Miriam Altman, a captivating South African jazz vocalist, is set to release her highly anticipated debut single, The Train, marking a bold new chapter in her evolving musical journey. As a musical storyteller, Miriam Altman draws her listeners into a personal and profoundly felt world, expressing a lifetime of rich experiences, cultural influences, and musical inspirations.
Originally trained as a classical soprano in her youth, Miriam has now evolved into the world of jazz. With some decades between her classical training and her recent shift into jazz, her voice has matured into a lower and deeper register, which she is now exploring. She has launched onto the music scene with a unique sound, bringing together carefully crafted music with playful improvisation, and the power of her richly emotive three octave range.
“It’s rare to see a musician of Miriam’s caliber emerge later in life,” says Nikki Froneman of Arte Viva Management, a Cape Town based specialist jazz agency.“Her music is not just a reflection of her musical evolution but a testament to a life lived fully across continents, cultures, and disciplines.”
Miriam’s music is influenced by African rhythms, blues, rock, spirituals, classical and jazz to create music that is vibrant, intimate, contemplative and soul-stirring.
Particular inspiration comes from the legendary voices of Miriam Makeba, Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O’Day, the innovative spirit of Bobby McFerrin, Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves and Rachel Ferrel, South African musicians such as Ray Phiri, Busi Mhlongo, Caiphus Semenya, Thandiswa Mazwai and Zoe Modiga, as well as contemporary voices such as Esperanza Spalding, HER and Somi.
Beyond music, Miriam is well-known for her significant and continuing contributions to development economics, public policy, strategic leadership, and social activism.
Currently in the process of recording her debut album featuring some of South Africa’s top young jazz artists, Miriam is releasing her songs one-by-one, allowing each the space to breathe and to connect with her growing audience.
Miriam’s debut single The Train is set for release on 28 March 2025. The Train is more than a song—it is the embodiment of a life’s
worth of stories, experiences, and creative explorations. “The train is a powerful narrative using the metaphor of an elusive train to symbolize aspiration, struggle, resilience and perseverance” says Miriam Altman. “I was inspired by Bra Hugh Masekela’s Stimela (Coal Train) as well as Yvonne Chaka-Chaka’s Stimela”.
Miriam is a dynamic and potent voice, both musically and in her other endeavors, and her audience can look forward to an exhilarating journey as she progresses on an inspired artistic path.
