RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUITAR DUO

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JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUITAR DUO

Hi again everyone,
Just posting a link to something I've been listening to quite a bit lately. Its a song called 'Foc' by a Mexican guitar duo based in Ireland. Their style uses Flamenco techniques and blends them with jazz and metal traits. Purists will comment that this isn't "true Flamenco", which may be true, as it is a hybrid. But hopefully they can still appreciate the techniques and composition involved.

The duo have 2 albums out ('ReFoc' and 'Live...') which are worth checking out, and the song 'Paris' on the 'Live...' album uses a bit of Paco De Lucia's 'Rio Acho' theme. Feel free to voice your opinions on their work if you have any.

http://www.rubyworks.com/mp3/focRefoc.mp3

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 2 2005 17:27:01

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

[Deleted]

Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Feb. 3 2005 10:36:17

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 2 2005 17:29:52

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

THE ORIGINAL LINK HAS BEEN REPAIRED AS OF 3rd FEB 2005, AND IS REPEATED BELOW:
http://www.rubyworks.com/mp3/focRefoc.mp3

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 2 2005 17:40:59

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

If I recall, Ron really likes this group--he mentioned them before.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 2 2005 17:41:45

Ricardo

Posts: 14831
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Strunz and Farah imitators, but not nearly as good. Check out "Primal Magic" and "Americas", if you like this stuff. Those guys are muting the trebles a lot w/ the sextuplets (ala Dimeola) to hide their sloppiness no doubt. That is a cool effect sometimes, but for the whole song? One of the guys is into metal, specifically a Paul Gilbert exercise I recognize. Don't, get me wrong, I would have fun jamming w/ these guys, but I think you will like Strunz and Farah better if you like this stuff.

Ricardo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 2 2005 17:53:37

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to Ricardo)

Ricardo,
Thanks for your views. Funny you should mention it... I do have a couple of Strunz and Farah CDs already on order! Haven't actually received them yet, so I can't comment on their content... but I'm looking forward to them.
You are right... they are into metal... very much so... they used to have a heavy metal band back in Mexico and were on the verge of signing a record deal when they switched locations to Ireland (for some reason). They also have a couple of cover versions of Metallica songs (albeit done on acoustic guitars).
Personally, I didn't find them that sloppy, but what do I know...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 2 2005 18:22:22

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

Miguel,
Perhaps Ron does. Although maybe it was me, as I have mentioned them before in another post. The link is up and running now, so feel free to have a listen.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 2 2005 18:24:34

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

quote:

If I recall, Ron really likes this group--he mentioned them before

Mike,
If you recall correctly, I saw the group, who were supporting Radio Tarifa, when I went along to see Amir Haddad.

http://www.foroflamenco.com/tm.asp?m=8548&appid=&p=&mpage=1&key=amir&tmode=&smode=&s=#8563

No need for apology though Mike, as I appreciate getting older tends to fog the memory somewhat.

They were a competent, gigging outfit, like many who do the clubs around the UK.
They were not big headed or anything, and didn't believe their publicity hype.
Just working players.
I have seen so much of that sort of stuff before though, and it just doesn't move me either way.
But good luck to them. It's a hard life making a living as a musician in the UK.

By the way, I heard on last weeks "Loose Ends" (Ned Sherrin, 6.15 Sat Radio 4)
that they will be on the next program.

cheers

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 2 2005 20:25:32

Skai

Posts: 317
Joined: Sep. 12 2004

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

When I first read this I thought, flamenco + metal + jazz =

Is that even possible?
Now let's take a listen. Well sounds like a rumba in 2s to me lol

_____________________________

Try some Enrique Iglesias for some great cante.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 3 2005 3:33:43

Ricardo

Posts: 14831
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

quote:

When I first read this I thought, flamenco + metal + jazz = Is that even possible?
Now let's take a listen. Well sounds like a rumba in 2s to me lol

Well it is flamenco guitars w/ a spanish flavor. The metal licks are right from Paul Gilbert's picking exercises he used in Racer-X (metal band) and shows in his instructional videos. Jazz is a catch all for improvisational music (soloing over changes or the chart), but this has some latin jazz and south Amercian influence. Those sinchopated melodic figures that repeat are a lot like latin jazz piano patterns. Gypsy Kings play rumba and this music is very different. Just because it is 2, does not mean rumba is the compas. The guitar strumming is more South American than European.

quote:

Personally, I didn't find them that sloppy, but what do I know...

No they don't sound sloppy, I just know that muting those treble strings when alternate picking helps to clean up the sound when crossing the strings. So if you mute that much you can cover up the dirt and don't need to be accurate. I don't see a need to do THAT much muting on acoustic guitar, musically speaking, unless you want to cover up those noises when playing fast. And it is only when they are playing fast. Strunz and Farah don't mute like that simply because they are more comfortable w/ their right hand technique on acoustic guitar. These other guys are obviously more comfortable on electrics. Of course, maybe they just like muting all the time, but I don't think so. Anyway, happy listening!

Also check out Al Dimeola's World Sinfonia albums.

