Alfred Howard and The K23 Orchestra

Alfred Howard and the K23 (AHK23) combines in the pocket funk, staccato spoken word, classic soul, aggressive rock and vintage psychedelic. The group has invented its own genre by combining limitless soundscapes to create something new and impacting. Their musical style moves seamlessly through tightly arranged changes to extended open jams with powerful crescendos and quick shifts in dynamic, while Alfred Howard's lyrics transcend a style or genre, appealing to humanities most primal essence. Continually requested to return wherever they play, the 5 strong rhythmic voices (rhodes & organ, guitar, bass, drums and vocals) sculpt a collective and cohesive expression delivering a high-energy live show fueled by rapid-fire conscious lyricism. AHK23 has found an audience in the world of funk fiends, indie-rock fans, hip-hop heads, reggae followers and even poetry lovers. Their message is one of social change through music and art.

K23 has won the San Diego Music Award for Best Funk / Hip-Hop Band three consecutive years (2003 - 2006). The K23 Orchestra has shared the stage with such talents as Ozomatli, Soundtribe Sector 9, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, Slightly Stoopid, Fishbone, the Living Legends, Digable Planets, the Beat Junkies, Mikah 9, John Brown's Body, 2Mex, Ralph Nader, Digital Underground, Brand Nubian and Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra. They have preformed at the best festivals on the west-coast including High Sierra, Xingolati, Reggae on the River, Earthdance, Harmony Fest and the Whole Earth in addition to Wakarusa. Alfred Howard has sat in with Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Umphrey's Mcgee, Perry Ferrel, Digital Underground, Garaj Mahal, the Slip, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, ALO, the Breakfast and many others. He has been a member of multiple Everyone Orchestras. He performed at the 2003 Jane's Addiction New Year's Show, has given readings at SDSU and UCSD and has won the UCSD Poetry Slam. He has read his poetry to assemblies at Torrey Pines, Sunset, Valley Center and La Costa Canyon High Schools. He has recently read his poem "America" on the High Sierra Music Festival Main Stage as well as opening for Bobby Kennedy and Senator Barbara Boxer at the SD Bay Keepers Convention.

The K23 Orchestra is:

Alfred Howard (lyrics and vocals) – After graduating Boston College, Al spent some time traveling throughout the U.S. and wrote a book about his experiences traveling called the, "Serpentine Highway" (Altered States Press). The book is a collection of poetry and observations from the perspective of a young African-American's life on the road. Accompanying the Book is AH&K23's debut album of the same title. Al has been influenced heavily by many different people throughout his life including; Jazz greats such as John McLaughlin and Charles Mingus, to hip-hop artists such as Aesop Rock and Digable Planets, to rock artists such as Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Bright Eyes and Neutral Milk Hotel.

Steve Craft (drums & percussion) – Influenced by everything from Jazz, 60's & 70's Funk and Rock & Roll, Real R&B/Soul, (Not the crap they call R&B today), to Metal.

Ian Wright (guitar) –Has been playing guitar for 17 years in various Southern California bands, versed in rock, blues, funk, ska and jazz, Ian stands at 6'8" with a stage presence as large.

Matt LaBarber (bass) – Matt is from the Buffalo area of New York and likes to rock.

Josh Rice (keyboards) –Has played locally around San Diego since 2000.

Discography Serpentine Highway (2002) Kudra (2003) Live at Lestats Vol I (2004) Live at Lestats Vol II (2004) 14 Days of the Universe (2004) Whisper of a Newborn Ghost (2006)