To say that Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero play guitar is like saying Picasso painted. The extraordinary Mexican guitar duo, performing as Rodrigo y Gabriela, might just be the best acoustic guitarists you’ve never heard of, though their career highlights include contributing to the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides film soundtrack and playing for Obama at the White House in 2010.
Characterized as nuevo flamenco, their music is influenced by several genres, including rock, and the pair often cover songs – in their own inimitable way – like “Stairway to Heaven.” But whatever they play, the music is marvellously Latin to the core, delivered with an effervescent style that makes one wonder, in particular, how does Gabriela do that?
We offer this professionally shot video of the duo “busking” on Grafton Street in Dublin, where they oddly began their career, but be sure to check out their 2009 performance at the U.K. Glastonbury on YouTube to see them really cut loose and to get a glimpse of Gabriela’s incredible rhythmic style of guitar hand-slapping. Another must-see is their amazing concert on Austin City Limits with a rare full backing band and horn section. Search their names on pbs.org or click HERE for an excerpt.