RODRIGO Y GABRIELA – 11:11

Dedicated to 11 musical artists who have left their mark on Rogrigo y Gabriela, 11:11 is the second album from this remarkable duo. From the opening bars of Hanuman (dedicated to Carlos Santana) the pace does not slacken until the album’s final, title track provides some slight respite. Such is the virtuosity of these two players and the nature of flamenco guitar. Perhaps some further light is shed when you see some of the other artists they are paying homage to. Aside from Carlos, there is Jimi Hendrix, Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell and Latin jazz pianist and composer Michel Camilo, along side Pink Floyd and the John McLaughlin led Shakti. That’s right, this is Flamenco guitar via popular music by two guys who spent their youth in heavy metal bands. Throw in producer John Leckie (Stone Roses) and mixer Colin Richardson (Slipknot) and the picture become clearer (or murkier depending on your perspective.) There is nowhere else you can hear the complexities of Afro-Cuban, Spanish, and Mexican rhythms cast with an ear for contemporary popular music and stunning Flamenco playing. These guys will be in the country early next year. Ole!

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