Javier Vargas was born in Madrid 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. His first musical influences can be traced to Argentine rock of the late 60’s and early 70’s, bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Cream, Rolling Stones, The Doors, and musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana or B.B.King, who are powerful sources of inspiration still today.
In the 70’s, Javier decided to go to the U.S to study music. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee, and in Los Angeles, he played in clubs and took part in recordings as a session guitarist. Each night he played in jam sessions with American and English artists and met important musicians like Alvin Lee, Roy Buchanan, Canned Heat, who also influenced his style.
In 1990, he makes the most important move of his career and creates his own band: Vargas Blues Band. In 1992, Madrid-Memphis, Javier’s second album, is released with collaborations from bluesmen Carey Bell and Lousiana Red, flamenco guitarist Rafael Riqueni and the vocals of Philip Guttman and Jeff Espinoza.
The song ‘Blues Latino’ was later recorded by Carlos Santana and released worldwide in his album ‘Santana Brothers’. Santana also played ‘Blues Latino’ in Woodstock in 1994. In May 1995, Texas Tango was recorded in Ardent Studios, in Memphis and in Austin, Texas. It was produced by Jim Gaines with collaborations from Double Trouble, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band, Larry T. Thurston (Blues Brothers) and Preston Shannon. It was released in Spain, France, Switzerland, Colombia, Mexico and Brazil. In November 1999, Vargas Blues Band travelled to the U.S to record their first live album in “Buddy Guy´s Legends” in Chicago, with guest performances by Larry McCray, harmonica musician Sugar Blue and flamenco ‘cantaora’ Elena Andújar.
2002 is the year of Javier’s reunion with his roots on the other side of the Atlantic: JAVIER VARGAS & ESPIRITU CELESTE, TRIBUTO AL ROCK ARGENTINO, is the album that brings in together the musical experiences he lived Turing his years in Argentina and the influence of great local musicians such as Litto Nebbia, Pappo, Claudio Gabis or Luis Alberto Spinetta. Also in 2004, Vargas begins recording LOVE, UNION, PEACE in Ardent Studios in Memphis, where he had recorded Texas Tango, with John Hampton as sound engineer (ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan) with guest performances by Glenn Hughes, Jack Bruce, Alex Ligertwood (Santana), Elliot Murphy, Jaime Urrutia, flamenco guitarist Juan Gómez “Chicuelo”, and Devon Allman, among others. The Vargas Blues Band international renown increased and Turing 2006 and 2007, the band tours Canada, Norway, Germany, the U.K, playing along Credence Clearwater Revival; the Notodden Blues Festival playing along with Gary Moore, Johnny Winter and Jeff Healey, among others.
In March 2011, Javier started a new Project called VARGAS, BOGERT & APPICE or VBA, and travelled Las Vegas to record alongside the legendary Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass), and with Paul Shortino (vocals). It was released in June 2011 and it will be released internationally by Warner as a CD with a special CD plus CD Live Wire (European Vargas Blues Band tour 2010) plus DVD with the ‘making of’ of the Bogert, Appice and Shortino album.
About This Footage
The 1990 footage of Javier Vargas is a rare gem that offers a glimpse into the vibrant music scene of the late 20th century. This clip, titled "Javier Vargas", is a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and cultures.
At the time this footage was filmed, Johnny Winter was already an established blues-rock legend, known for his high-energy live performances and slide guitar playing. His influence can be heard in many of the artists who followed in his footsteps, including Javier Vargas. Vargas's own musical journey began in Argentina, where he was exposed to the sounds of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Cream, and The Rolling Stones – bands that would later become cornerstones of rock music.
Vargas's decision to leave Argentina for the United States in the 1970s marked a pivotal moment in his career. He settled in Nashville, Tennessee, where he immersed himself in the city's thriving music scene. It was here that he honed his skills as a session guitarist and jammed with American and English artists, including Alvin Lee and Roy Buchanan. These experiences would later influence his own style and sound.
The 1990 footage of Vargas is significant because it captures him at a moment of transition – just before the release of his debut album with the Vargas Blues Band. This band, which included collaborations from blues legends Carey Bell and Louisiana Red, marked a new chapter in Vargas's career. The song "Blues Latino", recorded by Carlos Santana in 1994, would go on to become a worldwide hit.
What makes this footage truly remarkable is its ability to transport viewers back to the vibrant music scene of the late 20th century. We see Vargas performing with his band, surrounded by fellow musicians and fans who are clearly enthralled by his energy and talent. This clip is not just a historical document – it's an immersive experience that allows us to feel the excitement and creativity of this moment in time.
For music enthusiasts, this footage offers a rare glimpse into the world of blues-rock in the 1990s. We see Vargas drawing on influences from his Argentine roots, as well as the American blues traditions he encountered during his time in Nashville. His playing style is a testament to the power of musical fusion – blending different styles and cultures to create something entirely new.
As we watch this footage, we're reminded that music has always been a universal language, capable of transcending borders and cultures. Javier Vargas's story is a testament to this idea – a young musician from Argentina who followed his dreams to the United States, where he found success and recognition as a blues-rock artist.
The 1990 footage of Javier Vargas is more than just a historical document – it's an invitation to experience the raw energy and creativity of the music scene in the late 20th century. As we watch him perform with his band, surrounded by fellow musicians and fans, we're reminded that music has the power to unite us all – across cultures, borders, and generations.
Curated from public records and music databases.
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