“When the mind let's go to a beautiful melody, the imagination can take the heart on an endless journey toward the good.”
For Alfred Sergel IV inspiration can be found everywhere. Many of his ideas come to him while sitting at a stoplight, walking through the grocery store or even serving on jury duty. Melodies form in his mind, patterns become rhythms and he pauses to take time to record these snapshots into his iPhone. These snippets of melodies and beats are the seeds that germinate into complex yet accessible jazz compositions. Each song and song title is a small story from Alfred's life whether it be recalling a specific time, location, a conversation topic, or situation.
In 2016 after reviewing some of these memos on his iPhone he decided sheepishly to play some of them for his friend referring to them as more like ideas than songs. His friend asked him,“Why don't you think these are songs?” That was the moment when he decided to talk with some of his musician friends and start a band that would focus on bringing his original compositions to fullness. The Alfred Sergel IVtet was born. He hopes that by sharing his music with the public his audience will experience something more than just the sounds they hear, they too will experience these moments from his life.
His life has been dedicated to music. He earned his Master of Music in Jazz Studies in 1996 from Florida State University, Tallahassee. He has been a touring and recording drummer since 2000 when he joined the Chad Lawson Trio. Their single “Unforeseen” was #7 on the National Jazz Charts in 2004.
Alfred’s versatile style, keen music sense, and adaptability set him apart as an ideal collaborator.
You can find his talent on Billboard charting albums. So far, he has recorded with Jason Upton, John Mark McMillan, Brandon Lake, Josh Baldwin, Christine D’Clario, Jonathan & Melissa Helser, The Cageless Birds, Josh Baldwin, Rita Springer, Chad Lawson, Frank Kimbrough, Don Potter, Suzi Yaraei, Leonard Jones and many more.
He has performed live with Nnenna Freelon, Ricky Skaggs, Fred Yonnet, Kim Walker-Smith, Kristine DiMarco, Matt Maher, Pat Barrett, Bryan & Katie Torwalt, Chris McClarney, Daniel Bashta, Martin Bejerano, Bob Mintzer, Nelson Rangell, Marcus Printup, Jim Snidero and Adam Nitti.
His journey has also led him to working with celebrities such as Keith David, Bernadette Peters, Sir Tim Rice, and Joan Rivers. He appeared on the 700 Club, BBC Radio- Guernsey and BBC Radio- London with Jason Upton. He appeared on Dawson’s Creek with the Chad Lawson Trio, and The Farrelly Brothers’ “Shallow Hal” with Hipshack.
Currently, Alfred lives in Charlotte, North Carolina where he maintains an active teaching studio. He is adjunct faculty at The Kings University Dallas, Texas; Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC and Davidson College in Davidson, NC.
He regularly performs with Jason Upton, Noel Freidline, Maria Howell, Chad Lawson, Shana Tucker and his own band The Alfred Sergel IVtet.
Alfred is a Sabian Cymbal Artist, and endorses Roberts Drums, ShyBaffles, and 64Audio.
all photos by: Geo Soto