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Alberto Varillas

Alberto Varillas

Nacido en Gijón, Asturias, en 1969, este artista comenzó su andadura musical a los 10 años en el ámbito de la música tradicional asturiana, aprendiendo a tocar el tambor bajo la tutela de Pepe Blanco, un reconocido gaitero y tamboritero. Su pasión por la gaita asturiana le fue inculcada por su padre, Alberto Fernández Velasco, con quien dio sus primeros pasos en el instrumento. Al año siguiente, recibió clases de técnica instrumental de un maestro gaitero, lo que lo llevó a participar en competiciones en las modalidades de gaitero solista y de gaita y tambor, cosechando varios premios en certámenes celebrados en Asturias durante la década de 1980. Durante este tiempo, se dedicó al estudio autodidacta de la gaita, complementándolo con su formación en el conservatorio, donde tuvo la oportunidad de aprender de destacados gaiteros de la época. Entre sus mentores se encuentran figuras como José García Tejón Fariñas y, especialmente, el “Gaitero Mayor de Asturias y de España”, quien inspiró su carrera artística.

A lo largo de su trayectoria, se integró como gaitero en diversas agrupaciones folclóricas de baile tradicional, tanto en Asturias como fuera de la región, incluyendo Los Mariñanes, Aires de Asturias, Alitar, Los Collacios, Los Xustos (todas de Gijón), San Félix de Valdesoto, El Nocéu de Trubia y Reija de La Felguera. Además, ha actuado como gaitero acompañante en numerosas romerías, festivales y concursos, destacando su papel como gaitero oficial del Concurso de Canción Asturiana de Gijón desde 1989. Su vinculación con la tonada se evidencia en las numerosas grabaciones que ha realizado junto a destacados cantantes del género. En la primera década del siglo XXI, recibió el Premio del Memorial Silvino Argüelles al Mejor Gaitero Acompañante de Tonada, siendo el gaitero que más veces ha sido galardonado con este premio. En 1988, se proclamó vencedor del Trofeo McCallan en el Festival Intercéltico de Lorient, tras una intensa competición con el gallego Carlos Núñez y los asturianos José Ángel Hevia y José Manuel Tejedor, convirtiéndose en el tercer gaitero en ganar este premio para Asturias, después de Xuacu Amieva y Vicente Prado "El Pravianu".

Ese mismo año, comenzó su labor docente, impartiendo clases de gaita y tambor en Trubia, Sariego y Gijón, siendo uno de los primeros maestros en introducir una metodología específica para el estudio de estos instrumentos, combinando enfoques tradicionales y modernos. Con sus alumnos en Gijón, fundó la Banda Gaites Noega y posteriormente colaboró en la creación de la Banda de Gaites La Salle de la Felguera y la Banda de Gaites Alitar de Bruselas. En 1990, participó en la fundación de la primera asociación de intérpretes y simpatizantes de la gaita, conocida como Conceyu de Gaiteros d’Asturies, de la que fue presidente entre 1994 y 1997. Un año más tarde, recibió la acreditación de Maestro Gaitero por parte de la administración regional tras superar las pruebas de capacitación en el Conservatorio Superior de Música Eduardo Martínez Torner de Oviedo. Durante estos años, colaboró con su padre, el conocido artesano de gaitas asturianas, Alberto Fernández Velasco, en la mejora de las cualidades tímbricas y tonales del instrumento.

En 1993, participó como gaitero solista en un evento que marcó un hito en la historia de la gaita asturiana, siendo la primera vez que el instrumento se presentó en una obra sinfónica, acompañado por la Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias (OSPA) y bajo la dirección del maestro Antón García Abril. Este evento coincidió con el lanzamiento de la gaita cromática, un prototipo instrumental creado por su padre. La gaita cromática, interpretada por Berto Varillas, fue el eje del disco "Día de Fiesta n'Asturies", que destacó las posibilidades musicales de este instrumento, en colaboración con la OSPA y el Coro de Amigos de la Ópera de Asturias. En 1996, estrenó en el Teatro Campoamor de Oviedo, nuevamente con la OSPA, la obra "Tres variaciones sobre un tema de gaita" del compositor asturiano Manuel Fernández Avello, también incluida en el disco "Día de Fiesta n'Asturies".

