Jazz Veteran Alfonzo Blackwell Honors Legend Icons John Coltrane & Michael Jackson on CD Through Utopia Records

New York, NY, February 28, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Saxman/Songwriter/Producer, Alfonzo Blackwell is busy, busy, busy working hard in the studio on his 8th CD project on Utopia Records. His current release “Dance To This” brought listeners to the dance floor and his approach for his next project is to bring listeners the sophistication, style, class and fire that comes from the freedom that has embodied his music for 15 years now. The multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire reclines in his black leather console chair in his state-of-the-art digital recording studio and takes a brief moment to reflect on his studio recording process. Alfonzo says, “I’m working day in and day out to capture all parts of me, all parts of my essence and all parts of my soul. It’s almost like a 24/7 music reality show…me in the studio. I’m living in my studio now.” So far, Alfonzo has already recorded an astounding thirty-one tracks and has no intentions on slowing down or putting a cap on that total. The consummate musician goes on to say, “I’m looking to write, produce and record at least one hundred tracks for this album to select from. This is the first concept album for me and it’s a portrait of me as an artist, entertainer and musician. It’s important for me to put forth the best original work of my career and each track must be right.” Most noteworthy is Alfonzo’s traditional standard rendition of the late great John Coltrane’s “Impressions”, which is very impressive. Another very noteworthy and highly anticipated track is Alfonzo’s tribute to the late great entertainer, Michael Jackson.

The impressive “Impressions” is a very progressive take on the John Coltrane classic jazz standard. Mr. Blackwell plays the all the live instruments on this piece and in addition to that, he also arranged, produced, engineered and mixed the groundbreaking track as well. It takes soul and masterful improvisation to pull this off with a bundle of God given gifts of talent. “When you give your complete heart and soul to your music, the rest is already written. It’s a spiritual thing so I let the music drive my ambition, at that point.” Alfonzo states in response to the acknowledged complexity of taking on this musical odyssey. “Coltrane’s spiritual and musical tour de force will always live inside of me and inspire future generations to come. His legacy will remain strong and vital. His raw genius is truly one of a kind. Coltrane is Jazz.”

The epic, "MJ" is an original heart-wrenching tribute song and power-ballad 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 will leave the listener wanting more. A part of MJ was channeled in the making of this brilliant piece. Alfonzo says, "Michael Jackson used his voice in so many ways as an instrument like that of a saxophone, bass, guitar and even a 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." Blackwell takes an instrumental approach to capture the sounds of the human voice that is reverent to Miles Davis’ approach to the legend’s “Human Nature” classic masterpiece.

Throughout his career, Alfonzo Blackwell has worked with and developed great relationships with many leaders and experts in the music and entertainment world. Grammy winner and music legend James Mtume stated, “The truth needs to be told, just as this CD is needed to be heard” about his previous released, “Sax You Down” album. Alfonzo was featured playing the theme song at the end of each episode alongside of David Hasselhoff for the Baywatch Nights TV Series which was also featured on his self-titled sophomore project. In between tapings, David Hasselhoff requested to hear Alfonzo play accapella on the set. Hasselhoff said, "There's so much sweet soul coming out of your horn, you can really play that thing..." Alfonzo has been counseled by legendary Business Manager, Bert Padell and Entertainment Attorney L. Londell McMillan who among many others have praised Alfonzo’s artistry to name a few.

Alfonzo Blackwell Discography
“Quintet: Portrait of Alfonzo Blackwell” (2010)
“Dance To This” (2008)
“Sax You Down” (2004)
“Reflections” (2001)
“The Time Is Now” (2000)
“Body of Soul” (1998)
“Alfonzo Blackwell” (1996)
“Let’s Imagine” (1995)

###