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Alvon ’s introduction to music came very early in life. His mother, the daughter of a Baptist Preacher, sang in her fathers church. Billed as the Francis Sisters, Alvon’s mother and aunts, were very popular in Texas in the Forty’s. She also played the accordion with the group. She passed her love of music on to Alvon , encouraging him to play a musical instrument and percussions. His talent was evident from the very beginning. He chose singing and playing guitar for his career path. His early influences were Guitar players such as Wes Montgomery, Andre Segovia, Charlie Christian, and of course Jimi Hendrix .As Alvon grew musically he began listening to Blues greats such as Albert King, BB King and Buddy Guy. While attending Portland State University in Portland Oregon, Alvon once again explored his rhythmic roots and started playing the Conga Drum. His flamboyant style caught the attention of "Master of Drums" Babatunde Olatunji, a virtuoso of West African percussion. He studied with Olantunji for a while and through that encounter he connected and toured with the West African Highlife group "New World Afrika". While still in school in Portland Alvon was well known in the Pacific Northwest for his music and musicianship.. He wrote dynamic scores for documentary films, hosted a top rated radio show in Eugene Oregon, wrote creative music for several plays in Portland and Eugene Oregon, he sang with the top Big Band at that time, The Jim Little Orchestra, and worked with many of the local funk bands. Seeking to broaden his musical horizons, Alvon relocated to the Los Angeles area in 1980. He was immediately drawn to the heavily competitive music environment and thrived in it, rubbing shoulders with what were his idols at the time, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, The Gap Band and Wayne Newton just to name a few. In this particular music scene, Alvon experienced a metamorphosis as a Professional Musician. Studio work, touring and club work all helped to shape him into the great performer he is today. Alvon worked with comedians such as Renaldo Rey, Robin Harris, Skillet and Leroy, and Lawanda Paige (Aunt Ester), from the Redd Foxx show. Having the opportunity to watch these outstanding comedians perform, influenced the development of Alvon ‘s own special sense of humor. Throughout his career he has performed with many well known artists, including The Drifters, The Shirelles, Bobby Day of Rocking’ Robin fame, Otis Day and the Knights, Jimmie Rodgers of Country and Western fame. Alvon sought out, and learned, at the feet of many icons of the blues, including: John Lee Hooker, Pee Wee Crayton, Little Joe Blue, Harmonica Fats, Sonny Green, Frankie Lee, Guitar Shorty, Lowell Folsom, and Buddy Ace. Alvon became a staple in the Los Angeles area blues scene as both a solo artist and a back-up guitarist. Alvon has performed on the international level as well as nationally in such places as Malaysia, China, France, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, The Bahamas, Australia, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City and many other cities all across the United States.
With over 30 years of performing experience, Alvon exemplifies the range of possibilities in Electric blues.
His self titled CD was spoken of and described as :
His second CD was spoken of and described as : |
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