Rodrigo y Gabriela

Jun 24, 2007 19:34

Rodrigo y Gabriela (Self titled album)


Upon request I'll cease my hiatus and return to writing reviews on here. Yes I did buy the new White Stripes album, but I decided to wait to write about that.

One of my employees here at the ranch loaned me this cd before leaving for a 30 day special assignment. It is a pair of guitarists originally from Mexico who spent their early years playing in the heavy metal scene in Mexico City. They eventually packed up and headed to (of all places) Dublin armed with a pair of classical guitars. There they earned their living busking on the streets where they apparently picked up a new style (as well as some new friends including Damien Rice).

The record is a collection of fiery flamenco guitar pieces with a few hints of heavy metal influence peeking out the edges of the songs. The virtuosity of the playing has to be heard to be believed. But Rodrigo y Gabriela boast more than just startling technical proficiency on their instruments. The songs routinely alternate between blistering fast runs and sections of perfectly nuanced lyricism in the melody line. A rhythm section is replaced by persistent use of the guitar bodies as percussion instruments in a manner which is every bit as virtuosic as the on-the-strings acrobatics. There are also occasional excursions out of flamenco territory into abstract feats of guitar strength reminiscent of Kaki King. Oh, and did I mention that their is a classical guitar version of "Stairway to Heaven" that makes Jimmy Page look like a hobo?

I've never claimed to be a fan of Heavy Metal or of Flamenco, but Rodrigo y Gabriela have me thanking both genres. Trust me, I'm just as puzzled as you.
Previous post Next post
Up