The long awaited follow up to their 2006 self-titled debut, which has enjoyed worldwide sales in excess of half a million albums. — Includes Bonus DVD with tutorials, exclusive interviews, & live concert footage ! — 11:1... more »1 was recorded in Ixtapa, Mexico and produced by Rodrigo y Gabriela, with John Leckie co-producing one of the tracks. The album was mixed in Wales and London by Colin Richardson, best known for his work with Slipknot and Trivium.
Comprising 11 new original compositions, 11:11 is the band s personal Gracias to 11 musicians, both past and present, who have inspired them along the way. Alex Skolnick of metal gods Testament guests on the album, as do widely respected acoustic veterans Strunz & Farah.
If their self-titled debut was a successful attempt at capturing the unbridled dynamic energy of their incendiary gigs (mostly recorded live in the studio, with very few overdubs); then the new album sees them developing their core sound into something more sophisticated, intricate and varied. At the heart of the sound is still the stunning interplay between Rodrigo s dazzling lead work and Gabriela s unique rhythm play; but the base soundscape is now subtly supplemented by percussion, occasional piano and a fresh arsenal of stringed instruments from around the world, including oud and sitar. And - whisper it quietly the introduction here and there of electric guitar.« less
The long awaited follow up to their 2006 self-titled debut, which has enjoyed worldwide sales in excess of half a million albums.
Includes Bonus DVD with tutorials, exclusive interviews, & live concert footage !
11:11 was recorded in Ixtapa, Mexico and produced by Rodrigo y Gabriela, with John Leckie co-producing one of the tracks. The album was mixed in Wales and London by Colin Richardson, best known for his work with Slipknot and Trivium.
Comprising 11 new original compositions, 11:11 is the band s personal Gracias to 11 musicians, both past and present, who have inspired them along the way. Alex Skolnick of metal gods Testament guests on the album, as do widely respected acoustic veterans Strunz & Farah.
If their self-titled debut was a successful attempt at capturing the unbridled dynamic energy of their incendiary gigs (mostly recorded live in the studio, with very few overdubs); then the new album sees them developing their core sound into something more sophisticated, intricate and varied. At the heart of the sound is still the stunning interplay between Rodrigo s dazzling lead work and Gabriela s unique rhythm play; but the base soundscape is now subtly supplemented by percussion, occasional piano and a fresh arsenal of stringed instruments from around the world, including oud and sitar. And - whisper it quietly the introduction here and there of electric guitar.
"Rodrigo y Gabriela reach new heights with 11:11. 11:11 is comprised of 11 acoustic guitar tracks authored by Rodrigo y Gabriela. Inspired by their influences, ranging from rock greats such as Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd, jazz masters such as Al Di Meola, or classic Spanish and Mexican artists such as Paco De Lucia and Jorge Reyes, the album combines Rodrigo's frantic yet astoundingly precise picking with Gabriela's incredible ability to simultaneously perform both percussion and secondary rhythms.
The rich sounds they create seem impossible to generate from two acoustic guitars; without seeing the accompanying DVD it would be easy to assume they have a third and possibly fourth member assisting. The rock influenced tracks draw clear inspiration from their respective artists: Santana's ranging melodies, Hendrix' wah-wah and vibe effects, and ending with an eerie and beautiful Pink Floyd sound. Though I'm not familiar with the jazz, Spanish, Mexican and other influences, I'm confident Rod y Gab have likewise captured their sounds. Track 8, `Hora Zero', is the hidden gem as Rodrigo relentlessly picks multiple notes per second for 5 minutes straight, growing faster and more elaborate throughout the song leading to a chord duel with Gabriela. Great album through and through: 5 stars.
"
Great Discovery
leadensky | Salt Lake City, UT USA | 09/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I walked into a local CD store on Tuesday and as luck would have it, they were playing this CD. I'd never heard of Rodrigo y Gabriela, but the music was just incredibly compelling so I asked about it and wound up buying the CD. Haven't stopped playing it since. Went back and picked up their Live in Tokyo CD today and would have picked up their first CD, but they didn't have it. Hello, Amazon. It's not often you find something completely out of your normal musical range that just blows your socks off like this did. Incredibly talented artists."
R and G dazzle and energize...again.
L. Cuadra | Seattle, WA | 09/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone who is a fan of the classical guitar/flamenco/rock/acoustic genre will absolutely love this album. What I like about it is that this is a sheer display of their talent- in stark contrast to the music that is coming out of major labels nowadays."
Brilliant!
R. Fleischer | Skokie, IL USA | 12/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Simply amazing, this album continues the ascent of Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero to the heights of Guitar Heroes!
This album is an astonishing display of virtuosity. After a tremendous debut album, the pair follow up with original works that are homages to the rock musicians who inspired them. Foremost cuts include Hanuman, an homage to Carlos Santana, Buster Voodoo, an homage to Hendrix, and 11:11, an homage to Pink Floyd.
These three are the cuts getting extensive radio play, but the whole album is a marvelous body of work. Ignore the fact that the Grammys ignore this power guitar duo. They are the most original group in rock today!
One last comment - if you love rock guitar - you simply have to see these two live. They can totally energize the room with their skill and bravado. They are awesome in concert, they can jam with anyone, and they play with energy and style that no one else can match. I've seen them live three times, and I'd happily pay double to see them again.
Background:
Rodrigo is a classic "finger picking" thrash metal guitarist, never mind that he's playing an acoustic guitar. He shreds with the best of them.
But Gabriela - well, she is unmatched in the history of rock guitar. If experts consider Steve Cropper the greatest rhythm guitarist of all time, well Steve, you finally have competition. Gabriela manages to be a full drum kit, bass, and rhythm guitar simultaneously. Her hands are faster than hummingbird wings, and when you wonder if anyone can actually produce three musical lines at once - just listen. She is stunning, awe inspiring - the greatest I've ever heard.
If you love acoustic or classical guitar - buy this. If you love metal - buy this. If you love technical achievement on any instrument - buy this.
You won't be disappointed."
Simply Amazing
SchrodingersCT | 01/02/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rodrigo y Gabriela's playing is unique, to say the least, with two Nylon-string guitars they create an eclectic blend of music: the warm tones of Mexican-Spanish guitar styles with the blue-rock, jazz, metal, and psychedelic genres. Each track is dedicated to one of the duos' influences; unlike most tributes, Rodrigo y Gabriela go beyond covers and have composed 11 original works.
As a guitarist just listening to the paying is awesome, near perfection. Well worth for a fan of any the influences or just a fan great guitar work."