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VARGAS BLUES BAND Madrid~Memphis (1992) (DRO Spain/Warner-EastWest) The central figure in the Vargas Blues Band is the Javier Vargas, who is a virtuoso guitarist. Javier names Jeff Beck as his major influence, yet you can hear Stevie Ray Vaughan in there also. Madrid~Memphis features blues legends Carey Bell, Louisiana Red and flamenco guitarist extraordanaire Rafael Riqueni. Madrid~Memphis is an assortment of blues flavours and opens with 'Hard Time Blues' with Jeff Espinoza on vocals; 'Hard Time Blues' is about today, and it's about the hard lifestyles some people have to live. Carey Bell and Louisiana Red both feature on 'One Day I Get Lucky'; this is in typical Chicago style. The title track and 'Blues Business' have Vargas laying down some mean licks, and feature Philip Guttman on vocals. 'Get Ready' is pure R&B. On 'Generation Blues' you can hear those powerfull Stevie Ray chords, Javier is a master at bending chords! On '2001 Blues' Philip sounds positively black, which is a real asset with these blues. If you had to chose one track that sells you on Javier it would be 'Del Sur'. 'Del Sur' is a lot like S.R.V's 'Riviera Paradise' from Stevie's In Step, and this soulful instrumental-duet features Rafael on flamenco guitar. Truly awesome! 'Right Time' features the Spanish darling Elena Figueroa on vocals. 'When The Night Falls' is easy soul, with Jeff on vocals. Another classic from sweet home Chicago is 'I'm Ready' and this features Carey on vocals, with Louisiana Red on guitar. Javier rounds off Madrid~Memphis with a showcase intrumental titled 'Striptease'. This isn't your typical blues album, it's fantastic! Gazz Madrid~Chicago-Live (2000) (DRO Spain/Warner-EastWest) This album is a live culmination of some of the best tracks by Javier Vargas. Javier is without question on a par with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana and Jeff beck. The lead vocalist is the very gusty Bobby Alexander. Guests include Larry McCray, Sugar Blue and many others. Apart from the Vargas selection of delights there is Santana's 'Chill Out' sung in Spanish & Steppenwolf's hit 'Born To Be Wild'. Those who enjoy Ry Cooder will gravitate to 'Illegally'. 'Amapola Negra' is very Santana-ish. Madrid~Chicago-Live is a exciting blend of blues, rock, soul & world music. Why is this Spanish guitarist not recognised as the greatest living blues rock musician today? Over ten albums and he's played with Santana, SRV & Carey Bell. The legacy continues. Maybe WEA will pull finger and promote one of their greatest assets before he slips out of their big contractual paws. Sad but it will be their loss if he does. I thank my Brazilian friend Jorge for introducing me to my now all time favourite blues artist.Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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