photo by Jim Barcus
For two decades, the Kansas City steel drum virtuoso has enlivened the KC music scene with his celebratory brand of jazz
Bryan Alford has been a jazz mainstay in Kansas City for more than 20 years. The steel drum virtuoso began drumming at age 4 and never let up.
“I was introduced to steel drums in the 1990s at Missouri Western State University when Dr. Dennis Rogers ordered a full set for the program,” Alford related. “What made it unforgettable was that Dr. Ellie Mannette, the instrument’s inventor, personally drove across the country to deliver them. Meeting the inventor of an instrument was powerful . . . it made me want to learn everything about it.
“I was immediately drawn to the sound,” he added. “It’s uplifting and naturally joyful. Each tone contains rich harmonics . . . a fundamental pitch with an octave and fifth resonating within it . . . giving the steel drum its shimmering, distinctive quality.”
The steel drum, also known as steel pan, is closely associated with Caribbean music, but Alford has expanded its reach into smooth jazz, calypso, soca, reggae and popular music.
“It’s rhythm-driven, warm, and celebratory … acoustic yet energetic,” he said. “If I had to create a word for it, I’d call it “Caribejazz” … a fusion of Caribbean rhythm and jazz expression with a contemporary feel.”
Alford regularly performs in Kansas City at The Blue Room and Lonnie’s Reno Club, among others, but has also headlined in Las Vegas and has performed at resorts and academic clinics. A career highlight was participating in the 50th anniversary of the steel pan in Morgantown, West Virginia, where inventor Mannette led the University Tuning Project at West Virginia University.
In 2018 Alford represented the U.S. as a music ambassador for UNESCO in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico. His band, The Bryan Alford Experience, is a regular around town and an integral part of the Jazz Vespers series.
Says Elizabeth Tomes, assistant general manager of St. Joseph Country Club, “The moment he starts playing, it transforms the party into something exciting and memorable.”
Alford is also a dedicated educator and drumline instructor at Brookside Charter School. According to principal Kelly Sales, “Drumline is by far the most popular special in our upper school.” In November the students performed at Glow Wild at the Kansas City Zoo. “Bryan isn’t just teaching our students a skill, he’s helping them develop a love of music that will carry them far beyond,” Sales added.
Another key moment in Alford’s career occurred in March 2018 when he met popular KC vocalist Misha Roberts singing onstage at Hollywood Casino. At their second meeting a few months later, Misha casually proposed they marry in five years. Two months later the two found themselves sharing the stage at a KC music festival near B&B Theatres Mainstreet, where they married in November 2023.
Misha’s family was musician rich. At age 11, she opened for blues heavyweight Bobby “Blue” Bland. By 2015 she was singing with the local Funk Syndicate.
A strong and soulful jazz vocalist, Misha adds gospel and blues to her husband’s repertoire, and like Bryan, she has made a name for herself at The Blue Room, Knuckleheads, the Juke House, The Phoenix, Music Theater Heritage and The Ruby Room.
The couple perform in multiple musical contexts: cocktail hours, festivals, professional events and conferences, corporate events, weddings, cruises and workshops.
Their pairing effects a very harmonious coupling of voice and instrument. They have their own YouTube Channel, “TheAlfordsKC,” which Bryan describes as “a couple from Kansas City bringing you steel drum grooves, smooth vocals, relationship humor, healthy living tips and uplifting content for couples and families.” It’s all on display at their “Wine-Down Wednesdays” appearances at KC Craft & Co.
Currently, the couple is finalizing “Destination Love,” a show that tells their love story through music and humor.
The Alfords — they’ve found their rhythm and are determined to spread it.
