Biography
Not to be confused with the Cuban bandleader, composer, and instrumentalist Juan Carlos Alfonso, Carlos Alfonso earned his primary recognition through his contributions to Síntesis. The ensemble, which began in the '60s and added Alfonso to its ranks after 1978, embodies in its very name the longstanding Cuban fusion of indigenous and African traditions. That same fusion surfaces across Alfonso’s other endeavors, among them his involvement in the Afro-Cuban vocal tradition known as “akpwon” alongside performer Lazaro Ross.
He appears both as an accomplished bassist and as a vocalist. Alongside fellow Síntesis singer Ele Valdés, he functions as Cuba’s counterpart to Flo & Eddie, supplying background vocals on successful tracks including Adalberto Alvarez’s “Dale Como Es.” In 1987 the group issued Ancestros, widely regarded as its most innovative recording. Alfonso’s own formation as a student encompassed guidance in forward-looking artistic principles from mentors such as Leo Brouwer, the composer celebrated for his inventive scores for avant-garde guitar. Before joining Síntesis he had already directed the ensemble Tema IV.
He appears both as an accomplished bassist and as a vocalist. Alongside fellow Síntesis singer Ele Valdés, he functions as Cuba’s counterpart to Flo & Eddie, supplying background vocals on successful tracks including Adalberto Alvarez’s “Dale Como Es.” In 1987 the group issued Ancestros, widely regarded as its most innovative recording. Alfonso’s own formation as a student encompassed guidance in forward-looking artistic principles from mentors such as Leo Brouwer, the composer celebrated for his inventive scores for avant-garde guitar. Before joining Síntesis he had already directed the ensemble Tema IV.