MARCOS VARELA “San Ygnacio Project”

Texas-born, New York-based double bassist Marcos Varela is among the most respected musicians in the American and international jazz scene. Brilliant on both double bass and electric bass, his talent has also earned him many awards and accolades as a musician, composer, leader, producer and instructor.

Reflecting on his family’s ancestral home in San Ygnacio, Texas, he presents San Ygnacio Project, earning him 5 Grammy nominations; Best Debuts of 2016 Jazziz Magazines; and selected by NPR Music as one of the best debuts of 2016. Acclaimed by critics, Marcos Varela has received praise from such maestros as Ron Carter: “…his tone, choice of notes and compositions will place his playing and his name on the list of bassists to be heard”. From his family’s move to present day Southern Texas from old-world Spain, his youth in Houston with its deep blues and church music influences, and his years in NY performing constantly with legendary masters and highly regarded peers, “San Ygnacio” offers an exciting introduction to a dynamic musical voice.

Marcos Varela performs regularly with a wide variety of ensembles and bandleaders, including: The Mingus Big Band, Nasheet Waits, John Holiday, George Cables, Ingrid Jensen, Billy Hart… and a long etcetera. As a composer, Varela has also written music for several film and television projects, including director Domenica Cameron-Scorsese’s film “Roots in Water”. Arriaga Theatre welcomes a first-class musician.