For many years, Frank has dazzled audiences with his guitar prowess and has most recently employed his “foot bass”. With the amazing Rick Marshall on percussion, Frank’s 2 man “trio” will dazzle you as well with jazz standards and beyond.
Frank Varela attended Berklee School of Music and has been a private music instructor throughout the life of his career. He has also taught as a lecturer at the University of Connecticut and Manchester Community College in addition to his after school guitar program for the South Windsor Recreation Department.
Frank is also an accomplished guitar player and composer. He was recently featured at the Guitar Under the Stars Festival in Hartford, CT in 2012. His work has been favorably reviewed in nationally renowned "Jazz Improv" Magazine and he has played and composed music for six published CD recordings including 2 Mystery Feet CD’s. The first one, entitled "Walk the Walk" includes performances with jazz guitar great Larry Coryell. Frank also had the opportunity to record with drummers Lenny White (Miles Davis, Chick Corea) and Joel Rosenblatt (SpyroGyra) on the latest release entitled "Upstream".
Frank has also performed and recorded with such greats as Jimmy McGriff, Max Roach, Tony Trischka, Bill Keith and Windham Hill grammy winner, violinist, Darol Anger. He has just released an album with Upstream entitled "Grandma's Revenge".
Frank Varela has taught beginner to advanced guitar and music theory for over 25 years.
Frank Varela also has a solo DVD, "Rare Footage" where he plays guitar and bass simultaneously
