Joe Altier, left, and Amanda Rogers pose in Studio A of Subcat Studios following their recording session for the Subcat Sessions.

Syracuse, N.Y. -- The latest installment of the Subcat Sessions paired hard-rocker-turned-balladeer Joe Altier with singer/songwriter and pianist Amanda Rogers. The two sat down together at Subcat Studios in the midst of a polar vortex to record a timely selection: The Beatles' "In My Life."

At a glance, the pair of pianists could not be more different. Altier boasts a cut-off flannel shirt, sleeve tattoos and grizzly beard while sitting next to Rogers with her sparkling blue eyes, a long single braid of blonde hair and a knit cap accented with a flower.

But the two developed a fast, easy rapport and, more importantly, a dynamic, harmonic sound. And despite appearances, they actually have a lot in common. For example, both now make a living playing piano (among other things) in Syracuse, but have spent ample time in recent years touring across the nation.

Altier is best known around town these days as Just Joe, a piano-playing soulster with a burly look and a soulful voice. He originally made a name for himself as the front man for hard rock band Brand New Sin. He left the Syracuse rock group in 2008 in order to pursue other projects. One such project, Elephant Mountain, recently released its latest album, Birth of Conspiracy.

Joe Altier, right, and Amanda Rogers listen to the finished product in the control room at Subcat Studios

Rogers has been recording in Syracuse and beyond for 15 years now. She's toured the nation and worked overseas with several indie and alternative rock groups like Jupiter Sunrise and The Pleasants. Now back in Syracuse, she hosts

the Subrosa Sessions

, a monthly live recording session at Subcat.

Inside the studio at Subcat on a Tuesday afternoon, Altier kept the mood light, poking fun at himself, his reading glasses and our camera crew.

"We should be shooting this thing on super 8," he said, laughing.

Rogers, meanwhile, laughed along as she worked out her parts for the tune, corrected several lyrics and scribbled notes in a colorful notebook. She toiled away on a Fender Rhodes keyboard while Altier played a Hallet Davis baby grand.

You can see Altier perform every Thursday night at King of Clubs in Armory Square. Rogers will host the next Subrosa Sessions on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m.

Like it? Check out more from the Subcat Sessions:

John Cadley and Rebecca Colleen

Ryan Burdick and Andrew Van Norstrand

Brian Golden and Donna Colton

Alanna Boudreau and Joseph Mettler

Lacey Lee and Mark Mazengarb

Adam Gold and Max McKee

John McConnell and Josh Dekaney

Chris Baker is the music writer for Syracuse.com and the Post-Standard. Contact him: Email | Twitter | Google+