Rodrigo y Gabriela

11:11

Rubyworks

Sep 18, 2009 Web Exclusive By Pasquale Iannone Bookmark and Share


In the liner notes to their eponymous debut album, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero make the point that "A lot of people, when describing our sound, say we play flamenco. We don't. We blend a lot of styles into our playing, but this area of music is not one of them." In the three years since the release of Rodrigo y Gabriela, the Mexican duo has become one of the most exciting live acts on the circuit thanks to fluid, rapid-fire guitar play and stylistic experimentation.

For their follow-up, 11:11, Rod & Gab have enlisted producer/mixer Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Trivium) for an album which celebrates some of the musicians that have inspired them over the years. "Buster Voodoo" is an affectionate nod to Jimi Hendrix while "Atman" is their tribute to Dimebag Darrell; it features a scorching electric guitar solo from Testament's Alex Skolnick. Along with electric guitars, further texture is added by oud and sitar, but at the album's core is jaw-dropping acoustic interplay-Rodrigo on lead and Gabriela on rhythm-best showcased on track "Master Maqui." Fizzing with unbridled energy, 11:11 is an ideal musical pick-me-up. (www.rodgab.com)

 

Author rating: 6/10

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Justin
December 23rd 2009
7:33pm

Great review.  I finally picked this album up and almost enjoy it as much as their last.  “Buster Voodoo” is my favorite at the moment.

Flirtsignale
April 5th 2011
6:40pm

I like the temperament in the Rodrigo and Gabrielas music; sounds a bit like flamenco indeed, but it is more ... Thanks for sharing this! Nice blog.