Aussie singing sensation, Alfio, dazzles America
For me, the discovery of this rare talented singer took place last year, while attending a large Italian festival in the heart of Silicon Valley. I heard a voice singing on a distant stage, a voice like no other I have heard before, at least not in person, and I rushed right to it... to put a face with the voice. What I found was the combination of a perfect blending of voice and musical talent.. all coming from one, tall, dark and handsome singer, whom not only has the best voice in the business but is also an expert music maker and writer as well.
One of his songs that has made a world wide impact is, “Il Mondo” a song about world peace , love and much hope! He has many, many more songs, I’ll get to these a little later. Alfio’s story is not unlike most Italian singers who where discovered early on while singing in their local church. But Alfio did confide to me that his first singing experience was actually performed at age 7 while singing on the stump of an Australian Gum Tree.
Since Alfio is known for his rye sense of humor, we will take that information with a grain of salt! As a youngster, Alfio was already playing an electronic keyboard, which he took to church with him one day and played it like a cathedral organ filling the rafters with his music and songs. It didn’t take long before young girls were showing up to church just to hear Alfio sing.
“I didn’t know if I should feel guilty or happy over it! Says the handsome Aussi.
Alfio is the youngest of five children in his family who all play a musical instruments or sing. Alfio says music is a strong bond between his family members, who never fail to interact in that wonderful musical way. But, he’s quick to say, playing for family is one thing and marketing your music to the public is quite another. It’s a lot more difficult task these days then it was in the days of Sinatra or even Boocelli.
Today it’s all about adapting with the times and doing the things that you need to do to get to reach your audience, According to Alfio, even major recording labels have felt the pinch and have been forced to adapt. The use of social network forums like “facebook” is invaluable to the performer. Few, if any, artists can make it without the social contact of a facebook page.
Alfio is the first to say that the video portion of a CD is an important part in the selling of a song or CD album. He has heard fans say they bought the CD because they loved the video so much.
It makes me wonder if a great voice is enough to sell recordings these days. Alfio explains it this way, he
believes that music appeals to only one of our human senses, while a music video appeals to both sight and sound, so natural- ly a good video is always going to compliment a good song. He says both video and music need to go hand in hand to create a successful sound. It’s not always as easy as one may think, a lot of work has to go on between the liaising of the producers ideas and that of the artist. A story line can change many times before everyone agrees on the theme. Alfio has a website that shows some of the behind the scenes action while filming his current hit album,”Tutta Italiana” www.alfiomusic.com check it out!
Speaking of his new album, Alfio has just informed me that his latest, “Tutta Italiana” was released this past April 1st, 2011 and is available for ordering now .
This album is especially close to Alfio's heart beause he has included some of his original songs which have gained world acclaim. “Il Nostro Sogno has recently been recorded by two other artists, Riaan Junter in South Africa and a trio group in Canada called Trois”.
This makes a composer want to write more and more songs for the world, says Alfio, it just proves music is the international language.
Alfio is on tour right now, and will be winding up a visit to Australia soon and then returning to the USA. The singer has a soft spot in his heart for California, he likes it’s easy going people and generous fans.
Alfio's fans can check his website for mailing list about upcoming shows and other exciting news.
Like most Italian men Alfio loves to cook, and insists he makes a great Ragu sauce!! He loves to eat his spaghetti with a fork twirling it in a spoon and spinning it crazily in his dish sauce splashing in all directions.
Alfio says the best part is knowing the warmth and tradition behind these Old World recipes and the sence of love and nostalgia they bring to him. The tastes, smells, music and passion are all a part of his treasured Italian heritage.
Alfio believes that someday his children and their children will always know these inherited tastes and traditions and experience the same wonderful plate of pasta that his grandparents would make. He believes this is the way to keep our traditions alive and as strong as the very blood that runs through our veins.
Before I close my article on Alfio, I must tell you that I went out and purchased his latest CD “Tutta Italiana”....well, I have just about worn the Cd out , playing it over and over...this is a CD unlike any other Italian American singer's CD. From the incredible soul touching version ‘Ave Maria” to the fanciful “Gelosia” and the powerful " O Surdato Nnammueado". you will hear Alfio play the piano, and Guitar like a master. Ladies you will fall in love with the magic of his music!
This is one, super talented Italian... who by the way makes his home in New York when he isn't in Australia!
Does that make him an Italian-American-Australian? Sounds good to me!
