|
|
 While it's rather unlikely that an instrumental, pan-genre recording made by a Mexican duo could reach #1 in the U.K., Rodrigo y Gabriela, the third release from Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero, not only hit #1 in Ireland, it debuted there. How did this happen? The back story is just as improbable as the lofty chart number.
Rodrigo and Gabriela were teenagers when she joined his band in Mexico City — he was the drummer, and she played guitar in the thrash metal outfit Tierra Acida. They soon felt stifled by the Mexican music scene, so Rodrigo switched to guitar and together they concentrated on expanding their fret board skills.
When a friend offered to let them move into her house in Dublin, they recognized it as an opportunity and headed to Europe — only to discover that the offer had been rescinded. Homeless in a strange land, they busked to make money, and soon their unthinkably fast, thoroughly unique rhythmic-playing gained the pair a loyal following. Among their new fans was fellow Dublin street musician Damien Rice, and when he invited Rodrigo and Gabriela to tour with him it was the break they needed.
With influences ranging from salsa to Sabbath, lead guitarist Sanchez and rhythm player Quintero describe their style as "fusion music." The predominantly Latin harmonies are augmented by a rock structure based in their love of metal. The resulting music is so utterly complex and awe-inspiring that Rodrigo y Gabriela truly must be seen to be believed.
Provenance: Mexico City though they've since made Dublin their home.
Latest release: Rodrigo y Gabriela (2006)
© 2007 Nigel Music Media LLC. Used by permission.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|