What We're Listening To: Abby

Rodrigo y Gabriela, audio CD, Rubyworks, 2006.

11:11, audio CD, ATO Records, 2009

This is the most original, innovative music I have heard in a long time. It is heart pounding, foot stomping flamenco-like latin fusion music by two musicians adept at their craft and able to produce incredible sounds on their acoustic guitars.
Rodrigo and Gabriela have been friends since they were teens in Mexico City. Each had their own band and each tried but failed to be accepted into the Conservatory. Their love of heavy metal and rock brought them together. When things weren't happening for them in Mexico City they decided on the spur of the moment, with very little money and barely able to speak English, to travel to Europe. Their first stop was Dublin where the promise of a place to stay fell through so they had to start busking (playing in public for tips and gratuities). Their reputation spread and they were hired to play at weddings and gallery openings and ultimately clubs. Within a year or two they produced a CD and that in combination with their live performances launched their careers. They are still based in Dublin and tour all over the world.