses a certain upbeat naivete, with a broad smile and bright eyes that make you feel welcome. One would not guess that this is a man hailed by greats; Ramsey Lewis describes his piano playing as 'a joy to behold', Les McCann states 'As a man and musician he is already a giant'. Journalist Nat Hentoff championed three of Alterman's albums, as well as his writing (Joe wrote liner notes to three Wynton Marsalis/JALC albums, calling one of Joe's columns "one of the very best pieces on the essence of jazz, the spirit of jazz, that I've ever read, and I'm not exaggerating."
Joe Alterman began at NYU with a BA and Masters in Jazz Piano, followed by performances with Houston Person, Les McCann, Dick Gregory, and Ramsey Lewis. Downbeat describes his sound as ' rooted in the blues, and with a touch reminiscent of the great pianists of the 1950s-Red Garland, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans. It is clear Joe hits all of the necessary points for Jazz critics and fans alike.
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