Beginning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he relocated multiple times to areas such as Dallas, Texas,[1] and finally, Huntsville, Alabama.
Alford played guitar as part of The Soultronics (D'Angelo's band for his 2000 "Voodoo" tour), alongside Questlove, James Poyser, Pino Palladino, and Anthony Hamilton.
He played on several albums with artists such as Joss Stone, John Mayer, Mary J. Blige, Raphael Saadiq, D'Angelo and Roy Hargrove.
[1] He was accompanied by what Hargrove called the "Texas Cats"--Bernard Wright, the Keith Anderson Trio, Jason Thomas, Bobby Sparks and Cornell Dupree--whose combined collaborations proved highly influential in the final production of this landmark jazz record.
[2] In 2000 Alford would provide his services as a guitarist and producer on the Blind Boys of Alabama's release "My Lord What A Morning!," and later in 2003, "There's Nothing In This World Without A Heart,"[3] where he would return to his traditional gospel roots.
[2] Much of the mentorship he would offer came from his positions working at local churches, where he would foster young musicians interest in music and provide resources to help them grow.
[2] Though he retired from touring years prior, Alford made a rare public appearance performing with the John Mayer Trio as a surprise guest on September 26, 2005, during their stop in Nashville, Tennessee.
Cited as some of Alford's influences are Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Charlie Christian, Chet Atkins[2] and George Benson, among many others.
[8] Alford's playing on the Tupac Shakur track "Words 2 My Firstborn" demonstrates his ability to write instrumental hooks that meld both hip-hop and gospel guitar styles.