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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) |
