Though a well-established member of New York's jazz scene for the past 12 years, bassist and composer Marcos Varela looked to his family's ancestral home of San Ygnacio, Texas and his trek still in progress as inspiration for his debut recording “San Ygnacio”. For this, he pulled together mentors and brothers in music - including master drummer Billy Hart, pianist George Cables, saxophonist Dayna Stephens and trombonist Clifton Anderson - who gave a warm depth of spirit to this collection of compositions.

Varela is a band leader, composer, producer and educator and one of the most in-demand bassists worldwide,  who performs with a wide variety of ensembles including: The Mingus Big Band, Nasheet Waits, George Cables, Ingrid Jensen, ‪Billy Hart‬, ‪Jason Moran‬, ‪Geri Allen‬, ‪‪Leslie Odom, Jr‬., Frank Lacy’s Vibe Tribe, ‪Kendrick Scott‬, ‪Billy Harper‬, ‪and Tyshawn Sorey‬, among countless others.

Legendary bassist ‪Ron Carter‬ contributed to the liner notes for “San Ygnacio,” where Carter writes that Varela’s “Tone, Choice of Notes and Compositions will place his playing and name on the list of bassists to be heard.”

Mr. Carter has made statements regarding Varela’s musical contributions, saying of him “a truly unique musician, Mr. Varela belongs in the top bass players in the industry and his impressive resume confirms my words,” “a fine example of talent that is essential to the scene,” and “top notch proficiency on his instrument as well as a complete understanding of the history and details of the jazz art form.”

Varela was also selected as a member of ‪Jazz at Lincoln Center‬ trombonist Vincent Gardner’s Jazz Houston, which has featured guests such as ‪Gregory Porter‬, ‪Wynton Marsalis‬, ‪Ruben Blades‬ and‪ Jon Faddis‬‬. As a composer, Varela has also composed music for several film and television projects, including director Domenica Cameron-Scorsese’s film “Roots in Water.”

Varela’s newest projects include “One Mind,” recently released on the Spanish label Fresh Sound Records, with pianist Peter Zak, as well as Seamus Blake and Billy Drummond. Another project on the same label “Illumination” featuring Rob Garcia, Marcos Varela, John O’Gallagher, and Noah Preminger, was the most recent release on December 15th, 2020. 

Notes on Seating: Jack London provides two options. Reserved Seating is purchased on a table-by-table basis in the central part of the venue and is only available for select shows. Seating in the General Admission section is limited, first come first served, and may be standing room only.