INFO

VARGAS BLUES BAND FEAT. JOHN BYRON JAGGER

´Vargas is like a rainbow with all its different colors. He feels the passion I have when it comes to embracing the music of the world, not just the Spanish music or the blues. ´
(Quote Carlos Santana)

Carlos Santana loves to jam with his close pal Javier Vargas - and he has also recorded Javier’s songs. Prince is among the many stars who have invited Javier to perform on stage with them; and marveled at his skills, and who he has collaborated with in the studio.

Spain’s biggest blues star, Javier Vargas has received eight Platinum discs for sales of his records during his lengthy career, and he’s released 27 albums since 1991.

His latest album, ´King Of Latin Blues” is released in the UK on 27th October, and features a star-studded array of talent, including the late Chicago blues harmonica legend Junior Wells, Devon Allman, Steve Hunter and Reese Wynans. He delivers 15 stunning tracks on the new album - from out and out blues blasters to sweet, laid back and soulful slow blues ballads.

Javier Vargas was born in Madrid in 1958, shortly after his parents had left Buenos Aires where they had migrated some years before. Nine years later, the family returned to Argentina, and it is there where Javier started playing the guitar.

In the 70’s, he lived in Nashville and L.A. playing the clubs and working recording sessions. He played with and impressed the likes of Alvin Lee, Roy Buchanan and Canned Heat, who also influenced his style. He returned to Spain in the 80’s, working with a major band and orchestra, taking on session work, composing and contributing to several albums.

In 1990 he put together his own outfit, Vargas Blues Band, and many of his albums feature major guests. His second record in 92, featured US blues legends Carey Bell and Louisiana Red. Two years later he was joined by Flaco Jiménez, Chris Rea and Junior Wells.

Javier’s popular song, ´Blues Latino” was recorded by Carlos Santana and released worldwide on his 1994 album ´Santana Brothers”. In May 1995, ´Texas Tango” was recorded in Ardent Studios, Memphis and in Austin, Texas, produced by Jim Gaines with collaborations from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band Double Trouble, Larry T. Thurston (Blues Brothers) and Preston Shannon.

In 1996, Vargas Blues Band performed at the 30th anniversary of the famed Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. In July that year, Javier was invited by Carlos Santana to play two songs together at Le Zénith in Paris. Then again in 1998, when Santana played in Madrid (Conde Duque), in Paris (Bercy) and during Santana’s ´Supernatural Tour” in Spain.

On 1997’s ´Gipsy Boogie” album, guests included Chester Thomson, Lonnie Brooks, Larry McCray, Little Jimmy King and Larry Graham; and the record was released in 24 countries.

In December 1998, legendary bassist Larry Graham - who at that time was musical director of The New Power Generation - introduced Javier Vargas to Prince who invited Javier to join him on stage, to play on several songs during his concert in Madrid. In November 1999, Vargas Blues Band recorded their first live album, at Buddy Guy´s ´Legends” in Chicago. Guests included Larry McCray and harmonica legend Sugar Blue. In 2004, Vargas recorded ´Love, Union, Peace” in Memphis, with guest performances from Glenn Hughes, Jack Bruce, Alex Ligertwood (Santana), Devon Allman and others.

In March 2011, Javier started a new Project: ´VBA” - Vargas, Bogert and Appice - travelling to Las Vegas to record alongside the legendary Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass) - both former Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Jeff Beck, King Cobra - and with Paul Shortino (vocals), former member of Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot.

(Press Release, GFI-PROMOTIONS)