SPANISH BLUES GUITAR SLINGER JAVIER VARGAS AND HIS BAND DELIVERED A POWERHOUSE SHOW AT ‘16 TONELADAS’ (PHOTO GRAPHIC REPORT)

With an incredibly prolific recording and performing career, Vargas has collaborated with a host of blues legends along the way as well as earning eight platinum selling releases. With that, he brings flawless playing that seems effortless and natural. This is particularly noticeable when playing slide. His overall sound blends electric blues with hard rock blues in a similar vibe as the band ‘Free’. His band features Bobby Alexander on lead vocals, Luis Mayo, electric bass and vocals and Peter Kunst on drums and backup vocals. Collectively, they made a formable sound. Alexander is a perfect fit on stage. His voice bridges blues and rock with the right timbre for both. Kunst on drums is a hard-hitting, no nonsense timekeeper.

Early in the set they played Magic Train, a hard rock bluesy number with Mayo offering up a nice fat low-end bass that filled the room. Again later during Black Cat Boogie Mayo unleashed a bass solo that was mesmerizing.

Vargas introduced Whiskey, Women and Wine with a nod to Mississippi, Chicago, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. A proper honour to the roots of the electric blues as they started into this fast, get-up-and-go beat and sharp guitar groove. A proclamation to these three vices.

His set included songs from his new 2025 release Down Under Blues including the title track, Long Way From Home, and Sydney Street. As their press states it is “a recording that celebrates the unique spirit of the Australian land”. Some judging from this debut, new music with a fresh twist. Something to look forward to.

This was a great night to get lost in the music. Be sure to check him out again next time in town.

Report by Phillip Solomonson

All photos copyright Phillip Solomonson/ ‘24/7 Valencia’

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

Set List:

Rumble

Down Underground

Long Way From Home

Magic Train

Black Cat Boogie

Down Under Blues

Whiskey, Women and Wine