"LEGACY Vol. 1" ~ Biography Modern Jazz Maverick "LEGACY Vol. 1" is the title of modern contemporary jazz maverick, Alfonzo Blackwell's new CD slated for release in 2012. The New Year will mark Alfonzo Blackwell's seventeenth year recording in the music business. With this milestone steadily approaching, it was time for Alfonzo to reflect back on his many years in the industry and the body of work that has connected with audiences around the world. The connections were made through his trademark 'Rhythm & Cool' New York swing sound. The Re-rebirth of cool is here with his first concept CD recording showcasing a "live" five-piece band, 14-track set released through Utopia Records, Inc. This is his fourth CD release with the label. "LEGACY Vol. 1" Quintet Line-up What's the concept? Well, it's simplistically complex. The simple part - Take 5 master musicians and put them in a digital state-of-the-art studio and press record. The complex part - Alfonzo Blackwell comprises all 5 master musicians. Now that you got that; Alfonzo invites you inside his music world, one instrument at a time. First and foremost, here are the introductions - Welcome to Alfonzo's Quintet: 1) Alto Sax - "Blaze" and Soprano Sax - "Songstress" 2) Keyboards - "Nylah" 3) Drums - "Beast" 4) Bass - "Rumble" 5) Guitar - "Bo". Best of Both Worlds ~ the Music All music on "LEGACY Vol. 1" was written [with the exception of "Impressions"], composed, arranged, produced and all instruments were performed by Alfonzo Blackwell. "Quintet" is the opening-track and original work, and is. This song gives the listener a sample of the many faces of Alfonzo Blackwell. If you are just discovering his music, this song is like the cliffs notes for the Music History 101 of Alfonzo Blackwell. "LEGACY", the title-track, is an original mid-tempo track written by Alfonzo with soulful and melodic improvisation laced throughout the composition, depicting what Alfonzo is made out of. Appropriately titled; it's a snapshot of him and his music…the framework for the portrait of Blackwell's masterful artistry. "Get the Funk Back!" is a sleek funk piece that's sure to please fusion jazz purveyors. This bass funk driven track is a continuation from his early hit "A Little Bit of Sax" back in 1998. "Impressions" is Alfonzo Blackwell's take on the jazz standard written and performed by the late great John Coltrane, his chief influencer. All instruments are performed and arranged by Mr. Blackwell for this classic jazz standard making it a must-have collector's piece due to the arrangement, performance and Alfonzo Blackwell's prowess of the concept for this CD (one man band). This performance is ground-breaking and Blackwell's rendition of "Impressions" is very impressive! This track is well done and has lots of fire and burning sax appeal. Using modern studio technology, he was able to lay each instrument separately and blend them effortlessly as if he was all 5 master musicians playing in real-time while still capturing the vibe that's generated from "live" session jams. Stunning! The epic, "MJ" is an original heart-wrenching tribute song that Alfonzo penned in the wake of the unfortunate and untimely death of music legend and icon, Michael Jackson. This song is a flawless performance that leaves the listener wanting more. A part of MJ was channeled in the making of this brilliant piece. "Michael Jackson used his voice in so many ways as an instrument like that of a saxophone, bass, guitar and even percussion drum when the music called him to do so. He had the unmatched ability to pull from his plentiful vocal range to capture sounds that brought out the many emotions of the human soul across the entire world whether you spoke the English language or any foreign language for that matter. The language of music communicates through the hearts of all of us. I had to pay tribute to his gift of music. His genius was a major music influence to me, thus his music is a part of my musical development" ~Alfonzo Blackwell The Beginning and Journey Alfonzo Blackwell burst on the contemporary jazz music scene in May 1995 with his debut CD release "Let's Imagine" and made his mark on modern American music. Mr. Blackwell broke out of the box of music categorization. With his debut release, instant NAC radio hit "Alfonzo's Love Theme"; he forged ahead with more Top 10 Billboard charting hits. "Hermina", the heart-wrenching classic tribute to his mother, which stirred hearts of listeners, "Passion", "The Time Is Now", "Funky Shuffle", "Take One", "Sax You Down", "Dance To This" and "This Is Real" to name a few. Music video hits, "Love No Limit" and "A Little Bit of Sax" were both nominated for Best Contemporary Jazz Video Billboard Awards. His "Funky Shuffle" and "Take One (Remix)" music videos also generated heat. His music compositions have been used for movie themes 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 performed with contemporary soul artists such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans and Brian McKnight. Mr. Blackwell's talent, musicianship and strives for excellence makes him the ultimate entertainer