Giosa-Varela Band

“From an early age, Morgan Giosa was raised around music and the arts. His brother Alex is a professional drummer. A self-described “old soul”, Morgan’s music is most rooted in inspiration from the electric psychedelic blues of the 1960s (artists such as Michael Bloomfield, Jimi Hendrix, and Jerry Garcia), as well as influenced by the greatest electric bluesmen of all time (particularly B.B. King and Albert King, two of his favorite musicians).

Morgan has been composing original music with the guidance and collaborative input of his mentor and friend, Frank Varela. The two, alongside drummer Alex Giosa and bassist Bob Laramie, recorded an album under the name Fake News Blues Band in late 2017. Their debut self-titled album was released on June 6th, 2019 and is available on all major streaming platforms. Frank and Morgan went back into the studio and completed a follow up album of original blues and jazz music, “Feelin’ Fine Today”, which was released in November of 2023. Their music has been played on radio stations from WCNI 90.9 FM in New London, CT and New Music Alliance Radio Hour in Springfield, MA, and their album was reviewed favorably on Chicago-based music blog Curt’s Blues.

Frank Varela has dazzled audiences for many years with his guitar prowess. He is known among his peers as a unique master guitarist who ignites the interest of every listener. His imaginative compositions, arrangements of standards and numerous recording engagements has brought years of recognition, including favorable reviews in the nationally renowned publications such as “Jazz Improv” magazine.

The legendary Larry Coryell compared Frank Varela’s playing to Jeff Beck and Grant Green in the liner notes of a Mystery Feet recording. This recording featuring Larry and Frank playing together on one of Frank’s original tunes entitled Angelina Park.

Together, Frank and Morgan play an eclectic mix of music, ranging from traditional electric blues (B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, and more) to jazz-fusion (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and more), to improvisational jam music by artists like the Grateful Dead, Santana, and Phish. Their high-energy, fiery shows have been well-received throughout the New England region.