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Igniting the stage with pure, intense musical energy is a natural concept to The "Viosocalist", Brooke Alford. Known for her rich, warm-bodied tone and excellent facility on the violin, Brooke immediately draws her audience to her sound. Her electrifying energy and presence instantly command the stage. With a musical background rooted in the European Classical tradition and influenced by the innovative world of Jazz and R&B, Brooke is ready to explore new heights of musical artistry. What does Brooke's title, 'Viosocalist', mean? A 'Viosocalist' is a violin player whose playing soulfully sings on the violin. This is an original title that was inspired by Atlanta Executive Producer, Doug Brown in 2007. Brooke delivers a unique expression of soulful, yet smooth vocal qualities on the violin. As a southern girl from Aberdeen, North Carolina, Brooke was constantly exposed to her Father's favorite music: country, rock, and R&B music. At the same time, her Mother, a classical pianist and music educator, taught her piano at age 5 after Brooke had "played around" with the piano at age 3. In addition to an interest in the piano, Brooke also had an interest in dance. She began interpreting various musical rhythms by dancing. The sound of music and rhythm brought overwhelming excitement to Brooke, and she couldn't help but clap, stomp, and sing! In 1990, Brooke and her family moved to Marietta, Georgia. Although piano and dance studies continued, she nurtured a strong desire to express herself through another musical instrument. It always lingered in her mind. The violin was that instrument. The vibrant sounds of the violin were like none other to Brooke. Instantly, she knew that this was the instrument to expand her musical horizon. She began violin studies by the age of 10 and the rest is history! Since that day, artists such as Leila Josefowicz, Regina Carter, "Stuff" Smith, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, as well as her music teachers, friends, and mentors have influenced and shaped her musical mind forever. The fruit of her life's musical journeys and adventures is creatively reflected throughout her debut album, 'Expressions.' This unique collection of original compositions and arrangements reflects a fresh, contemporary approach to the violin through jazz, classical, R&B and more. On the Atlanta music scene, Brooke performs regularly with, National Recording Smooth Jazz Saxophonist, Antoine Knight and The Sophisticated Strings String Quartet. Brooke has also shared the stage with jazz and funk violinist, Michael Ward; 'Atlanta's Electric Violinist', Ken Ford; nationally recognized Hip-Hop violinist, Ashanti Floyd a.k.a "The Mad Violinist"; The HudsonOnBass Band; nationally acclaimed Smooth Jazz Saxophonist, Antonio Allen, and National Recording Jazz Trumpeter, Joey Summerville. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: -The Atlanta Jazz Festival on "The Future of Jazz' Stage (featured with Antoine Knight) -The Suwannee Jazz Festival (featured with Antoine Knight) -South Woodstock Music Festival- Tallahassee, FL -Jazz Beat Promotions at Sambuca Jazz Café -Atlanta, GA (featured with Antoine Knight) -The AABJ Awards (Atlanta Association of Black Journalists)-(featured with Antoine Knight) -Private Parties for Courvoisier, Level Vodka, and the BET Awards -TV appearance for the MLK Celebration hosted by the Cobb County Chapter of NAACP -BRAVO TV, "House wives of Atlanta" reality series, airing June 2008 -The Black Women in Film Project Awards Ceremony -The Allie Awards Ceremony -Radio interview with Brian Clay on Atlanta's Praise 97.5 -Special Guest Artist for Praise 97.5's 2nd Annual "Gospel Jazz Live!" Outdoor Concert at Villa Christina.
