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Welcome to iamzappacosta.com |
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He's a lot of things to a lot of people - rock to some, smooth to others, AC to many. Alfie is established enough that he's just Alfie - an incredibly gifted talent beyond any genre tag. 
He has long been considered one of the best vocal talents in Canada, yet we know very little about Alfie Zappacosta and his music. Sure you know his chart topping singles, Nothing Can Stand in Your Way, Passion, When I Fall in Love Again, We Should Be Lovers (plus many more), and the fact that he has two JUNOs and an American Music Awards for his contribution of Overload to the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack, but how much do you really know about the artist himself?
Alfie Zappacosta has a distinguished career and still today, he continues to write compelling lyric and melody. Yes Alfie Zappacosta is a songwriter! He is also an accomplished guitarist, premier vocalist and actor. In 1995, Zappacosta left his pop stardom behind to pursue a more intimate style of writing and performing.
The roots of his new sound started when Zappacosta began playing solo before crowds at a Toronto club. Playing only guitar, he explored new harmonies and melodies, later combing rootsy elements such as harmonica and accordion, which eventually manifested itself in a contemporary Jazz/AC sound. “The difficult part was finding an audience that was willing to sit and listen to my songs.” states Zappacosta. I had to believe that a legitimate artist was allowed to grow and could be appreciated and accepted for producing music that was heartfelt and not what the industry felt was appropriate for the times.”
“The older I got, the more uncomfortable I became.” Zappacosta confesses. “There were always elements of what is on the current project in my music. I wanted to get back into a form of music that I knew I was not only capable of doing but also a style of music that would fulfill me both artistically and spiritually. I realized that chasing down fads is really a losing proposition.” His passion for beautiful melodies and grand songs manifested into four stunning CD's - Innocence Ballet, Dark Sided Jewel, Start Again and his brand new CD – Bonafide!.
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 Born in the small town of Sora, Italy (an hour south of Rome) in 1953, Alfie Zappacosta (yes, that's his real name) moved to Toronto with his parents when he was six months old. Deciding upon a music career in his teens, Zappacosta at first set his sights upon being a guitarist -until, his vocal prowess was uncovered. His recording debut came in 1979 as front man for the five-piece Toronto band Surrender (see Surrender bio on the left). Releasing a self-titled album prompted radio airplay of "Find Your Way", "Turn Down The Mission" and "Buddy", the band went on the road, touring Canada to sell out crowds. In 1981, Surrender released a four-track EP called "No Surrender". The song "Start Again" became a staple of adult contemporary radio, and the simple honestly of "It's All Been Done Before" presented Zappacosta's undeniable songwriting and musical talents- launching a recording career that has spanned over 30 years. Discography
In 1983, Zappacosta made a break from Surrender and went into the studio to record his first self-titled solo effort. With new management - Lou Blair (Loverboy), Zappacosta was released in 1984, yielding the singles "Passion", a reprised version of "Start Again" and the 1985's top Canadian chart hit "We Should Be Lovers". Zappacosta's vocal talents were immediately apparent and in 1984, he accepted a Juno as "Most Promising Male Vocalist". 1985 saw Zappacosta accepting new challenges and his portrayal of Che Guevara in the hit musical "Evita", staged at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax. He also added his voice to the "Tears Are Not Enough" African famine relief project.