who delivers unprecedented stage performances and rocks the stage with legendary artists to the hottest new artists in the genres of Rock, Pop, R&B, Funk, Hip Hop, Classic Soul, Traditional Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Blues and Country. His music transcends all racial, cultural and age barriers. Alfonzo Blackwell's sound, music and powerful punch-delivery sax tone and lines are instantly identifiable. His songwriting, lush harmonies, arrangements, compositions and top-notch productions and keen sense of phrasing and drama, is what has and continues to set him apart. He can tell a story with his music and it's a great story to hear about. Spread the word! Carrying the Jazz Torch Throughout his musical career, Alfonzo has always made it a priority to pay tribute to jazz greats who came before him, who inspired him and paved the way for his success by recording his own renditions of such classics as Quincy Jones' masterful production of "Killer Joe", George Benson's "Breezin", John Coltrane's take on the classic "My Favorite Things" and Miles Davis' "All Blues". Growing up, Alfonzo was hugely inspired by all the various musical styles that his parents played in his home. "Every weekend my dad came home with a new record", Alfonzo says. "The sounds of Marvin Gaye, Barry White, MFSB, well you name it; it was playing on our record player." He goes on to say, "MFSB's "Love Is The Message" was always one of my favorite songs from that era, so it was a pleasure to record my rendition of that tune as well." Born and raised in Queens, NY as a child he taught himself to play the piano by ear at the tender age of six. He then went on to pick up the saxophone at age eleven. Alfonzo instantly fell in love with the sax and then began his intense musical journey. Destined for greatness, this 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. He performed at all the hottest and legendary jazz clubs throughout the tri-state area and earned a weekly residency at a popular Manhattan music hotspot. "Back in the day, I was playing everywhere, writing music, jamming since I was a youth in middle school until my first record deal at age 23. My mom drove me everywhere, until I was old enough to travel alone or drive myself to play." says the consummate musician. "I did it all, played in big bands, jazz ensembles, funk bands, etc. I always showcased my originally material to my growing audiences and I also played traditional jazz standards as well as added a few cover tunes that I was grooving to at that moment in my shows. My passion for performing live was sparked so many years ago. So I'm so excited to finally take all of my experiences and record this concept CD. Touring with my new music, with my amazing musicians will be a career highlight for me this year." Alfonzo says with enthusiasm. This new CD is befitting for his fifteenth year career retrospection. The Man behind the Music Alfonzo Blackwell is a simple yet complex man as is his music. After 15 years recording in the music business, he still feels he has room to grow and to keep on getting better. "I hear music all day, 24/7. I can't really turn off the switch, nor do I ever want to. I always hear things that I can work on for all of my instruments." says the consummate musician, that has the constant shedding musically philosophy to his core. He practices all of his instruments for several hours a day. He lives, eats and breathes music. "A song idea comes to me in so many different ways; it could be even from a visual muse like artwork, a single note that I hear, even a scent that I happen to smell. I get inspiration simply from life's everyday pleasures." When Alfonzo isn't spending time with his close family members, practicing, writing, producing and performing, he loves to stay physically fit by working out in his gym and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and meditation. Both body building and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takes tremendous discipline and is a lifestyle onto itself. Being the ultimate trail-blazer, this man never slows down, he's always on the move to what's next. Mr. Blackwell also lends his time and support to various charities and music education and empowerment initiatives. 2012 and Beyond... The evolution of Alfonzo Blackwell, the sax man virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, poet, songwriter, producer, composer, arranger and band leader is clear...his soulful personification of class, sophistication and style...and his musical legacy are indelible. The many faces of Alfonzo Blackwell are boldly exhibited on his new CD project. Combining focus and talent, has been his winning formula for maintaining a stellar catalogue of quality music that will continue to inspire the world. His new jazz order, 'Rhythm and Cool' New York swing sound has blazed a trail for all of today's artists. His music branding is a testament to his uncompromising artistry and musicality. Always stay tuned to this legend in the making. Whatever he does will always be edgy, Hot, SAXY, cool sophistication. Photography: Brian Branch Price