Pure distilled greatness was packaged for your listening pleasure with the upcoming seventh CD release from contemporary jazz maverick, Alfonzo Blackwell. “Dance To This” is the latest masterpiece scheduled for release through Utopia Records, Inc. This is the most highly anticipated album release of his career.
Alfonzo Blackwell is an illustrious and magnetic music veteran. Veterans in the music industry such as Alfonzo Blackwell, transcend all boundaries. Not only do they stay ahead of the curve, they shape the curve.
Alfonzo masterfully invites you in on his electrifying and seductive grooves. The opening/title track, “Dance To This” exudes melodic and infectious blends of stomp your feet soul and powerful alto sax bravado punch. The next track, “Back It Up” (Featuring Utopia Records label mate Rebecca Buxton on Baritone Saxophone) is in the vain of what his uptempo music has been from the start – the distinguished blend of hot contemporary jazz and urban rhythms inspired dance format. This format; unique only to Alfonzo Blackwell is ushering listeners to clap your hands and snap your fingers. This is can’t-sit-down contemporary jazz at its finest.
Alfonzo slows it down, on “Inside My Heart”. On this passionate ballad, his soprano glides seamlessly throughout the track like a butterfly. The control of his horn is crisp with haunting classical proficiency. “This Is Real” is a mid-tempo (instant classic) track that has in-your-face contemporary jazz and pop appeal. The blissful melody is superb. “Take A Look” will get you up and dancing to the droning drum lines that lace its tracks. "Take A Look" is destined to be a Contemporary Jazz Classic which features another new and stellar talent from Utopia Records - Shana Kaye. Shana Floats & Dazzles the groove with her flute on this track. The distinctive winning formula for great music is to make everyone feel good; well, this tune does just that. The remaining tracks, in its entire splendor are savvy and sophisticated as well. Alfonzo Blackwell delivers impeccably with brilliant writing, production and stellar performances on his latest CD project, “Dance To This.” His genius resonates eloquently on each and every track. This is a must have album, slated for Spring 2008 release.
Alfonzo blasted on the contemporary jazz scene in 1995 with his debut CD release, “Let’s Imagine”. He broke the mold upon his arrival. He garnered great success and critical acclaim with all of his CD projects while delivering his unique musical style. Top 10 radio hits including “Alfonzo’s Love Theme”, “Herminia”, “Passion” and “Funky Shuffle” contribute to his many accomplishments. Alfonzo’s music videos have struck an indelible chord with such original content; he received recognition with Billboard Award nominations. He also composes themes for movies as well as television, having co-written the theme song to the internationally successful television show, “Baywatch Nights” where he was featured every week with David Hasselhoff. Among honing his craft of playing alto, soprano and tenor saxophones, he is a well accomplished bass, drum, guitar and piano player. He has graced the stage and performed with numerous music greats which includes Gladys Knight, The Whispers and Roy Ayers to name a few. He also performs with contemporary soul artists such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans and Brian McKnight.
As a child he taught himself to play the piano by ear at the tender age of six. Destined for greatness, this Queens, New York native was accepted at the prestigious (Fame) Performing Arts High School in NYC and then continued his advance studies at Queens College and Five Towns College in Long Island, NY.
Undoubtedly, Alfonzo Blackwell is one amongst the elite music industry veterans. He is a maverick in every way. His music, sophistication, passion and style are forever young and fresh…he’s forever timeless
JazzReview.com
