Jazz violinist Brooke Alford, who calls herself the “Artist of the Violin,” delivered a free “Jam Session” performance outside Kilby Hall (WVAS-FM) at noon, alongside students from Alabama State University’s music department. The performance, which was open to the public, highlighted Alford’s deep connection to the university.
Alford is one of today’s leading contemporary jazz violinists, recognized for her smooth, soulful and vocal-like sound that has earned her the title “The Viosocalist.” Originally from Aberdeen, North Carolina, and now based in Atlanta, Georgia, Alford has gained attention with her latest smooth jazz singles, featured on her album “Heaven on Earth.”
Since the beginning of her career in 2007, she has become an R&B/Soul Jazz charting artist and a 2022 Smooth Jazz Network Breakout Artist Nominee. As a Recording Academy Voting Member and a Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Listee, she continues to push boundaries in her field.
Alford has independently released two LPs and two EPs under her company, Alford Enterprises & Entertainment Group, LLC. Her second EP, “The Viosocalist,” was produced under The Platinum Crown Music Independent label. Her work debuted nationally in 2018 with the smooth jazz single “Closer,” featuring award-winning artist Bob Baldwin. With a distinctive style that blends smooth jazz, R&B, hip-hop, reggae and classical influences, Alford continues to carve a unique path in the music industry.
Reflecting on her experience, Alford shared, “Coming to Montgomery and Alabama State University is like coming home. It’s homecoming, and it already holds a special place in my heart because Alabama State has shown so much love and is always so embracing. From the President’s Gala last year to site visits a few months ago to today, it’s been wonderful.”
Alford emphasized the value of working with the university’s music students during the session and a master class earlier in the day. She commended their dedication and hunger to excel, adding that “hunger is needed, especially when you’re learning music and want to be great. You’ve got to keep wanting it.”
With over 17 years of professional experience and 31 years of playing the violin, Alford spoke about the importance of sharing her experiences with the younger generation of musicians, helping them navigate their journey with more maturity and wisdom.
“I make sure to express gratitude every day,” Alford said, explaining how her daily meditation and focus on self-development keeps her grounded. “Just like a phone needs to be recharged, as artists, we need solitude and stillness to recharge and give thanks, so we can be of good service through our music.”
Her performance and words resonated with both students and attendees, marking another memorable moment in the university’s homecoming celebrations.
Milton Sheridan, the program director of WVAS-FM, shared the origins of the “Live at Lunch” series, explaining that it stemmed from a successful Jazz Appreciation Month Jam Session last April.
“My boss decided that was a good idea, so we should carry on and do ‘Live at Lunch,’” Sheridan said. Since then, the station has hosted live lunchtime performances once a month. While the series ended a couple of months ago, Sheridan noted that this particular performance, featuring Alford during homecoming week, was a special edition of the “Live at Lunch” series.
Sheridan expressed his hopes for what listeners and attendees would take away from the event. “Number one, WVAS-FM is here, and we’re going to be here forever,” he said. “Number two, they’ll get to enjoy some good music, meet some good people and fellowship.”
As a jazz station and the voice of the university, WVAS-FM has long championed live and local music, and this homecoming event was no exception. Sheridan highlighted that the drummer for Alford is a university graduate, adding, “We have always championed music, local music and live music. So, that’s part of what we do and what we love to do.”
