Rodrigo Y Gabriela have hooked up with an orchestra of Cuban musicians for their new album ‘Area 52’.
A Mexican pairing, Rodrigo Y Gabriela initially found fame re-working classic rock and metal hits in a different style. Using just two acoustic guitars, the pair would add a Flamenco feeling to the well worn originals.
Since then, the guitar duo have thrown themselves into a series of new challenges. Focusing on a new album, Rodrigo Y Gabriela travelled out to Cuba to absorb the island’s rich and diverse musical culture.
Working with a collective known as C.U.B.A. the pair collaborated with thirteen of the finest young musicians on the island.
Peter Asher was seated in the producer’s chair, with Rodrigo assisting throughout. In addition to this, the final mix was overseen by Rafa Sardina, 25 times nominated (and 11 times winner) at the Latin Grammys.
Re-visiting nine of their own compositions, Rodrigo Y Gabriela deliver completely different arrangements. Inspired by the Cuban atmosphere, recording took place at Abdala Studios in Havana and later at Rodrido Y Gabriela’s studio in Ixtapa, Mexico.
The new arrangements were handled by y Switzerland based composer / arranger / pianist Alex Wilson, who has previously worked with legendary British saxophonist Courtney Pine.
Featuring a number of guest musicians, ‘Area 52’ is set to be released in January. A rather unusual title, ‘Area 52’ apparently emphasises the strangeness of the journey to Cuban and the stylistic diversions the pair took.
?”We felt like Mulder and Scully approaching this; it was just a crazy idea, to see if a big Cuban band could play our music, a step in the dark?” said Rodrigo. “We knew it was out there, everyone has heard of Area 51, but we wanted to take it a little further?.”
Rodrigo Y Gabriela are set to release ‘Area 52’ on January 23rd.
