Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
They Should Rename Themselves "The Phenomenon.", November 18, 2008
I've played guitar, followed acoustic and electric guitar for years in classical, alternative, classic rock and folk genres. These two musicians are in a class of their own, and this recording is probably the best example of their capabilities.
Whether they perform their own work or full or partial covers, Rodrigo is a superb lead with a hit, fluid style I've not experienced since early Carlos Santana. Gabriella uses her guitar as a dual percussion instrument in which the strings release the downbeat and the musician's fingers on the surface of the instrument release every other facet of rhythm.
This is not ambient or mood music. It commands your attention, but once you do you will not be able to still your body -- so driving and rhythmic is their style.
Produced in Japan, this release includes a 27-minute DVD showcasing five of the duo's best pieces and it is mesmerizing to watch (in comparison to most accompanying DVDs out there).
These two are a real "find," and will appeal to anyone who loves acoustic Flamenco, Fado, contemporary Mexica music or anything in between. And if yu love the guitar, don't even bother to wait. This is a deal and a delight, ad also my choice for one of the best of 2008.
|
|
|
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
No new material, no less of a thrill ride, February 17, 2009
One would only be preaching to the choir to emphasize that Rod Y Gab are the most phenomenal thing to happen to the guitar in years. Live In Japan will only further solidify that reputation by dropping the jaws of both newcomers and familiar fans alike, despite the inclusion of no new material. While the duo's 2006 breakthrough album is played in it's entirety aside from the track PPA, fans need not worry about senselessly spending their money: many of the familiar crowd pleasers such as One and Juan Loco are treated with a sophisticated level of jazzy improvisation to warrant re-exploration by even the most die-hard of fans. And while fan favorites such as Tamacun and Diablo Rojo round out a crusher of an encore, attentive listeners will appreciate a finger-bending inclusion of Dave Brubeck's classic jazz tune Take 5 as well as FOC, both obscurities from R Y G's career prior to mainstream success.
Shred geeks can give up their Steve Vai and Yngwie Malsteem instructional videos here: this is all done with about half the fretboard, no distortion, no overdubs, and 0% cheesiness, and not since Paco De Lucia, John McLaughlin, and Al Di Miola tore up Friday Night In San Francisco has acoustic-classical-jazz-speed-metal been this exciting. Yes, that wall of sound is only two guitars, and only during select moments in musical history have so few been able to master this level of technique. May your appetites be wet until the next album.
|
|
|
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This duo is the discovery of the year for me..., December 30, 2008
If you like quality and you like agressive playing, you will love this. As a guitar player I'm simply stunned. Both Rodrigo and Gabriela are amazing guitar players and each offers such a unique space in their amazing instrumental music. I've never seen a more effective or amazing rhythm player than Gabriela. The fact that she combines percussion, in tapping her acoustic guitar body, with guitar playing is a tough enough skill, but she does this very uniquely. And Rodrigo's fluid and extrmely rapid lead work is not only agressive, but in the slower moments especially, it is melodic and beautiful. This pair is truly original and an example of the true raw talent that exists in the world. This represents the opposite of what the mainstream record companies have become. It represents quality, originality, uniqueness, raw and pure talent and is uncompromising in what it is.
To the metal listener that hasn't opened up to acoustic music, this is the perfect route to do so. This is heavy metal acoustic. Listen to their versions of Metallica's One and Orion and you will become a believer. Once you have achieved that, you will realize their own tunes are even better. For unique re-arrangement, hear their version of Stairway to Heaven. It is both recognizable and unique. You hear what you expect to but from a very unique perspective.
Buy this now. :-)
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.
by Rodrigo y Gabriela 
