Akbar : You have also composed music themes for several movies and TV shows, but your main success in this genre was the co-writing of the relentless famous “Baywatch Nights” Theme. Is it so different from composing for jazz? How did you come up writing for movies and TV shows?
Alfonzo : Yes, I’ve been very fortunate to join in collaborating with some of the best in the business. I got the call from my first record label that they wanted me to work on some theme music projects. It’s different but yet at the same time jazz composition is the foundation of everything I do musically. What’s key and is very important is to know your audience and know what the project calls for. It comes to me organically when I’m in the studio. I usually get rough-cut video footage of the project, which gives me layers of inspiration to work off of. There is always a sense of drama in all theme music, so I always incorporate various textures and layers of drama.
Akbar : In 1999, you decided to make an important move in your career by creating your own label “Utopia Records” and producing your own music. Why such a choice?
Alfonzo : Well Akbar, I had been in the music business for over 4 years at that point and I learned so many valuable lessons about the business and music production and decided to start my own record label and deliver a sound that is unique onto its own. I felt that it was the right time for me to do so. So, I did it.
Akbar : Interestingly your sister Brenetta Blackwell is a staff member of the label. What does she bring to the recording company?
Alfonzo : Brenetta has been my rock throughout my entire music career. It’s always been my pleasure to work with her. We’re very close. She brings 20 years of legal and business management experience to the company. She’s the VP of Utopia Records and is also in charge of artist development and styling as well. She’s incredibly knowledgeable.
Akbar : You do not seem only to think in terms of business music and entertainment, but you seem also keen on social issues, as you are part of the Artist Empowerment Coalition. What is your role within this coalition and what do you expect to achieve generally speaking?
Alfonzo : I’m on the board of directors of the AEC. I speak at various seminars, panels and conventions with the founder, L. Londell McMillan, P.C. and other members. The coalition was formed to empower artists to know their rights and gain respect and fair treatment at their record labels. Generally speaking it’s important for the artist to educate themselves with more than just the music and creative process because at the end of the day the music industry is a business. As an artist, my voice is relating directly to other artists so I’m able to reach them and make that connection.
Akbar : When composing your own music, what does inspire you and how do you go through the whole record making process?
Alfonzo : Life inspires me. Life is rhythmic and I find the “music” in life when I compose. I write my music in various ways. When I play my piano, a melody may just pour out or I may be doing something non-musical and a melody may just come to me. In those cases, I keep that melody going in my mind until I can get to my studio to expand on the song idea.
Akbar : Your latest CD “Dance to This” is a balanced choice between up-tempo groovy tracks and more mid-tempo ballads. How did the musical project come to fruition?
Alfonzo : I wanted to write a CD that inspired people to dance to smooth jazz. Half way through the project, I knew that I had something here. The feedback was overwhelmingly great.
Akbar : On the album there are appearances from two female musicians you have signed on your label: flutist Shana Kaye and sax girl Rebecca Buxton. What are your label’s strategies for the future? Signing more artists for instance?
Alfonzo : Yes, signing more artists is definitely what we are working on. I always keep watch of new and fresh talent. Utopia Records is a unique label that strives for excellent recordings from talented musicians that are true to their art form. Like in the days of Barry Gordy with Motown, Utopia Records has its own unique sound.
Akbar : You have been dubbed “The Man with the Big Arms” and you appear as such on some of your CD covers. Is it a question of image?
Alfonzo : It’s not a question of image…I mean don’t get me wrong, I do believe in the importance of image. What I mean is that being in shape has been a life-long discipline for me. Growing up, I won several 1st place prizes in tri-state body building competitions, so I always maintained an intense workout routine and it’s a very important part of my life. Some may know that I once considered becoming a professional body builder but the love and passion for music changed my career path (laughs).
Akbar : Will you be touring shortly to support your CD “Dance to This”?
Alfonzo : Yes, that’s right. I’m bringing the “Dance to This” Tour to the U.S. territories and abroad. Although I love recording, performing and being on stage and entertaining hundreds to thousands of music lovers is really the best!
Akbar : What are your next musical projects?
Alfonzo : I’m currently working on Rebecca Buxton and Shana Kaye’s debut projects for Utopia Records. We’re all very excited at the label about these projects.
Akbar : Thanks so much for your time, dear Alfonzo and we hope that everybody will “Dance to This”.
Alfonzo: Thanks again, Akbar. I really appreciate the support from you and smoothjazznow.com! Take care.
Read more on Alfonzo Blackwell
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July 1, 2008 - Guitarist Jay Soto will perform live at the “First Annual Night of Jazz and Fashion on August 30, 2008 at the Hermosa Beach Community Theatre, in Hermosa Beach, California. 
June 30, 2008 - In a recent concert in New York Stevie Wonder confirmed his support to the Democrats' Presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama. 
June 26, 2008 – Oh, this was the stuff made for movies. Elton John, who most people in the industry knew was gay, marries a woman. It was only a matter of time before everyone knew the whole thing was a sham. 
June 27, 2008 - Wayman Tisdale is back and has rebounded from bone cancer which was diagnosed last year. In February 2007, after breaking his leg in his home, further tests discovered bone cancer. 
June 29, 2008 – Janet Jackson wants to be a fashion designer. The famous "wardrobe malfunction" singer might be forgetting that we haven’t forgotten Super Bowl 38 in 2004. 
June 26, 2008 – Sure, winning a Grammy is cool but being Sexiest Vegetarian has to be a close second. Leona Lewis and Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer, Anthony Keidis, have just received the honor or curious distinction from PETA.