In 1986, Zappacosta was signed to EMI of Canada and released A-Z, his second solo album. Helped along by the hugely popular singles "When I Fall (In Love Again)" and the Zappacosta/David Foster co-written ballad "Nothing Could Stand In Your Way", the A-Z album went on to attain considerable airplay and sales. Then, Walt Disney's Danger Bay producer's approached Zappacosta with a script written specifically for him. The episode "Rock Star" features another song off the A-Z album "I Think About You". In 1987, Zappacosta again focused his attention on his radio profile with the release of "Over 60 Minutes With...Zappacosta". In the same year, he created the song "Overload", which was written and performed exclusively for the multi-platinum soundtrack "Dirty Dancing" and Loverboy recorded Zappacosta's "That's Where The Money Goes" for their Wildside album. In 1988, he was awarded a Juno for "Album of The Year", an American Music Award for "Most Popular Album of The Year" and a Canadian Publishers Music Association's "Best Rock Star"
Not resting on these accomplishments, 1990 saw Zappacosta and long-time cohort Gerry Mosby (The MOZ) back in the studio co-producing Quick!...Don't Ask Any Questions, for A-Zee Records inc. (Zappacosta's own label), who had just signed a distribution agreement with Capital Records. His new sound demonstrated once again, Zappacosta's versatility as a vocalist, musician, writer and now producer. The ease with which Zappacosta slides from "Letter Black" into the timeless of "Nothing To Do With Love", "Simple Words To Say" and "I'll Be The One" confirms undeniable artistic depths. This project continued the radio airplay that Zappacosta desired.
1994 and '95 found him in Edmonton and back in the theatre portraying Christ in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the lead role in "Hair". Falling in love with the quiet culture, he decided to re-locate his family and business to Edmonton. During the production of Hair, Zappacosta finalized a distribution agreement with Los Angeles based Sindrome Records. His 5th album "Innocence Ballet" was released in the United States. The singles "Orlanda", "Show Me", "Lombard Street" "Me and Mrs. Jones" and "Someone" were eagerly picked up by US radio stations
In 1996, on one of his tours in California, Zappacosta began to feel ill. Finishing the tour and returning home, he was informed by his doctor that he needed a critical operation immediately. The operation was a success but the road to recovery was long. Zappacosta has returned and his performance and vocal ability are more powerful than ever.
During Zappacosta’s recovery, he took time to reflect on his career and choices he had made. He had made it clear in many interviews that it had never been his intention to be a front man. Writing songs and playing guitar had always been his passion. But somewhere along the way, he realized that he really did want to sing. If that decision was going to ring true, he wanted to be the best he could be. In 1998, he began work with renowned vocal couch David Dunbar. The result was an incredible growth that inspired Alfie to record once again.
In 1999, with a new label, White Feather Records, and lifelong friend/producer Gerry Mosby, Zappacosta headed to Wellesley Sound Studios to record his 7th CD “Dark Sided Jewel”. This CD showcased his diversity, delivering a jazzy feel that complimented his growth and reflected his new philosophy. While this recording has certainly received the critical acclaim it deserved, it never did garner airplay. The music industry was just not ready for a new Zappacosta.
In 2001, Zappacosta returned to Neptune Theatre in Halifax, Nova Scotia to resurrect his role as Christ. Teamed with Heather Rankin (The Rankins), Jesus Christ Superstar was a smashing success and put Zappacosta back on the radar. 
In 2002, Alfie returned to Edmonton to once again portray Che in Evita and began to tour Canada to introduce his new music. During a DVD filming in Toronto, Alfie began to find a home in theaters and soft seater venues. Zappacosta was finally home, singing in venues with an audience who wanted to hear the music and buy the CD’s.
In 2003, he signed to Marquis Records/EMI. Teamed with producer Glenn Morley (Gino Vanelli) Zappacosta recorded Start Again.
In 2007 released, Bonafide, which included a number of hits Dreams Will Come True, Notion and Oh, My Baby.
Alfie was very busy in 2008 with touring and recording two new CDs. In the fall of 2008, Alfie was asked to join a contigent of musicians performing touring Afghanistan in support of the Canadian military. The highlight was meeting with the solidiers and getting a chance to speak with them on a personal level about their experiences. In December 2008, Alfie released the highly anticipated CD At The Church At Berkely featuring jazz standards (I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face, My Foolish Heart, My Funny Valentine) as well as new arrangements of Alfie's own compositions (Worries Away, Close Your Eyes and Perfect Night).
