Myriam Alter began classical music training at the age of 8. After being very involved in her studies (graduating high school and then obtaining a license for psychology at the University of Brussels), Myriam Alter stopped practicing her instrument at age 15. She worked for seven years in an advertising agency after her studies. She then opened a dance school, which she ran for seven more years, but she didn’t realize it. She picked up her instrument at 36 and quickly discovered that she was a gifted composer who has a unique approach to romantic moods. (…) Myriam Alter grew up in a JudeoSpanish family (Sephardic Jews) and was exposed to many music styles, including Latin, Spanish, Latin, Oriental, Spanish, South American, and classical. She began her piano playing training in classical music but eventually moved to jazz. Myriam Alter formed her first quartet with Belgian musicians. Then she created a quintet. After some experience she was able to start writing her own music. This album was a success and was followed by another with the same musicians, except that Stefan Lievestro (H), instead of Michel Benita, played bass. The second album received very positive reviews. Myriam’s talent for composition was highlighted by the press. The idea of making an album internationally was born. “Alter Ego”, was recorded in New York with Billy Drewes on clarinet and sax, Ron Miles on trumpet, Kenny Werner on piano, Marc Johnson on bass, and Joey Baron on drums. Myriam gave up her piano seat to Kenny Werner. The quintet played Myriam’s compositions. It was then that she began to create music that truly expressed “who” she was. The result was “If” (2002), a worldwide hit with Kenny Werner, Greg Cohen (bass), Greg Ruocco (clarinet), Kenny Werner and Joey Baron. 2007 saw the release of “Where Is There”, featuring Jaques Morelenbaum on cello, John Ruocco on clarinet, Pierre Vaiana on soprano sax and Salvatore Bonafede on piano. Greg Cohen is also on bass. Joey Baron is on drums. Bio taken from her site http://www.myriamalter.com/
