Rodrigo y Gabriela-Review
by Kira Pearson
Start with a base of Latin flavor, add a splash of flamenco flair, and spice it up with a large dose of head-banging metal; combine all this with a pair of dueling acoustic guitars, and you’ll find yourself jamming out at a Rodrigo y Gabriela show. The duo, originally from Mexico and now based in Ireland, creates their unique sound through inspiration from artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Al DiMeola, Pink Floyd, and Metallica.
The pair met in the late ‘90s in Mexico, and decided to start an ensemble of their own after parting ways with a thrash metal band. The foundation of the music they produce is based upon Spanish-influenced traditional folk, but with their addition of rapid rhythms, percussion, and fervent guitar playing, they keep a tight hold on the metal that runs through their veins.
Rod y Gab are touring with their first backing band, C.U.B.A., a thirteen-piece Cuban orchestra. The group took over Broomfield’s First Bank stage with a mesmerizing energy that was nothing short of jaw dropping. Rodrigo charmed the crowd with his rocker stance, profoundly adorned riffs, and flirtatious smile while Gabriela took the music to a whole different level. In between her flawless finger drumming on the guitar, producing sounds from snares to bass, her hand flew across the strings so fast that a flesh-colored blur was all that could be seen.
The recent release of their new album, Area 52, is proving to be just as successful as their breakout, self-titled album released in 2006. The cover, complete with classic metal ‘finger horns’, gives a hint of what sound to expect. Rodrigo y Gabriela definitely know how to get a crowd jamming out, and they also know how to allow the audience to feel the music by adding some soul through blues-flavored beats.
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s amazing ability to channel the weight of a six-piece band with just two acoustic guitars is humbling, and seeing the marvel live was a fascinating experience. Even though their tour won’t be bringing them back to Colorado this year, I highly recommend buying their CD and blasting it at home. Sit back, grab some tequila, close your eyes, and you’ll find yourself in the streets of Mexico surrounded by colorful flamenco dancers, hair-flinging metal heads, and the action packed vibrations of dueling guitars that will penetrate to the core.
Category: Planet Buzz
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