En 1998, la adaptación sinfónica de "La Noche Celta" del compositor Ramón Prada ofreció otra oportunidad para fusionar instrumentos sinfónicos y tradicionales, con la gaita asturiana en un papel destacado. Este concierto cerró la participación de Asturias como región invitada en el Festival Intercéltico de Lorient de 1998 y se repitió en el Teatro Campoamor de Oviedo y en el Teatro Jovellanos de Gijón en 1999.

Ese mismo año, se unió a la Asturiana Mining Company, un grupo que lidera junto al músico estadounidense afincado en Asturias, Michael Lee Wolfe, donde combina sus roles de gaitero y cantante. Ha colaborado en la grabación de la banda sonora de la película "Pídele cuentas al Rey", opera prima del director asturiano José Antonio Quirós, que incluye "La Trova del Mineru", tema principal del disco "Patrimoniu" (2000). En 2002, junto a músicos de esta formación, lanzó el disco "Tradición". En 2004, participó en el proyecto Torner, junto a Anabel Santiago y el grupo Ástura, con motivo del 50 aniversario de la muerte de Eduardo Martínez Torner. Recientemente, contribuyó a la banda sonora de la última película de José Antonio Quirós, "Cenizas del Cielo", en la que interpreta el tema tradicional "Que m'escurez", que se convirtió en el tema más destacado de la película.

Actualmente, combina su labor docente en la Escuela de Música de la Mancomunidad Cinco Villas, la Escuela Municipal de Música de Salas, el Aula de Música Tradicional de la Agrupación Folklórica Teixo-Manolo Quirós y el aula de Música Tradicional de la Banda de Gaites Noega de Gijón, con su faceta artística, colaborando en grupos de folk, la Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias en ocasiones especiales, y trabajando como productor musical. Desde 2003, ha producido espectáculos musicales para el Teatro Jovellanos de Gijón que exploran la música tradicional asturiana, incluyendo "Buscando’l norte" (2003), "Nel Camín" (2004), "Sones de Danza" (2005), "Un añu en Xixón" (2006), "Alborá en Xixón: Homenaxe a Manolo Quirós" (2007), "1808: Cantares de la Francesada" (2008), "Xixón con Xota" (2009) y "Yá suena la gaita: homenaxe a José Remis Ovalle" (2010).

En 2012, liderando la Asturiana Mining Company, ganó el Premiu al Meyor Cantar 2012 con la canción "Si nun conoces Val.louta", de Macu González, de su CD "Sones por Berto Velasco". Posteriormente, representó a Asturias en el festival Liet Internacional con la misma canción, obteniendo el Premio del Público.

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On This Day in Music History

The Release of 'What's Going On' by Marvin Gaye (1971)

On March 20, 1971, Marvin Gaye transformed the landscape of soul music with the release of his iconic album 'What's Going On.' This groundbreaking record not only showcased Gaye's mesmerizing voice but also his deep concern for social issues, touching on themes of love, war, and the environment. Upon its release, 'What's Going On' reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and became a fixture in the hearts of fans, selling over two million copies in just its first year.

The album's title track was a poignant reflection of the tumultuous times America faced during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It resonated with listeners who were grappling with the Vietnam War and civil rights movements, reflecting a deeper consciousness that was emerging in popular music. This powerful single climbed to the top of the R&B charts, establishing Gaye as not only a prominent artist but also a social commentator.

'What's Going On' was revolutionary, as it broke away from the traditional pop format, offering a seamless blend of jazz, funk, and orchestral soul. The lush arrangements and introspective lyrics paved the way for future generations of artists to explore personal and political themes within their music. Fans today continue to celebrate the album’s legacy, with original pressings highly sought after by vinyl collectors for their sonic warmth and historical value. Limited vinyl releases celebrating its anniversary have further cemented its status as a timeless classic.

