Monday, October 12, 2009

Mad About Music Monday - Rodrigo y Gabriela

To begin this, the second week of October we have a special instrumental group for you to enjoy. Rodrigo y Gabriela is an acoustic duo hailing from Mexico City but finding residence in Dublin, Ireland. If that move seems interesting to you you should hear their style. They first met in a thrash metal band in Mexico City drawing heavily from the world of metal music. Mix in their Latin background with some Spanish and Mexican styles and top it all off with some techniques picked up while performing on the streets of Ireland and you get the unbelievable duo of Rodrigo y Gabriela.

They've recently released their fifth album, their second on major release, 11:11. The concept of the album is 11 songs from 11 artists that have inspired them. They regularly state Metallica as an major influence in their music, having covered two Metallica tracks, One and Orion. (I love how they mix in the well known Jazz song Take Five with One.) Here they are performing Orion, for the full version of the song without video CLICK HERE. Or to sample Metallica's original, CLICK HERE.



I recently have seen them on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and The Tavis Smiley Show performing and speaking of their unique background. I have not been overwhelmed by a new musical artist in some time so its quite refreshing to be hearing something new, with a new spin on an old style. While Rodrigo chooses to refrain from placing labels on their music he makes it quite clear in the Tavis Smiley interview that they are not, nor wish to be labeled as Flamenco music. Here they are performing their latest single, Buster Voodoo on the Tonight Show.




Rodrigo y Gabriela are quickly becoming the hot musical act of the day. I have since heard their music used for MTV commercials for their various reality shows as well as seen them perform or as a guest on almost every late night show. It seems their record company, RubyWorks, is pumping them hard hoping that their latest album 11:11 will be a top seller. They have the talent, the style and the authenticity, so with this I hope to give them a little more praise and support and hope that you continue to share the wonderful music of Rodrigo y Gabriela. Here is their interview with PBS late night host Tavis Smiley. Enjoy.



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