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 Alfie
Zappacosta, the headliner among the ace ensemble, wasn't on board for
British Invasion 1. In fact, he had only a week and a half to prepare.
He'd been performing at the Living Arts Centre when he came onboard.
Zappacosta
does several numbers but his Joe Cocker is a showstopper. "One time
John Belushi kicked his ass on Saturday Night Live," he says.
"But I saw him (for this) as completely clean and not drunk. I can sense
what he's feeling when I reach for the notes. It was out of respect for the
man."
Alfie
Zappacosta screamed the house down as Joe Cocker in British Invasion
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Do you dream Frankenstein |
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 In November of 2003, RGAMedia presented a full length and costumed, stand-and-deliver production
of the work in the 2000+seat Great Hall of Hamilton Place in Hamilton,
Ontario, Canada. In addition to the Canadian Star list featured in the
Toronto showcase, the Hamilton performances welcomed the participation of
Canadian Rock personalities writer/guitar/vocal icon Rik Emmett in the role
of Captain Robert Walton and American Music Award winning singer/writer
Alfie Zappacosta (as Henry Clerval
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 "Consistently the best
thing on stage"
By COLIN MACLEAN, EDMONTON
SUN FREELANCE
The show begins with the
narrator, a fellow named Che, coming to Evita's funeral. Great way to start
because Che is Alfie Zappacosta, who is everything the role demands and then
some. The onetime rocker is in complete control of his character, pumping
needed charisma into the production every time he is on stage - which is,
luckily, for most of the show. Sardonic yet jaunty, and blessed with a
strong, lilting voice, he is consistently the best thing on stage.
"My favorite
role is Che Guevara in EVITA although I would love to do the Phantom
of the Opera" - Alfie Zappacosta
Zappacosta portrayed Che in
Halifax in 1985 and in Edmonton in 2002
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 "You can't get a ticket for love or money," said a beaming artistic director Ron Ulrich in Neptune's lobby.
As Christ, Alfie Zappacosta treads the thinnest of lines between over-doing and under doing it. In the first act he all but sleep-walks through the role with an expression of profound melancholy on his face, except for his angry scourging of the moneylenders out of the temple. His songs are delivered softly and sweetly as though the effort of restraining his emotion exhausted him.
In the second act he skillfully jacks up the ante, powerfully portraying his sense of betrayal in the Last Supper, his fear of death in the Garden of Gethsemane and his final agony as he is whipped and scorned and crucified.
The Halifax Herald
Photo: Alfie Zappacosta and Heather
Rankin in Jesus Christ Superstar The Neptune Theatre (2001)
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 Again we get to ask the age-old question:
What's it all about, Alfie? "I get to be me," says Alfie Zappacosta on his
latest musical theatre role in Only in Canada, Eh?, opening tonight at the
Mayfield Dinner Theatre. It's a musical revue of all things Canadian - a
rich lode of classic material, as it turns out - and "I'm doing Alfie
Zappacosta songs," says Alfie Zappacosta.
So it's not like he has any tough lines to
memorize as he did when he played the Main Dude in Jesus Christ Superstar.
He just has to bone up on some of his own hits, like Passion and We Should
Be Lovers, updates of which can be heard on his latest CD, Start Again.
He is, of course, part of the "all things
Canadian" theme. The role in the show is called a "cameo" as he's the only
actual pop star singing his own material. The rest will be handled by a
squad of impersonators.
It works out for him during a tough personal
time. Following the death of his father last week, Zappacosta insisted the
show - and the interviews to promote it - go on.
"This is the best thing that could be
happening for me right now," he says. Read more on the
media page on this website
Zappa-cameo in
Canada, eh!
By
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, EDMONTON SUN
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Zappacosta starred as Berger in the
Mayfield's production of HAIR in 1998
"It was not one of my favorite shows
but it was a wonderful experience because of the incredible talent within the cast.
