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FROM THE ONION'S NEW YORK A.V. CLUB JULY 7th, 2011
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It's kind of a wonder how singer-songwriter Alfonso Velez hasn't yet broken through to the masses. Along with fronting the D.C. indie act Monopoli, Velez has released an astonishing 10 solo albums slotting in between folk, rock, and to a lesser extent, country, and Velez shows a devotion to organic music played live--his2007 full-length Make It Plain-- was recorded at a live show in one take.
"Words," from this year's self-titled album, has all the ingredients to make AAA radio DJs salivate, and the rest of the album, backed by a Juilliard-trained string section, summon OK Computer levels of majestic, aching melodrama.
Whatever the reason for his relative obscurity, Velez remains prolific, touring the East Coast behind his stellar self-released album, available for free on his website.

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This Album by Alfonso Velez was written and recorded at the now demolished Casbah Dance Hall on 20th St off 5th Ave in New York City. A 3,000 sq. ft. space, it was crucial in achieving the room sounds contained in the music. Many artists, musicians, dancers, thinkers and poets walked those pinewood planks in the Flatiron District. Many thanks to Morocco for her wisdom and generosity.