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Chris Alson Tracey: When and where did you start singing? Chris: In the spring of 1992, I became a member of the group MCSC (Mi Casa Su Casa). I was doing a show for a local radio station in Miami and met up what would be the other members of the group. When they heard me sing, they asked if I would be a part of MCSC. I was a little hesitant at first, but I found we had the same goals and aspirations and I thought it was a great opportunity to have a 3-man group with different ethnic origins. Tracey: Has it always been your dream or aspirations to be a singer? Chris: Definitely. Ever since I was 5, I was always imitating Michael Jackson. But it wasn’t until my first year of college that my vocal teacher made me realize I had the potential to become a professional singer. I then began to network a very untapped Miami market. Tracey: When did you get your big break? Describe how you felt? Chris: My big break came when we (MCSC) auditioned for Freestyle artist Stevie B’s record label in 1992, after Hurricane Andrew. He not only signed us to do an album, but he also took us on tour with him around the world as well as the US. I felt like all the hard work had finally paid off and I was ready to make my dream a reality. I clocked in and went to work. Tracey: If you weren’t a singer what would you do? Chris: The same thing I’m doing now. Accounting. I’ve always been good at math. Ever since college, all the jobs I had related to numbers--sales, banking, and now a staff accountant. I guess part of me was meant to handle the finances in my home and abroad. Tracey: Who have been your influences and inspirations in the music industry? Chris: Wow! There are so many. My first choice would have to be Stevie Wonder. People never stop to think how much a blind recording artist could open another’s eyes to notice life and all associated with it. Believe it or not, Marc Anthony is the other. If not for him and his music, I never would’ve had the desire or the confidence to sing in Spanish. Tracey: If
there was anyone in your family that you could say has given you the
Chris: My father. He’s always believed in me and told me I had the talent to become successful in this industry, however long it took. He also had the same opportunity to become a recording artist with a “Doo-wop” group, but he chose to have a family instead. So in essence, what I do in music is a tribute to my father. Tracey: Is it challenging singing in both English and Spanish? If so, how do you cope? Chris: Very challenging. You just have to remember what song you’re singing at all times. But no matter what language you are singing in, your heart is what always interprets the lyrics. Tracey: Have you ever lost your train of thought and uttered words in Spanish when you were suppose to be singing in English and vice-a-versa? Chris: No. I can’t say that I’ve ever experienced that. I hope I don’t either. Tracey: Are you more comfortable singing in Spanish or English? Chris: English is much more comfortable, singing and writing because its my first language. The one thing I do regret is not learning Spanish when I was younger. But I’ve learned the “natural” way by speaking Spanish around my friends and family more often. My wife has also been a tremendous help with my Spanish. I owe a lot to her. Tracey: When are you your happiest? Chris: When I’m on stage. Especially when my wife and family are in the audience and when the NY Mets play in the World Series!!! Tracey: LOL! What types of music interest you the most? Chris: Salsa,
Latin Pop, English Pop and R&B. Salsa most of all because I’m still
being educated on all the “Old School Salseros” and the music from their
eras. The more I listen to artists like Hector Lavoe, Tito Puente,
Celia Cruz, Willie Chirino, Willie Colon, El Gran Combo, Oscar D’Leon,
and Johhny Pacheco (just to name a few), the more I crave to have that
history in my blood and in my soul. There is still much to learn
about the heart and soul of Salsa. Tracey: Do you play any instruments? If so, which ones? Chris: Not really. But I’m a great Air Drummer!! Tracey: I know a few air musicians. I’ll add you to the list…LOL! How do you cope with being on the road and away from family? Chris: Well, I haven’t yet had to be away from my wife and kids for a long period of time yet. But when I do miss them, a phone call is a great band-aid. Tracey: When did you officially join “The Marc Anthony Band?” Chris: My first show was “The Intimate Evening with KTU” at the Theater at MSG (Madison Square Garden). Hopefully, that won’t be the last. Tracey: I have a feeling there will be many more shows in your future. How did that come about? Chris: Bobby Allende and I have been friends for about 2 years now, and when Cleto Escobedo went on to do the “Jimmy Kimmel Show,” he called me and asked if I was interested in singing for Marc. My exact response was “when do I leave?” Tracey: How does it feel being the new kid on the block so to speak? Chris: It’s always a little awkward, but the band really made me feel at home. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again. Tracey: Besides singing with Marc Anthony, what other great artist have you performed with? Chris: George Lamond & Stevie B (that list is short). I was on tour with Stevie B from 1993 to 1996. We’ve done shows in five different countries and all over the US. This was my first experience traveling abroad doing something I absolutely loved. In 1997, I met up with George Lamond just as he was recording his first Salsa album “Entrega.” We’ve been friends ever since. Tracey: If there were one person you would love to perform with, whom would that be and why? Chris: Marc Anthony hands down. We have almost the same vocal range and we both put our heart and soul into singing. Tracey: Looks like we have a fan among us!!! LOL! Have you played outside the USA and if so what one place would you love to visit and perform all over again? Chris: I’ve played in Canada, Germany, Japan, Brazil and Indonesia. Of all those places, Brazil was the most fun. The time it takes for music to arrive there is about 5 years after the US. When Stevie B arrived there for the first time, it was like The Jackson 5 coming to town. They went absolutely bananas. Freestyle music was and still is so popular there it’s unbelievable. We were mobbed every time we did a show. So much that we had to have bodyguards everywhere we went. And I’ll be the first to say that everything you hear about Rio de Janiero is true. That is one wild city!! Tracey: Do you have any projects that you are working on outside of performing with Marc? If so, what can we expect? Chris: Yes. I’m currently working on a Latin project that incorporates Salsa, Pop and Rock. We’re calling it “Tropi-rock.” Catchy, huh? Well, to be honest, I’m not sure what to expect!! It’s really something new and full of energy. Think of a combination of a rock band and a salsa band. That pretty much sums it up! Tracey: Hmmm sounds interesting. How would you describe your own personal sound? Chris: I’d have to say along the lines of Marc’s range, but a little R&B mix. (Of course, no one can match his vocal chords!) Tracey: So many of us love to sing and we do it everyday, unfortunately not with the same ease as you, if you could give aspiring singer words of encouragement what would you say? Chris: Never give up. And whenever you get the opportunity to sing, go for it. No matter if there are 2 or 2000 people in that audience. You never know who’s out there listening. Tracey: What is the nicest thing that a fan or admirer has ever done for you? Chris: Bought my album. That tells me they enjoyed the music enough to listen to it over and over. That’s very flattering to me. Tracey: Is there something you would like to tell your admirers about yourself that they don’t already know? Chris: Yes. I’ll never be too busy or too famous to say hello or shake someone’s hand. I’m very down to earth and intend to stay that way. McDonalds anyone???
Discography MCSC MCSC Stevie B George Lamond George Lamond Eddie Santiago George Lamond Urban Society (Robert
Clivilles)
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