Ultimately, Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' remains a profound touchstone in music history, influencing countless artists across genres while reminding listeners of the power of music as a vehicle for change and understanding.

Soul Marvin Gaye

Album of the Week

Jazz

A Love Supreme (1965)

John Coltrane
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane

Released in 1965, 'A Love Supreme' is a landmark album in the world of jazz, showcasing the profound spiritual journey of John Coltrane. Recorded in a single session at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, the album was released on Impulse! Records and quickly became a critical and commercial success. Coltrane's exploration of spirituality through music resonated with listeners, establishing him as a pivotal figure in jazz. The album has been celebrated not only for its innovative sound but also for its deeply personal narrative and spiritual undertones, making it a touchstone for both musicians and fans alike. Musically, 'A Love Supreme' is significant for its innovative structure and improvisational style. The album is divided into four parts: 'Acknowledgement', 'Resolution', 'Pursuance', and 'Psalm', each contributing to a cohesive narrative arc. The standout track, 'Acknowledgement', opens with the famous four-note motif that serves as a spiritual mantra, setting the tone for the entire piece. 'Resolution' showcases Coltrane's intense saxophone work, while 'Pursuance' features an exhilarating interplay between Coltrane and drummer Elvin Jones. Collectors seeking the 'A Love Supreme' vinyl should be aware of several pressing variations. The original 1965 release in mono is highly sought after, with the black and orange label being particularly desirable. Look for matrix numbers such as AS-77 and the dead wax identifiers that often include 'RVG' for Rudy Van Gelder. Current values range from $20 for later reissues to upwards of $300 for pristine originals. Condition is paramount for this album; look for minimal surface noise and well-maintained jackets, as wear can significantly impact value. Collectors are drawn to 'A Love Supreme' not only for its musical brilliance but also for its cultural significance in the jazz canon. As a reflection of Coltrane's spiritual quest, this record has become an essential piece of vinyl history, making it a must-have for both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

Standout Tracks:
  • Acknowledgement
  • Resolution
  • Pursuance
Pressing Notes: Original 1965 mono pressing with black and orange label is highly desirable. Look for matrix AS-77 and 'RVG' in the dead wax.
Value: $20-$300 Collectibility: High

Vinyl Collector Tip #79

Cleaning

Mastering Vinyl Care for Longevity

To ensure your vinyl records maintain their sound quality and longevity, regular cleaning is essential. You should invest in a quality carbon fiber brush for dry cleaning. This tool effectively removes dust and debris without scratching the surface. For deeper cleaning, consider using a record cleaning solution specifically designed for vinyl. Applying a few drops to a microfiber cloth and gently wiping the grooves can help remove stubborn grime. This not only protects your investment—potentially preserving the value of records worth $100 or more—but also enhances playback quality, preventing skips and distortion.

It's crucial to clean your records before and after each use to prevent the buildup of dirt that can degrade the sound over time. Additionally, store your records vertically and in protective sleeves to safeguard them from dust and physical damage.

By adhering to these vinyl care practices, you can extend the lifespan of your collection and enjoy pristine sound quality for years to come. Remember, a well-maintained record can provide you with a rich listening experience and preserve its value in the ever-growing world of record collecting.

Pro Tip: Use distilled water in your cleaning solution to avoid mineral deposits.

Vinyl Market Pulse

↑ Up

Soul Vinyl: Market Trends for 2026

The vinyl market for Soul records has seen a remarkable surge in interest this year, driven by a blend of nostalgia, high-profile artist deaths, and a resurgence in reissues. Original pressings of classics like Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' have skyrocketed, now fetching over $200, up from just $50 last year. The allure of Soul music, characterized by its emotive sound and rich history, continues to captivate collectors, particularly with recent documentaries shedding light on iconic figures in the genre. As more people turn to vinyl as a tangible investment, Soul records have become a hot commodity. Collectors should focus on original pressings and significant reissues from labels like Motown and Stax, as these are likely to appreciate in value. Albums from artists like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding are also safe bets. Selling lesser-known titles or standard reissues can help fund these more lucrative investments. Looking ahead, the outlook appears positive; as the nostalgia for classic Soul persists and the vinyl format remains popular, prices are expected to continue on an upward trajectory. Investing in Soul vinyl not only offers the chance for financial gain but also enriches your listening experience with timeless music.

