Another cinematic episode in the continuing Pirates of the Caribbean franchise means another Hans Zimmer soundtrack…right? Well, yes and no. It's true that Zimmer, with his trademarked European sense of flair, has scored Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides with his usual orchestra and choir, but there are a couple of twists to make things a tad more interesting. Zimmer, a longtime fan of virtuoso acoustic guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela from Mexico, decided to incorporate them into his score, which is rich in Latin and flamenco themes. They are prominently featured on no less than five cues here…
2017 marks the tenth anniversary of the release of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s breakthrough self-titled album. To celebrate the occasion, the acclaimed Mexican duo have remastered the album and dipped into their archive to share a scintillating live CD/DVD. “Rodrigo y Gabriela” was produced by Rodrigo and Gabriela with John Leckie, best known for his work with Radiohead and The Stone Roses. Affectionately known to fans as “the Crocodile album," the record has gone on to sell 750,000 copies worldwide. The new remaster was done by Robyn Robins, who mastered the original album in 2006. The live album was recorded during a string of shows at The Olympia Theatre in Dublin to coincide with their Irish triumph in 2006, performing tracks from the new album as well as their back catalog.
…In encountering this record, all doubt and cynicism should removed; what is happening here is that the canon for the acoustic, classical guitar is being rewritten. This music is the sound of passion as interpreted by and spoken for in a new rock & roll language. Initial copies of the CD also come with an enclosed DVD so you can see the magic as well as hear it.
…In encountering this record, all doubt and cynicism should removed; what is happening here is that the canon for the acoustic, classical guitar is being rewritten. This music is the sound of passion as interpreted by and spoken for in a new rock & roll language. Initial copies of the CD also come with an enclosed DVD so you can see the magic as well as hear it.
Rodrigo y Gabriela's 9 Dead Alive is their first album of new material in five years. Written, arranged, and co-produced by the pair, they deliberately attempt to forgo the Latin influence in their music in favor of an all-rock (albeit still acoustic) approach – which marks a return to their pre-recording roots in heavy metal. (That they don't entirely succeed is part of what makes 9 Dead Alive so compelling.) Each tune was composed for a different inspiration: authors, philosophers, activists, scientists, and a queen. The set was exquisitely recorded in Mexico by Fermin Vasquez Llera. There isn't a dull moment in these 41 minutes. "The Soundmaker," for 19th century luthier and guitarist Antonio de Torres Jurado, commences with Rodrigo's knotty riff and Gabriela's chugging rhythmic vamp.
While the vinyl resurgence continues unabated, sales of Rodrigo y Gabriela on compact disc continue to be strong. Indeed, the recent release of their Jazz EP on limited edition vinyl (now sold out) prompted many Rod and Gab fans to ask their record label: "can I get this on CD?" The fans spoke, Rubyworks listened. This release brings together the shredded heat of their fiery heavy rock tribute - the Mettal EP - which includes blistering attacks on tracks by Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer and the aforementioned Jazz EP, which features stunning, cinematica reworkings of songs by Kamasi Washington, Snarky Puppy and Astor Piazzolla. Jazz and Metal, Heaven and Hell, Beauty and the beast. Both sides of Rodrigo y Gabriela on one six track CD.