Published in the March 4 – 18, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Mark Fenichel

Bach to Blues is coming back to Gavilan College March 14 with an interesting concept fusing a mix of different styles of music ranging from baroque to Spanish guitar to straight ahead blues.

The idea started in 1997 as a Gavilan faculty concert designed to showcase the musical talents of the teachers. After a couple years they stopped putting on the event. But due to popular demand, they started up again in 2001 and developed Bach to Blues by adding premier local talent. It was a way to show off faculty talent and create a fundraising event to help out the music programs at Gavilan College.

This year’s fundraising focus will go toward rebuilding their small on-campus music hall, according to Gavilan Spanish instructor and music teacher Albert Marques.

We sat down at Rosy’s at the Beach for lunch to discuss this event and when I asked about his background, I learned that Albert received his first guitar at 7 and played on and off until he was 12. At that point he began practicing four hours a day. His dad Larry was his first guitar teacher and showed him various styles including flamenco, blues and rock. After a year, he studied with local blues guitarist John Garcia and from age 12 to 18 played in many rock bands performing at parties, weddings and high schools.

At 18, he became a serious musician and soon started a modern jazz band which lasted for three years. About that time, he came to Gavilan and studied music theory, music history, classical guitar and music ensemble and began guitar lessons with legendary Spanish guitarist Mariano Cordoba. Cordoba is a master flamenco guitarist internationally known and mainly responsible for bringing flamenco to the Bay Area.

From age 18 to 21, Marques played a lot of rock and flamenco. He also had the opportunity to do some studio work which included sessions with local bands and playing on commercials. In addition, Albert frequently performed at the Flamenco Society, Classical Guitar Society, Music Teacher Association of California and many private events. After studying with Cordoba, he briefly studied with well-known guitarist Guillermo Rios before moving to Spain in 1988 where he continued to play and study.

Albert says Bach to Blues is always a fun event for both the musicians and the audience with many musical surprises. This year the line-up includes an opening set by the Christopher High School Choir, a piano duo with Maria Amirkhanian winner of the Marian Felice piano competition and Dahveed Behroozi. Also performing are Albert and Larry Marques on guitar, local blues and jazz vocalist Nate Pruitt, and blues guitarist vocalist John Garcia. The final musical piece will showcase everyone in a jam session.

Tickets for seniors and students $10, general admission $15 and VIP $25. Call (408) 846-4973.
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On another note … Heavy metal is coming to town. The Granada Theater will show the movie “The Story of Anvil” followed by a live performance of the band Anvil along with Lord Dying and Sunlord. It all happens March 18 with the movie starting at 5:30 p.m. and the live show at 7:15 p.m.. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The GVA Cafe is sponsoring the Anvil show and will also be doing a heavy metal weekend with Center Of Own Friday March 13 and Saturday March 14 a double bill with Dimidium and 5150.

If you know of something of interest musically speaking, drop me a line at [email protected].