Hot Artists: Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding

Genre Spotlight

New Wave

The Essential Guide to New Wave Vinyl Collecting

New Wave emerged in the late 1970s as a dynamic genre that combined elements of punk rock, pop, and electronic music, giving birth to a sound that was both innovative and commercially viable. Often associated with the rise of synthesizers and the DIY ethos of the punk movement, New Wave became a defining genre of the 1980s. Its origins can be traced back to bands experimenting with avant-garde sounds, leading to the genre's golden era characterized by catchy melodies and a penchant for theatricality. Movements such as synth-pop and post-punk played pivotal roles in shaping the New Wave landscape, leading to a rich catalog of music that continues to resonate today.

When it comes to essential artists in New Wave, a few names stand out. First, we have Talking Heads, known for their eclectic sound and artistic music videos that redefined visual storytelling in music. Second, Blondie, whose fusion of punk and disco led to chart-topping hits like "Heart of Glass." The B-52's brought a quirky, fun vibe with their distinctive sound, while Depeche Mode pioneered the use of synthesizers, creating timeless tracks that still captivate listeners. Duran Duran, with their glam aesthetics and catchy hooks, defined the MTV generation, while The Cure's melancholic melodies and goth influences added depth to the genre. Lastly, Gary Numan brought sci-fi themes to the forefront with his groundbreaking album "Speak & Spell."

For collectors, several must-own albums define the New Wave genre. First on the list is "Speak & Spell" (1981) by Depeche Mode, featuring the hit “Just Can't Get Enough.” Next, Blondie's "Parallel Lines" (1978) is a quintessential album that showcases the band's unique blend of styles and produced classics like “Heart of Glass.” The B-52's self-titled debut (1979) is another essential, bursting with energy and creativity. Duran Duran's "Rio" (1982) is a staple for its infectious hooks and iconic tracks like “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Finally, "Remain in Light" (1980) by Talking Heads is a landmark album that pushed the boundaries of what New Wave could achieve.

When collecting New Wave vinyl, it's essential to pay attention to pressing info, labels, and rare variants. Look for first pressings, which are often marked with unique identifiers on the label. Labels like Sire, EMI, and Chrysalis are notable for their association with many New Wave acts. Additionally, limited edition colored vinyl or picture discs can significantly increase a record's value.

As of now, the market for New Wave vinyl records is thriving. Collectibility is high, with price ranges varying widely, from around $

Featured Rarity

Why This Album Is Worth Thousands

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye (1971)

Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' is not just an album; it represents a pivotal moment in music history, blending social consciousness with emotive melodies. This masterpiece has become one of the most coveted vinyl records among collectors, with original pressings fetching impressive sums. The first pressing, released in 1971 on the Tamla label, is particularly valuable, especially if it features the original green Motown label. Collectors should watch for the deadwax etching that reads 'T-314,' signifying a true first pressing, as well as the specific matrix numbers that can enhance value.

In the collectible market, an original U.S. pressing in near-mint condition can range from $150 to an astonishing $25,000 depending on its condition and rarity. Variants like the original UK pressing on Tamla Motown or the early Columbia pressing are also sought after, with prices reflecting their unique attributes.

What makes these original pressings special is the unique artwork and packaging, which often includes the iconic album cover designed by Ernie Barnes, whose artwork captures the essence of the record. Trivia enthusiasts will appreciate that the album was inspired by Marvin Gaye's experiences during the civil rights movement, adding a layer of historical significance.

For collectors, look for the first pressing with the error on the back cover that misspells 'Psychedelic' as 'Psychedellic.' This small detail can significantly increase a record's desirability. With its timeless relevance and impeccable artistry, 'What's Going On' remains a must-have for any serious vinyl collector, making it a perfect gem for your collection!

Current Market Value: $150-$25,000