Ricardo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 4 2005 4:41:58

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to Ricardo)

Ricardo...
You sound like you know what you're talking about. This duo sure do mix their styles, and aren't ashamed to admit it. They also list Di Meola as one of their influences. I am familiar with the muting to mask unwanted string noise... I use it on my electric guitar (although mainly on the bass strings). As for the Paul Gilbert technique, I think you're right again. I happened to have the PG tuition video. By the way, its great to hear that someone else on this website has heard of PG... mention his name to most members, and they'd be like "WHO?!"

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 4 2005 8:31:25

Jon Boyes

Posts: 1377
Joined: Jul. 10 2003

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Just bought the latest release from this duo, I love it. Thought I better search the foro before posted about them... god job too

I'd call it South American/rock fusion. The Cd has a free DVD with it, showing several live numbers plus a tutorial on their technique. Very interesting stuff.

When I first put it on I thought "Strunz and Farah without the rest of the band and less widdly" but after a few listens, this is really growing on me., and its quite different to S&f. They are certainly not sloppy players and the guy playing lead only does the muting stuff ocasionally, plenty of his lines are clean. The woman in the duo - Gabriela -is the rhythm guitarist and she's very good. She fills out the sound well with a mixture of south american rasgueos/strumming and percussive techniques. Some very catchy tunes in there.

The album includes cover versions of Stairway to Heaven and Metalica's 'Orion'. I have most of Metallica's albums and I thought the cover was great!

PS. I came across them by accident, this is album of the month in a UK guitar mag. I only bought it because it mentioned flamenco on the cover - linked to Steve Stevens (Billy Idols guitarist). As is so often the case, the article/tabs inside and the video of this guy have absolutely nothing to do with flamenco whatsoever. Most of it is barely even Spanish sounding!

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Spanish Guitarist in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 2 2006 12:22:23

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

LOL, Jon these are the guys I recommended to you in a recent thread regarding Nuevo Flamenco as "the devil's music". You commented on S&F's picking technique, then I recommended Rod and Gab as a more modern alternative.

If you liked that album, you will also like Their first album "ReFoc", and their second live album. Bother are superb. But if you can, try and see them live, like I did a while back. They play in London and Ireland regularly (see www.rodgab.com for tour details).

Jb

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 2 2006 13:30:18

henrym3483

Posts: 1584
Joined: Nov. 13 2005
From: Limerick,Ireland

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

saw them last month in my university concert hall, great duo and gabriela has some mean right hand techniques.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 2 2006 15:25:34

Romanza

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

I just picked up this cd when browsing the world music section of virgin, without having heard of them before. i am loving it so far. it's really fun to listen to. lots of influences in there, for me it brings to mind gypsy swing as opposed to flamenco (which they clearly state in their album that they are not influenced by). Good fun though.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2006 14:39:16

Romanza

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

ps they are doing a few dates in the uk in november if anyone's interested, see their website..

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2006 14:49:25

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

I saw them live and enjoyed it. I think a few other members did too. Jon Boyes told me he has added one of their songs (I think its "Tamacun") to his gigging repetoire...

Jb

I think I prefer their first 2 albums, but all are worth a listen.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2006 18:16:54

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to Ricardo)

Ricardo,
I actually met the girl coming offstage after I'd had a couple of beers with Amir Haddad in the bandroom when he was appearing, playing oud with Radio Tarifa, who were an absolutely fantastic band.
She was absolutely charming and very self-effacing and coy.

She totally charmed me!

(I only saw the start of their act, since the manager of the venue said I could go upstairs to see Amir Haddad.)

In my mind anyway, it's a classic way to do things...
Like get up to the mike, sit down and start to strum muted strings (with loud amplification) in a very rhythmically way for at least a couple of minutes.
Then one of you splash out into a very Phrygian picado run.
Very dramatic.
And good stuff too!

Let's face it...for South American folk seeking refuge from oppresive regimes and ending up on Ireland's Green Shores?
Who would not welcome them?

They played as street musicians in Dublin and appreciating the few coins passers by put in to their guitar cases..
I really wish them the very best of luck..I really mean that.
I thought they were really interesting myself...but I was too busy speaking to Amir Haddad to catch their whole act, 'cos I'm interested in different things.
I think my original post from then must be somewhere on the Forum....??

cheers

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 1 2006 21:29:09

Ricardo

Posts: 14831
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to Ron.M)

Since we discussed this last year or so, I saw their vids. Big mix of stuff. I think I was right about their influences, but I did not mean to sound negative. Just to let JBash know of some other stuff to listen to. So this duo has their thing and that is cool, good for them to try different things and arrange Metallica and what not.

Not sure if I meantioned to you but Ramin and I hung out with Amir in Madrid after seeing him perform this summer. The last night before I flew out. We were up all night jamming in the big Plaza. The homeless guys were standing around us giving us palmas, it was pretty crazy!

Ricardo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 2 2006 6:24:23

ToddK

Posts: 2961
Joined: Dec. 6 2004

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

I cant get past the bad/transducer sound. Really awful.

