Colombian arranger, composer, vocalist and flute player Verny Varela, has released his single “Vive el Momento” (Live the Moment), co-produced by Luis Bonillas and Luisito Quintero, who also played on percussion.
Music collaborations include bassist Ruben Rodriguez, best known for having contributed to New York’s modern salsa sound in his work with Sergio George and who has recorded over 250 albums with artists Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ruben Blades, Isaac Delgado and Marc Anthony; as well as Cuban Axel Tosca on piano.
A celebrated artistic voice in the Washington D.C. area, Verny Varela has worked as singer, composer and arranger for several artists among which is the world celebrated trip-hop, acid jazz and electronica band, Thievery Corporation, for whom he wrote and sang on the albums The Richest Man in Babylon (2002), The Cosmic Game (2005) and Radio Retaliation (2008).
In 1997, Varela was Gabino Pampini’s orchestra leader and later played for Tito Gómez’ orchestra with whom he toured Europe and North America. He recorded in 2002 with the Broadway Orchestra of New York on their 40th anniversary album. He released his first album, Amar de Nuevo (Love Again) in 2004, followed by Gracias (Thank You) in 2006; album which he fully composed and musically arranged.
In 2012 he released his third album, Evolución (Evolution) . Varela has also recorded a bachata and a fusion album. His musical style carries a wide-range of genres.
Presently, Verny Varela teaches in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Howard University and is pursuing his doctorate in African studies.
Upcoming concerts include:
June 9 – Casa Maryland
June 17 – National Reagan Airport
Agust 12 – Montgomery Festival
July 9 – Colombian Embassy
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
