tastebuds & earbuds
OK…I don’t think any words I can type will do last night’s Rodrigo y Gabriela show justice. It was second time seeing them. The first was two years ago at The Greek in LA and it was mesmerizing. I was pretty high up in the rafters and I could still sense the magic that happened between the two of them when they played. That show was just them for the majority of the show with a few guests sitting in on a few songs. I left with plans to see them with Zeke and LB and Tim later that year but sadly Gabriela’s wrist problems forced them to cancel that show in Charlotte. I’m still sad LB never got to see them live. She would have loved it.
So back to last night’s show. I got this ticket as soon as I found out I was going to Zurich and they were going to be playing when I was here. First of all, I could listen to them for hours. Second of all, I probably don’t know the names to any (well only a few) of their songs. That’s the way I am with songs with no words. I just know that I know it and I know that I love it. And I could probably hum every note…I just don’t know the names. Ha. So their new album Area 52 is actually a collaboration with a group of Cuban musicians. All of the songs are simply reworked with more instruments…so it’s a little more….Cuban….ha. No, it’s got this great drum, piano, bass, and brass behind it and it’s just a little more jazzed up. Very good.
They played for a little over 2 hours. And I’d bet half of that was just Rod y Gab (which is when they really shine). She’s the rhythm and the true heart of the duo. Sure, he’s amazing and plays some great lead melodies…but Gabriela is the lifeblood of the group. And it shows when she plays. (No wonder she has chronic wrist issues…you can hardly see her fingers move when she plays.)
Not to bury the lead or anything, but the real reason this show was so amazing….front row (!!!). I got there about 7:30 and the show was supposed to start at 8…and you know the Swiss..always prompt. Haaaa. So I got a cocktail and went and stood up front and ended up lucking out with a spot on the rail. It was amazing. Surreal. In a word…sublime.
