On October 14, 2022, bassist Marcos Varela's San Ygnacio Project graced the Side Door in Old Lyme, Connecticut, delivering a performance that resonated with the rich cultural tapestry of Varela's heritage. The ensemble featured Varela alongside saxophonist Dayna Stephens, pianist Adam Birnbaum, and drummer Adam Arruda. This collaboration was particularly significant, as it marked the first time Varela and Stephens, both Houston natives, shared the stage together. Their shared background infused the music with a deep, intuitive connection, enhancing the performance's emotional depth.
The setlist predominantly showcased compositions from Varela's 2016 debut album, San Ygnacio, which pays homage to his family's roots in San Ygnacio, Texas. Notably, the track "Colinas de Santa Maria" was performed, a piece inspired by Varela's ancestral ranch, reflecting his deep connection to his heritage. The ensemble's rendition of "I Should Care," a standard from the album, was particularly compelling, with Stephens' tenor saxophone weaving seamlessly with Varela's bass lines, creating a harmonious dialogue that captivated the audience.
This performance was part of a series of engagements that highlighted the San Ygnacio Project's exploration of Varela's mixed Hispanic and borderlands roots. The group's dynamic interplay and the infusion of personal history into the music provided a profound listening experience, underscoring the significance of this collaboration in Varela's artistic journey.