I cant stand this kinda crap. I can handle some Strunz and Farah,
for a song or two, but you can hear the same overdone spanish
cliches from all these type of groups.

Look at these guys. This is the absolute worst ive seen. ever....

They should be shot.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2006 18:30:52

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Todd, you should know that to play Virtuoso Spanish guitar you just need to take three notes and play them over and over again as fast as you can. No need to hit them all or tune your guitar.

By the way, have anyone tried one of the new Taks with the 'Cooltube'? It's supposed to smooth out the piezos a bit.

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Connect with me on Facebook, all the cool kids are doing it.
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Arizona Wedding Music Guitar

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2006 18:44:06

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Todd, if you promise to learn to relax a bit, I promise I will learn to think about compas when I play.

Young & Rollins, eh? well, at least they didn't use plectrums, unlike some of those Nuevo guys...

Jb

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2006 18:51:57

ToddK

Posts: 2961
Joined: Dec. 6 2004

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Hey, i tend to be critical, what can i say

Doesnt mean
im uptight.
Ya cant have great timing/tempo and be uptight!!

I have nothing against the picks being used, as long you
know how to make it work. (sound decent at least)

Mainly why i never realy dug Mclaughlin and Dimeola.
I just cant get past that boxy transducer tone.
They pick it, like they're picking an electric steel string.
It doesnt work. (sound wise)

The Young and Rollins thing is a complete joke.
They couldnt even come up with an original album title.
ITs called "Mosaic" Its a Gipsy King album, they just stole it,
and spelled it different..
Gimme a small break please!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2006 19:10:40

Ricardo

Posts: 14831
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to ToddK)

Actually they are playing 4 notes over and over. Just like Strunz who wants to be like Al John and Paco trio. It is just that these guys are slower and have less rhythm. They need to slow their tunes down. Actually I have their CD and I thought the guy with fingers was faster. This vid was revealing. I know the guy on the left Dan Young, he has subbed in for me at gigs often. I can't say anything bad cause he is a nice guy and saved my butt a few times. The guy on the right plays finger style, but shouldn't. He should use a pick too. I have never seen or played with these guys though they live in my town.

Ricardo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2006 22:47:06

ToddK

Posts: 2961
Joined: Dec. 6 2004

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

quote:

It is just that these guys are slower and have less rhythm.

That hit my funny bone, and i got a deep, belly laugh
outta that one, thanks Ric!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2006 23:07:21

ykabban

Posts: 251
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to ToddK)

quote:

Ya cant have great timing/tempo and be uptight!!

Don't flatter yourself sweetheart.

But I must say, that Young and Rollins deal is a nightmare. I would rather go to a gangsta rap concert than sit through 2 minutes of that stuff. I just sent the link to some friends; a guaranteed chuckle. My favorite part.."INCREDIBLE SPANISH GUITAR!!"

Once again, however, countless people get more pleasure out of this noodling than a Vicente Amigo concert. A phenomena that goes deeper than plain ignorance or good ole fashioned bad taste. I'm thankful for it myself, though. It mitigates the frustration and self disappointment in my my own playing. I just say, well.....at least I don't sound like that. Yup.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2006 23:21:34

ToddK

Posts: 2961
Joined: Dec. 6 2004

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

quote:

Don't flatter yourself sweetheart.

Still mad about my comment on your "out of compas" solea ending?

Its no big deal. You just have some work to do.

We all do.

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 6 2006 23:51:04

ykabban

Posts: 251
Joined: Jan. 11 2006

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

I really don't get this whole "getting mad" thing.

Dude, maybe you should light'n up like someone suggested.

If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have my out of compas clips to post in the first place

, remember? Guess I should have put a smiley face. I hope to have your rhythm at your age. Relax man, it's Frrriiidaaaaay!!! I'll have a beer for ya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 7 2006 0:22:45

Rain

Posts: 475
Joined: Jul. 7 2005

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to ykabban)

In the end they are both excellent players, for what they are doing.
Forget that its not flamenco, step back and enjoy the music, or dont, but remember that others may enjoy this type of music.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 7 2006 1:28:26

Florian

Posts: 9282
Joined: Jul. 14 2003
From: Adelaide/Australia

RE: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA- MEXICAN GUIT... (in reply to JBASHORUN)

Hey :-)

just listened to the mp3 , i dont mind it , its fun

hehe this poor guys just doing theyr thing didnt know we were gonna treat that as a crime against the guitar here as we tend to do on this forum sometimes.

I think we turning into the guitar natzis hehe, and belive me i know i am just as gulty of it, but every now and then i think to myself "snap out of it you idiot" just some people doing what they love , who the f**k am I to deni em that.

not everyone has to play like paco before we show them a litlle respect. everyone does what they can and uses what they have until they get better.

I think we are the worst most unforgiving audience there is lol god help anyone that ever touches a guitar (and his recording ends up here) and is not Paco hehe, thank god the rest of people arent like us or noone of us would have ever had the oportunity to get better.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 7 2006 3:28:46