The challenge was exhilarating." - Alfie Zappacosta
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Discography & Acting Credits |
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CD’s/Recordings – At The Church at Berkeley (2008); Bonafide (2007); Surrender and No Surrender (2004), Start Again (2003), Dark Sided Jewel (1999), Innocence Ballet (1995), Quick! Don’t Ask Any Questions (1990), Over 60 Minutes with Zappacosta (1987), A-Z (1986), Zappacosta (1984), No Surrender (1982), Surrender (1981)
Singles – Start Again (2005), And We’ll Dance (2004), Tears of Hercules (2004) Adilina (2000), Someone (US Release –1995), Me and Mrs. Jones (US Release –1995), Lombard Street (US Release -1995), Show Me (US Release -1995), Orlanda (US Release -1995), Simple Words to Say (1991), I’ll Be The One (1991), Letter Back (1990), Nothing To Do With Love (1990), Nothing Can Stand In Your Way (1987), When I Fall (In Love Again) (1986), Start Again (1986), We Should Be Lovers (1985), Passion (1984), Buddy (1980), No Surrender (1980), Turn Down The Mission (1979), Find Your Way (1979)
Other Songwriting Credits - That's Life - with Gilles Goddard and Gerald O'Brien (2006) Do I Dare - with John Capeck (2003) Where the Money Goes, Recorded by Loverboy - Album "Wildside" (1987), Midnight Mirage Recorded By Jennifer Rush (1986), Nothing Can Stand in Your Way with David Foster (1987), Dirty Dancing Soundtrack Overload (1988)
Videos - Start Again (2005), I’ll Be The One (1991), Letter Back (1990), Turn It On (1990), Nothing Can Stand In Your Way (1987), When I Fall In Love Again (1986), We Should Be Lovers (1985), Tears Are Not Enough – African Relief Project (1984)
Awards - Best Supporting Actor in Feature Film - International Independent Film and Video Festival (2005) - Juno – Album of the Year (1988), American Music Award – Most Popular Album of the Year (1988), Canadian Publisher’s Music Association – Best Rock Recording (1988), Juno - Most Promising Male Vocalist (1984)
Award Nominations - Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards - Male Vocalist of the Year (2005) - Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards - Album of the Year - Start Again (2005)
Acting Credits - Only in Canada Eh? - Edmonton - 2004/05, Halo - The Motion Picture - Primary role (2005), British Invasion America Strikes Back (2004) Frankenstein...do you dream - Feature Role - Henry Clerval - Starring - Michael Burgess and Rik Emmitt (2003) Evita - Portraying Che Guevara - Edmonton (2002), Jesus Christ Superstar- Portraying Jesus - Neptune Theatre Halifax (2001), Hair - Lead Role - Berger - Edmonton (1995), Jesus Christ Superstar - Portraying Jesus - Edmonton (1994), Walt Disney’s Danger Bay - Episode – Rock Star (1986), EVITA - Portraying Che Guevara - Neptune Theatre Halifax (1985)
Some Television Appearances - Canada AM – 2004 - Viva Dominica (2004) - The Weekend Duffers – The Sports Network – 2003, The Vicki Gabareau Show – 2002, A-Channel Wired – Alberta – 2002, Careers TV – The Learning Channel – 2002, CBC Television –2002, Global Noon – One Hour on Zappacosta – 2002
Notable Highlights – Performance with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra - nominated for three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards - (2008), Doug Gilmour and Friends (2004), RAI International – Special Canadian Edition- 2004, Zappacosta and Gino Vanelli in Concert – 2003, Alan Frew and Friends – (Benefit for Camp Trillium), Canadian Special Olympics - (Wrote, Produced and performed the Anthem), We Are Making History (Let The Games Begin), Children Hospital – Toronto -Profiled their theme song, Easter Seals – Television. (Performed their Anthem), 4th most added singles "Innocence Ballet" - The Gavin Report – California
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Edmonton native and musician Alfie Zappacosta
stars as a nasty crime boss named D.Z. in the movie, which examines the ups
and downs of nightclub life.