The participation of Giulio “Julyo” D’Agostino in Antonio Vergara’s acclaimed album The Fury has been recognized with a nomination for the 2024 Grammy® in the category of Best Contemporary Blues Album. This nomination marks a significant milestone in Julyo’s career, who played a key role in creating a project that not only celebrates the roots of blues but takes them to new heights with its fusion of traditional and modern sounds. The album, nominated in the “Best Contemporary Blues Album” category at the upcoming 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, positions The Fury alongside influential releases from Joe Bonamassa, Ruthie Foster, and Blues Brothers band member Steve Cropper, capturing the attention of the global music community.
Joe Bonamassa has added “My Lucky Mojo” from Antonio Vergara’s album The Fury to his personal Spotify playlist, “Keeping The Blues Alive.” This playlist features a curated selection of blues tracks that Bonamassa updates with music from both renowned and emerging artists
The Fury, released on August 29, 2024, features 13 tracks that explore the richness of contemporary blues while incorporating innovation from artists worldwide. With contributions from several international collaborators, the album stands out for its musical diversity and the impressive quality of its compositions.
Vergara, a celebrated blues guitarist, singer, and producer, has brought together a cross-continental lineup of artists to create The Fury. Known for his profound technical skill and rich emotional tone, Vergara blends Chicago and Texas blues influences with his Latin American roots, creating a timeless, boundary-breaking sound. His meticulous production work and visionary artistry have made The Fury a standout entry in this year’s GRAMMY® competition, showcasing contributions from a wide array of international talent, including Siddhant Bhatia, Monique Nikkole, LIL MILE, Vasjan, Candice Ivory, Cheri Moon, Sharon Lia Band, Marco Nodari, RushDee, Wayodi Atieno, Jess Lamb, and J Toney aka Big Thump.
As a featured guitarist on the album, Julyo brings his Mediterranean and jazz-infused style to Vergara’s evocative compositions. With a career that spans Europe and beyond, Julyo has performed alongside musical legends such as Michael Brecker, Cindy Blackman, and Paulo Bragança. His innovative blend of world music, jazz, and Mediterranean folk influences has earned him international acclaim, with The Fury further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic force in contemporary music.
The Fury isn’t just a celebration of modern blues; it’s a genre-blending masterpiece. Vergara’s pioneering fusion of American blues with Latin and global sounds reflects his broad musical education and extensive career. An alumnus of Berklee College of Music and a voting member of the Recording Academy, Julyo’s performance in The Fury encapsulates his signature style, which is heavily inspired by jazz and world music legends like Paco de Lucia and Miles Davis, as well as cinematic composers Ennio Morricone and Vangelis.
“I’m thrilled to be part of The Fury and honored to be recognized alongside such monumental artists in the blues world,” Julyo shared. “Antonio Vergara’s ability to bridge cultures and genres is truly inspiring, and this project has pushed my creative boundaries.”
Antonio Vergara’s journey to The Fury is equally compelling. A multi-award-winning musician and educator, Vergara has made an indelible mark on Latin American and Caribbean music scenes.
Antonio’s previous works, including Los Bufones También Lloran and Eclosión, have garnered acclaim for their intricate blending of folk, blues, and rock with traditional and classical instruments from India and the Americas. Vergara’s production company, AVA, has enabled him to produce his projects and foster a new generation of artists.
The Fury represents a milestone for Vergara, Julyo, and every artist involved. The album stands as a testament to the transformative power of blues and the global collaboration that drives modern music. With this GRAMMY® nomination, The Fury and its exceptional roster of contributors have firmly secured their place in the annals of contemporary blues.
