Alfie Zappacosta - Lead vocals, nylon string guitar
Silvio Pupo - piano
Claudio Vena - viola, accordion
Danny Sutherland - upright bass, electric bass
Steve Hoy- Drums, Percussion
Zappacosta also performs as a duo and trio.
Influences
Alfie is influenced by the great Italian singers, the likes of Domenico Modugnio. His pop success combined with the love of great singers produces a unique approach to his writing, his vocals and his guitar playing.
He's a lot of things to a lot of people - rock to some, smooth to others, AC to many. Alfie is established enough that he's just Alfie - an incredibly gifted talent beyond any genre tag.
He has long been considered one of the best vocal talents in Canada, yet we know very little about Alfie Zappacosta and his music. Sure you know his chart topping singles, Nothing Can Stand in Your Way, Passion, When I Fall in Love Again, We Should Be Lovers (plus many more), and the fact that he has two JUNOs and an American Music Awards for his contribution of Overload to the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack, but how much do you really know about the artist himself?
Alfie Zappacosta has a distinguished career and still today, he continues to write compelling lyric and melody. Yes Alfie Zappacosta is a songwriter! He is also an accomplished guitarist, premier vocalist and actor. In 1995, Zappacosta left his pop stardom behind to pursue a more intimate style of writing and performing.
The roots of his new sound started when Zappacosta began playing solo before crowds at a Toronto club. Playing only guitar, he explored new harmonies and melodies, later combing rootsy elements such as harmonica and accordion, which eventually manifested itself in a contemporary Jazz/AC sound. “The difficult part was finding an audience that was willing to sit and listen to my songs.” states Zappacosta. I had to believe that a legitimate artist was allowed to grow and could be appreciated and accepted for producing music that was heartfelt and not what the industry felt was appropriate for the times.”
“The older I got, the more uncomfortable I became.” Zappacosta confesses. “There were always elements of what is on the current project in my music. I wanted to get back into a form of music that I knew I was not only capable of doing but also a style of music that would fulfill me both artistically and spiritually. I realized that chasing down fads is really a losing proposition.” His passion for beautiful melodies and grand songs manifested into four stunning CD's - Innocence Ballet, Dark Sided Jewel, Start Again, Bonafide and his brand new CD – At the Church at Berkeley!.
For more information- www.iamzappacosta.com
Alfie, It will be a real treat for those able to attend your shows in TO this upcoming January - to have the chance to experience you on stage with Janet MacEwan (whose voice is wonderful) performing with and singing some of your songs.
I was just watching Much More Music, and to my surprise, they played the We Should Be Lovers video, complete with the fantastic jello fight. I remember when they called it the worst video of 1984 a couple years back..... they had it all wrong. I just thought I'd let you know that it's still in rotation, hahaha.
Enjoying the intimate atmosphere of Hugh's for the first time ever (priceless); meeting some of Alfie's 'family of fans' (priceless); surprising Alfie (priceless); not surprised by the fantastic show (priceless). You Make Me Smile With My Heart Alfie. Bless you.
Hi Alfie, great job at Hugh's Room last night! I don't know if you remember the conversation but I told you that "you touched me...all over" lol!...your music that is. lol :D The wine didn't let that one come out right. hehe See you at Carmen's...I hope Claudio is with you.
thanks for the add.i have loved your music for years keep up the good work. my favorite songs of your's nothing can standin your way and you belong to me.keep on rockin'.
Hello Alfie, it was a true pleasure for my wife and I to be able to see you again on Friday the 11th of July at Hugh's Room. It is always a treat to be able to see you up-close-and-personal in a venue like Hugh's Room.
You were in your usual finest form and the 3 standing ovations you received, asking for encores were amply deserved. It's probably a difficult thing to try and please all your fans, your repertoire is so vast, spanning many successful years.
It was flattering to see that you recognized me from the many times we come and see you. Don't worry, my 'cousin' Joe looks a lot like me, plus you meet so many people. Next time I'll wear a name tag :)
Me, hubby and our 2 oldest (12 and 10 - guitar players) are going to Hugh's Room in July to see you. This will be our oldest son's 2nd time seeing you. The first time, he was only 8. You were his first concert.
Thank you so much for the add! I told you I was a fan! (smile) Your voice is just spectacular; so much texture it's amazing. Keep up the good work, I'll be listening!
Hello Alfie! I am a huge fan of all your work from the beginning up to now.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed your show this past Saturday (16th of Feb.) at Hugh's Room; you were in fine form as always! I was the bald guy with the attractive blonde lady in the front row.
I hope you did not mind when I requested "Simple Words". I know it would be impossible for you to play all the songs from your incredibly extensive and varied repertoire.
A fantastic performance! Thank you for visiting Toronto every so often and letting us enjoy your immense talent.