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FROM SANTANA TO THE NEW SOUND OF LATIN SOUL….
True Vibrations…. music is once again feeling the love as Andy Vargas does it for “La Raza” bringing home his own bag of rhythms and “New Skool Funk.”
It is no coincidence that this Northern California born native stays true to live musicianship. A player from the start, Andy was raised in traditional “old world latin” music by his father Javier Vargas. A recording artist in his own right, Mr. Vargas handed the family trade of mariachi music to his son having Andy sing & perform professionally with his band at the tender age of nine. His father also exposed him to other genres of music including such soul artists Jackson 5, Tierra, Marvin Gaye, Tower of Power, and of course Santana. Andy’s father Javier guided him in both song and spirit having migrated to the U.S. through seminary school from Tuxpan, Mexico.
But behind every great man there is an even greater woman! A professional in the financial industry, it was his mother Diana Vargas, that broke Andy into the business of mainstream music! Recognizing her son had “talent you could bank on”, Diana took him to Terry Melcher (son of acting legend Doris Day) who recorded Andy and helped him ink his first deal with R.C.A Records. Then seventeen, Andy was put under the tutelage of Super A&R Ron Fair, responsible for finding hits and producing for such artists as: Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas, Pussy Cat Dolls, Counting Crows to legends like Sting, Pat Benatar and Billy Idol.
But before the release of his record on R.C.A., once again the “musical Gods” would send Andy back to “Familia.” Not to his bloodline in Watsonville, Ca. but to one of the most famous musical families in the world (reigning from the Bay area as well), Santana.
As if ordained by the spirits themselves, Andy befittingly was asked to join one of the most anticipated tours in music history, ‘Supernatural’(diamond album, selling over 10 million copies), after Carlos Santana heard Andy’s version of ‘Oye Come Va’ made famous by Santana and written by the late-great Tito Puente.
This song that now sits on the compilation “Primevera” would be the vibration that would lead to the launch of Andy’s career on an unprecedented level; leading him to iconic collaborations and playing with a collective of artists most can only dream of. These artists include: Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle, Ozomatli, Rob Thomas, Dave Mathews, Anthony Hamilton, Brian Mc Knight, Citizen Cope, La India and India Arie. Under the guise and training of his new found musical godfather, Carlos Santana, for the last seven years (since 2000) Andy has played in sold out stadiums around the world performing to crowds in excess of 200,000 fans a night! When asked, Vargas says some of his most memorable performances came at: the Montreux Jazz Festivals in Switzerland playing with jazz legend Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Aaron Neville & The Neville Brothers, Tower of Power to contemporaries Sean Paul, and Eagle-Eye Cherry. He’s been impacted tremendously by participating in such events as The Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute, and the Katrina Victims Relief Concert with artists Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Nikki Costa, and many others.
FROM SINGING LEAD, TO LEADING THE WAY…
Home grown in Cali, molded from the legacy of family and legendary icons of music, Vargas has cultivated his craft and matured becoming his own man both musically and spiritually. He’s come a long way since being introduced to Los Angeles scene by his musical big sisters and dance diva’s Wild Orchid; headed by Stacey aka Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. He can be heard on the soundtrack for the Brad Pitt/Julia Roberts movie “The Mexican” to guest starring as himself on Fran Drescher’s “Living with Fran.”
When he’s not fronting for one of the most successful and talented bands on the planet -Santana (over 90 million records sold), Andy continues to follow in the footsteps of both his Familias’ - making music for the people and staying true and active in the community. Whether it is unleashing his own brand of beats through True Vibrations Ent. or lending his voice to charities: fighting cancer, minority AIDS, or spreading joy collecting toys for Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, Andy understands the meaning of Heart and Home-placing value in spirit & humanity. Vargas embraces his connection to community and the communication of Truth. Andy believes that which is truly valuable can be manifested in a feeling, a “Vibe.”
The Andy Vargas sound can be coined as “Chicano Cruzin’” from the club to the crib. He’s bringin’ back “backyard boogie” and that feeling of a soul-try Sunday afternoon. Holdin’ down the heat and creating light like only a child of the Sun can!
“Come on Over” and “Feel the Love”……True Vibrations.
Andy Vargas, Latin Soul’s New Favorite Son!
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