By Felecia Ford
The last time I heard this month’s Spotlight artist Alfred Thompson playing his saxophone, he was on the Teatro Angela Peralta stage playing with his stellar group, The Alfred Thompson Sax Project alongside Doug Robinson and Gabriel Hernandez, both on grand pianos and the audience was on the edge of their seats all night; I know I was.
FF: Thank you so much Alfred for taking the time to answer my questions. Can you tell us where you are from and when you started playing music?
Alfred: I am Cuban. At the age of 12 I started playing the Saxophone and music in general, at the School of Arts in the city of Camagüey. I graduated in 1981 and then began my career as a professional playing with different types of bands.
FF: It was playing in some of these bands that led you to multiple Grammy nominations as well as a Grammy award, can you tell us a little bit about that?
Alfred: My first nomination to Latin Grammys was at the end of the 1990s with the album "Yemayá" with the famous Irakere band, lead by the famous pianist Chucho Valdés. The prize was in 2004 with the album, "Good brothers" with the orchestra of the famous Ibrahim Ferrer. Being nominated is an important recognition for any artist and being awarded is a blessing.
FF: Absolutely. You had another Grammy nomination as well didn’t you?
Alfred: In 2019 we were nominees with Cuban Sax Quintet with our first album “Saxophones Live Sessions”. In the 2001 Buena Vista Social Club in the Orchestra of Ibrahim Ferrer and 2003 to 2005, I was the director of the Diva Orchestra del Buena Vista 'Omara Portuondo' which was an honor for me.
FF: You have surely accomplished something very special. Another one of your greatest accomplishments is being a father.
Alfred: My son Freddy is a saxophonist too, but he is also a multi instrumentalist playing guitar and piano very well. We played together for the first time at his graduation last year. We played a saxophone quintet, a tango of my authorship and it was very exciting for me.
FF: I’ve heard Freddy and you play together and he’s definitely following in your footsteps. What are some of your projects together?
Alfred: I have the Thompson Sax Project here in San Miguel de Allende. We just finished two shows for Cine Bacco Concert Series. Also, my son and I are Dueto con Los Thompson at Mama Mia’s every Monday and Tuesday this month and next. Lastly, I am in a Cuban Sax Quintet that performs international tours. This year we traveled in February and April to Russia.
FF: We are so fortunate to get to see you in SMA, it’s always such a treat to hear you and witness your level of musicianship - it’s inspiring. I have heard you play your Cuban jazz original compositions, it’s great! What other styles do you like playing?
Alfred: I had a classical training background. I like all kinds of music as long as they have quality. I know Cuban music well and some Latino genres, but I am also a jazzista and I love Brazilian music.
FF: As far as I’m concerned you are a master in the Cuban/Latin jazz realm. Your ability to cross genres is admirable. Speaking of other genres, I’m so honored you and your son will be featured saxophonists for our upcoming Soul Flame benefit concert at Casa Cochran.
Alfred: I will gladly play in the Felecia Ford Soul show benefit on November 8. My son Freddy and I, support and collaborate with the necessary development of the music here in San Miguel. Music is infinite, for all, from my soul; music and love.
FF: You have your heart in the right place. This benefit is for a very needy community just outside of town. We will be collecting items for Christmas gifts for them and their children. It’s a beautiful thing that we can turn playing music into helping others!
Thank you for being a music maker, a love and joy giver and for inspiring the next generation of musicians in our city and beyond to follow their passions. Our many congratulations on a beautiful career so far Señor Alfred Thompson.
Alfred Thompson Events:
November 8th: Concert Benefit with Felecia Ford y Soul Flame. Go to Feleciafordmusic.com for more info.
Every Monday and Tuesday 8:00-10:00pm Dueto con Los Thompson with Alfred and Freddy Thompson, at Mama Mia’s
Every Friday and Saturday playing Grupo de Salsa from 10:30pm-12:30am - Mama Mia’s
For more on Alfred Thompson follow him on Facebook or go see him live!
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