Miriam Altman's debut jazz single 'The Train': a transformative musical journey

IOL News

25-04-2025

Jazz singer Mariam Altman has released her first jazz single, "The Train", and will be releasing many more song during the course of the year.
Image: Instagram.
South African jazz vocalist and professor Miriam Altman has released her highly anticipated debut jazz single, "The Train".
The song is currently being aired on radio stations and is available on all major music streaming platforms.
Altman, a captivating musical storyteller, draws listeners into her personal and profoundly felt world. Her journey has been marked by diverse experiences, incorporating a rich tapestry of cultural influences and musical inspirations.
Originally trained as a classical soprano, Altman has emerged in the jazz genre after a considerable hiatus.
"In my youth, I trained in classical and opera, quit when I was 21 ... But I felt this pull ever since then to come back to it, but not so much to classical, more in the lane of jazz. I have been quite literally finding my voice, learning about the recording process and working on what I hope is my first album," shared Altman.
Through her new song, Altman embodies a powerful blend of meticulously crafted music and playful improvisation. The result: a vibrant, intimate and soul-stirring experience for listeners.
"'The Train' is about that feeling of anticipation, sometimes elusive, sometimes hopes dashed, but always finding ways of pressing forward no matter what the odds. It is a story told in jazz. 'The Train' is a metaphor for the great distances that are faced by so many people and even countries to make progress.
"In South Africa, it is also quite literal, as a form of transport that has let so many down. My life's work in public policy has focused on how to chart journeys to the other side," she said.
The influences behind Altman's music run deep, drawing from the South African legendary voices such as Miriam Makeba, Ray Phiri, Busi Mhlongo, Caiphus Semenya, Thandiswa Mazwai and Zoe Modiga alongside Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O'Day among others.
Her sound is a confluence of African rhythms, blues, rock, spirituals and classical jazz.
"The song is a powerful narrative using the metaphor of an elusive train to symbolise aspiration, struggle, resilience and perseverance. I was inspired by Bra Hugh Masekela's 'Stimela' (Coal Train) as well as Yvonne Chaka-Chaka's 'Stimela'," said Altman.
As the artist prepares for the release of her debut album, which will feature some of South Africa's top young jazz talents, she is releasing her songs one at a time, with the next to release in June.
Outside of her musical pursuits, Altman is also known for her significant contributions to development economics, public policy and social activism, showcasing her multifaceted talents and commitment to bettering society.
Listen to "The Train" below.