Alfonso James at the early age of 7 started playing piano for the family and church at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was the first youth to be nominated to sing with the James Cleveland Mass Choir in Louisiana. He accomplished at an early age what it would take an adult many years, to sing with such a prestigious group.
From there, he and his sib- lings formed a group called Seven Soul Winners and opened for Danibelle Hall and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Alfonso was born in Lafayette, LA and his grandmother nurtured and encouraged this beautiful voice to develop into the great sound of music that comes from him. He is inspired with dedication and determination to continue his dream of being an artist, performer, writer, and producer, all of which he does so well. Alfonso also works with children, instructing them in voice and beginning music theory.
Alfonso has traveled and perform in Georgia, Florida, Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, Chicago, Illinois and Cleveland, Ohio just to name a few of the places he has touched with his wonderful sound. Alfonso moved to Cleveland to perform with Perfect Ele- ment for two years. He also opened for Levert, Champayne, and a female group, 4 Shades of Harmony and toured the East Coast in the early 90’s. Alfonso then join another group called Turbulence, playing jazz, funk, rock, and some clas- sical music and had the opportunity to open for Prince in New Orleans while touring. Alfonso also produced and wrote for both groups mentioned above
. After a year, Alfonso joined harmony with a group the called themselves For U2 See, and made an appearance on Showtime Apollo. The group also did a showcase for Boys II Men’s road manager. For U2 See had and old school and new school sound and perfect harmony developed by Al- fonso. In 2002, Alfonso opened for Glenn Jones in Houston, Texas, performing many of the perfected sounds from his CD, including “Stay Tonight”, “Anxious”, “Meet me Halfway”, and “Perfect Rose”. Alfonso recently performed in Las Ve- gas at the MGM for a Labor Day weekend along side such artist as Mary J. Blige and Toni Braxton.
Lisa: Hey Jfons! You’ve started doing music at an early age. What music did you listen at the time, and did you always know you were going to be a musician?
Jfons: Started doing music at age seven Playing Piano @ Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Our parents only let us listen to only gospel music but Always knowing I was going to be a musician couldn’t be helped Music was the soul and joy of my family it ran in my( DNA) My grandmother did work with Mahalia Jackson and grandfather played guitar and blues.
Lisa: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Jfons: Adult Contemporary but never staying in one lane what that said the verdict is still out cause with my musical background in all platform from Gospel, Jazz, Smooth country,R&B and Pop Also Classical trained pianist.
Lisa: What is your creative process like?
Jfons: Next feeling the melody that is satisfying collaborating with lyrics creating a song
Lisa: What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?
Jfons: Just see how my fans and new fans gravitate toward my music, young and older fans and the joy of having a career you can enjoy each day Jesus has bless you with.
When I wrote a country pop song party for two as you may know country music industry has yet to embrace Black country music artist fully but things slowly changing.
Lisa: Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?
Jfons: My Favorite Artist rather to Inspire me and my Music:Stevie Wonder, Steve Perry, Bruno Mars and HerbieHancock.
Artist I Would love to Work With (Future) Stevie Wonder, Steve Perry John Legend and Adele
Lisa: I love your song “Slow it down”. Where did you get inspiration to write it?
Jfons: “Slow it down” Basically about this female I see every morning in a little coffee shop I always try to get her attention she say hello and smile but always in a rush until one day I just ask her to slow it down I wanna talk to you asking her out than later impressing her the Song (Slow it Down).
Lisa: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Jfons: Medical Field” I have a certification in Meds I love helping people.
Lisa: How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
Jfons: Internet has impacted my music career. who covid19 in a year had no live performance with my team and I had to focus more on social media. I came from doing more live shows. I’m blessed to have a good team.
Lisa: What does your curiosity look like? How do you explore things?
Jfons:My curiosity is always having an open mind to learn new things be it music or what is going on in the world.
Lisa: At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?
Jfons: First I hope they like what I’m doing and the inspiration of what I’ve created in my music hopefully @ the end of the day brighting day (Smile)
Lisa: What’s next for Jfons?
Jfons: Finishing up my album,going on European Tour France is a big market still for me with my 80′ SONG How Close with group Clastlyle Still number one also on you tube one single selling over $2000.00 Check it out Still keeping my music real And loving Jesus and life all my blessing.
Thank you!
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