With a new record under your arm just published, Stonemason’s Nightand another one on the way out in May, Stoner’s Night Volume 2, Vargas Blues Group embarks on an international tour and disembarks Orihuela Music Box this Friday (22:30) and Saturday cigarettes From Alicante (21:00) at a concert organized by the Alicante Blues Ensemble In collaboration with Etinproducciones. guitarist javier vargas Veteran has led the group since 1991 Behind 27 albumsReturning to the roads to present new songs with the current formation led by Javier Vargas, john byron jagger (Mick Jagger’s nephew) on vocals and harmonics, Louis May bass and sound and Jota Marsan on battery. In June 2022, the band was invited by the Rolling Stones to the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid, and little did Javier Vargas know about it.
Have you considered re-recording new songs and just one album is not enough?
TRUE. To be honest, I have a lot of new material and tapes I’ve recorded over the years and they can’t wait to see the light of day. These two new albums are just a reflection of what’s behind them.
After 30 years on the stage, what prompted you to continue recording and touring at a time when reggaeton is now the dominant music?
Only this. We must teach the next generation the good music of the past decades, continue to do what is our passion, and teach our fans and let them decide. In my case, I’m lucky that Vargas Blues Band has many followers around the world, which number in the millions and that’s the sales and downloads of the songs. streaming. The second part is getting them to come and see us live, and that part is the most complicated part. After all, we are independent artists and all promotions belong to us. What I’ve always been clear about is that when one heart speaks, the other listens. I won’t disqualify other music genres, but they can’t be described that way because they’re trends and fashions, but great musicians and bands continue to emerge. There are so many to choose from.
27 records have passed since their debut album, All over the blues. What has changed in Vargas Blues Band?
Now we have lost our innocence, sadness has taken over us.
Blues is the root of everything. Is it necessary to continue to own it so that it does not disappear or live on its own?
There are many groups and followers, including myself, who are interested in this. Blues is a classic style that will leave us behind. Blues are trees and the rest are fruits.
“We lost our innocence, now sadness has taken over us”
What do you want to convey with this recording: Blues is powerlike one of your new songs?
TRUE. The Blues had a son and they named him rock & roll.
why title drunk night (smoking at night), would you like to propose a musical excursion?
It’s like using music to go into a trance. Rock and blues is a drug in itself. Music is the key that opens the cage and invites you to fly.
How was the relationship with John Byron Jagger formed?
It was over four years ago through his father (Chris Jagger), who was already my friend, and we had played live and toured. He told me about him, we connected and he collaborated with us.
“We must teach the good music of the past decades to the next generation”
What do you think you add to the group?
Music vision from reggae and African music.
How was the opening experience for the Rolling Stones in Madrid last year?
The truth is, it didn’t last long. I would like to play more and give the PA more power [el sistema de sonido].
Carlos Santana, Prince, Stevie Ray Vaughan band, Miguel Ríos, Chris Rea… He has worked with many artists. Is there anyone you want to collaborate with?
I would like to play with [Eric] clapton
It has eight platinum records. Do you feel recognized in Spain?
A little yes, but not much. The blues has always been and will be a pickaxe and shovel, but I’m so glad I can do what I do and be recognized by a really great audience that connects with my music and I’m connecting with them.