Jazz bass maestro offers tips and a glimpse at upcoming appearances
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
March 23, 2020
By David Sands
You might call Marcos Varela a musical globe-trotter. He’s played jazz festivals all over North America, Europe and Australia, as well as parts of Asia. A master of both upright and electric bass, Varela has shared the stage with an impressive array of artists and musicians that includes likes of The Charles Mingus Big Band, Charli Persip, Martha Wainwright, Orrin Evans, Geri Allen, Cappodonna of the Wu-Tang Clan, Common, Dead Prez, Roy Hargrove and Umar Bin Hassan of the Last Poets. The Houston, Texas native is also an accomplished composer and producer, who’s scored music for numerous movies and television programs, including the films Roots in Water and Greenwich and 11th. In 2016, he released his debut solo album, San Ygnacio, which featured contributions by Billy Hart, Clifton Anderson and Dayna Stephens, as well as liner notes by his mentor Ron Carter.
FBPO’s Jon Liebman had a chance to catch up with the busy Mr. Varela at this year’s Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Their conversation covered the bassist’s recent and upcoming projects, gear and why he likes to practice electric bass parts unplugged.
Watch our interview with Marcos!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview, here.
Marco’s solo album, San Ygnacio, is available here:
