Jam Central Station 1.28.11: Buzzworthy Album Review - Rodrigo y Gabriela featuring C.U.B.A.- Area 52

Posted by Jeff Modzelewski on 01.28.2012

Acoustic guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela bring in a C.U.B.A.'n orchestra to reinvent their music



Hey all. Hope you had a good week. We had a great MuckleBuck practice on Sunday and then I spent Wednesday laying down some percussion at our drummer's place. Very cool to be in a band and have ample time to lay down my tracks just right. Stuff is sounding good both live and in studio. If you haven't gotten on it yet, you should go "like" The MuckleBuck right now! Enough pimping, time to get started!





Rodrigo y Gabriela have been spent the past decade + making some amazingly original fusion guitar music. They've shared the stage with both classical musicians and metal icons. More than anything, they've taken all of their influences and thrown them together in something extremely unique. After experiencing increasing success with both their self-titled album and 2009's 11:11, the duo went in a different direction for their latest release. Area 52 is a collection of "re-imagined" songs from previous albums. Helping make this album distinctive from previous releases is the fact that the duo invited C.U.B.A., a 13 piece Cuban orchestra, to play with them on the album. The songs also feature a variety of guests.

As a whole, this is a nice departure for Rod y Gab. They have been doing their "two guitars and a cloud of dust" style of music for quite some time, and it would have been easy for the duo to continue with the formula that has given them so much success. By bringing in a Cuban orchestra, they reinvented their style almost entirely. Instead of playing off of each other and relying on both instinct and familiarity, Area 52 relies on tight arrangements of the songs. By using songs that the duo had already recorded, they made the process a little easier on themselves, simply re-working what they had already done for the new setting. However, nothing about the album sounds "easy," and there's a great mix of standout guitar parts interlaced with some great work by both C.U.B.A. and the guests on the album.

It's hard to characterize the album. At times it's great Latin rock, at other times it's a little too orchestral. It starts out in true Rodrigo y Gabriella fashion with "Santo Domingo," a song where the guitars stand out and the drums add a heavy layer to the song. The horns are a nice addition and don't do much to take over, instead providing only accents. That changes on "Hanuman," where the drums, piano, and horns all take over the song at points. The original elements of the song are there, but it's a drastic change. "Ixtapa" brings things back nicely, starting with both the guitars and a sitar taking center stage and the orchestra again providing mainly accents and rhythm.

"11:11" is another track that holds up well to the full-band treatment. Gabriela's percussive influence is evident here more than almost anywhere else on the album, and the odd timing and constant changes in the song are only enhanced by the layering of the other instruments. "Master Maqui" runs the risk of falling into "big band" style music at times with the overpowering horns, but it's not as over the top as many later songs on the album. The rhythmic guitar runs later in the song really help. Gabriela stands out again on the intro of "Diablo Rojo," and she leads the percussion section throughout the song. This is probably the strongest track on the album (except maybe "11:11"), mainly because of Gabriela's prominence on the track and the highlighting of the rest of the band's percussion section.

The album changes pace significantly for the piano-driven "Logos." The ballad is reinvented with the addition of the bass, piano, and some slight percussion. It adds a full feel to a beautiful song, and assures that neither Rod or Gab need to do too much to fill it out. Instead, they're able to play more focused solos and rhythms, allowing the rest of the band to fill in the gaps. "Juan Loco" starts out by bringing back the big-band feel in earnest, and unfortunately not as well as "Master Maqui." Luckily some great guitar work comes into play during the verse portions of the song, but the band really swallows that up on the choruses. The album closes with "Tamacun," which has the same "big band" type of feel. The interplay between the band and the guitarists is featured here, with the band jumping in with great fills while Rodrigo solos and Gabriela turns in another phenomenal percussive performance. The length of the song gives the everyone an opportunity to step out in front.

I think the biggest thing missing on this album is a focus on Gabriela's rhythmic guitar work. Her playing is essential when it's just the two guitars together, adding the necessary rhythm and flair to Rodrigo's lead guitar playing. On Area 52, there are so many other rhythm instruments in the mix that she often gets lost in the shuffle. Rodrigo is able to stand out as a lead instrument, but Gabriela's percussive playing isn't a as much of a focus on many of the tracks. Luckily "11:11," "Diablo Rojo," and "Tamacun" show just how effective the interplay between the band and her percussive playing can work

Rodrigo y Gabriela will be heading out on tour with C.U.B.A. later this year, and I think that will be the best opportunity to experience this collaboration. Rod y Gab are known for their energy on stage, and the one thing that's missing on this album is that feeling of spontaneity that the duo usually brings. Live, however, I think that the collaboration will some fireworks to a show.



















Mountain Jam Lineup announced
Mountain Jam will return to will return to Hunter's Mountain once again. The 8th version of Mountain Jam will once again include performances from Gov't Mule as well as artists such as Michael Franti & Spearhead, Steve Winwood, The Roots, Ben Folds Five, The Word, The Travelin' McCoury's (featuring Keller Williams), Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and many others. The festival will be held May 31-June 3.

Forecastle Festival returns
The Forecastle Festival will return to Louisville in 2012. The festival will be held in Louisville, KY at Waterfront Park on July . My Morning Jacket will be both headlining and "curating" the event. No other artists have been announced, but My Morning Jacket singer Jim James advises people to "expect a few surprises."

Summer Camp Additions
Summer Camp added even more artists to their lineup this week. New additions include Pretty Lights, Gov't Mule, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Keller Williams, G. Love & Special Sauce, Shpongle presents Masquerade, and Gigantic Underground Conspiracy, a new group consisting of members of Big Gigantic, Disco Buiscuits, and Conspirator.

Grateful Dead Archive opens to the public
The Grateful Dead archive at the University of California at Santa Cruz is officially open to the public. The first exhibit will open in April and there will be a celebration in May.

Yonder Mountain String Band tour dates
Yonder Mountain String Band just announced their spring dates. They'll be hitting the road again starting at the end of March through mid April. These dates are in addtion to their Cabin Fever tour dates.

03/29 Lawrence, KS—Liberty Hall
03/30 St. Louis, MO—The Pageant
03/31 St. Louis, MO—The Pageant
04/03 Tulsa, OK—Cain's Ballroom
04/04 Oxford, MS—The Lyric
04/05 New Orleans, LA—House of Blues
04/06 Austin, TX—Stubb's BBQ
04/07 Dallas, TX—House of Blues
04/10 Flagstaff, AZ—Orpheum Theatre
04/11 Salt Lake City, UT—The Depot
04/12 Stateline, NV—Montbleu Resort
04/13 San Francisco, CA—The Fillmore
04/14 San Francisco, CA—The Fillmore
04/17 Sacramento, CA—Harlow's




Mayan Holidaze
January 26-30, 2012
Now Sapphire Resort and Spa
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
STS9, Umphrey's McGee, and The Disco Biscuits will host this destination festival on the Mayan Riviera! Tickets (actually, rooms at the resort) are available now!

Panic en la Playa
January 31-February 4, 2012
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
This destination event be a part of Panic's final shows before their hiatus. They'll be performing a full set each night, and attendance is limited to 2,000. Rooms at both resorts are sold out!

Jam in the Dam
March 14-16, 2012
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Jam in the Dam returns! 2012's lineup includes moe., Mike Gordon, Dark Star Orchestra, Lotus, and Keller Williams. Each artist will play each a full set each night. Tickets are available!!

Suwannee Springfest
March 23-25, 2012
Suwannee Music Park
Live Oak, FL
Performers include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Duo, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Hot Buttered Rum, Infamous Stringdusters, Great American Taxi, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others. Tickets are available now!

Ultra Music Festival
March 23-25, 2012
Bayfront Park
Miami, FL
Performers include: Tiesto, New Order, Kraftwerk, Justice, Fatboy Slim, Bassnectar, Skrillex, Pretty Lights, Afrojack, Big Gigantic, and many others.

Coachella
April 13-15, April 20-22
Empire Polo Club
Indio, CA
Both weekends will have the same lineup. Performers include: Radiohead, The Black Keys, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Explosions in the Sky, Dawes, Girl Talk, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Florence & The Machine, and many others. Both weekends are sold out.

Wannee Festival
April 19-21
Spirit of Suwannee Music Park
Live Oaks, FL
Performers include: The Allman Brothers Band, Furthur, Gov't Mule, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Leftover Salmon, North Mississippi All Stars, EOTO, and many others.

Hangout Festival
May 18-20, 2012
Gulf Shores, AL

DelFest
May 24-27, 2012
Cumberland, MD
Performers include: The Del McCoury Band, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Sam Bush Band, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more

Summer Camp
May 25-27, 2012
Three Sisters Park
Chillicothe, IL
Performers include-Three sets each from event hosts moe. and Umphrey's McGee. Other artists announced include Primus, Gogol Bordello, The Bob Weir, Chris Robinson, Jackie Greene Acoustic Trio, Flogging Molly, Cornmeal, Victor Wooten, Greensky Bluegrass, and Hot Buttered Rum.

Festi di Bella Fiora
May 25-27, 2012
Harmony Park
Geneva, MN
Performers include: Primus, Weir, Robinson, and Greene Acoustic Trio, EOTO, Big Gigantic, and others.

Sasquatch! Festival
May 25-28, 2012
The Gorge
George, WA
Lineup will be announced in February

Mountain Jam
May 31-June 3, 2012
Hunter Mountain, NY
Performers Incude: Gov't Mule, Steve Winwood, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Roots, Ben Folds Five, The Word, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and many others.

Wakarusa
May 31-June 3, 2012
Mulberry Mountain
Ozark, AR
Performers include: Primus, Umphrey's McGee, Avett Brothers, Pretty Lights, Robinson & Greene Acoustic Trio, Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros, Matisyahu, Toubab Krewe, Big Gigantic, Girl Talk, G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Beats Antique, ALO, Keller Williams, The Infamous Stringdusters and others.

Bonnaroo
June 7-10, 2012
Manchester, TN
No news on artists yet, and super-early-bird tickets are sold out.


Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 21-24, 2011
Telluride, CO
Performers for the 39th annual festival include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Punch Brothers, Bela Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others.

Governor's Ball
June 23-24, 2011
Randall's Island
New York, NY

Electric Forest Festival
June 28-July 1, 2012
Double JJ Ranch and Resort
Rothbury, MI

High Sierra Music Festival
July 5-8, 2012
Quincy, CA

Camp Bisco XI
July 12-14, 2012
Indian Lookout Country Club
Mariaville, NY

Forecastle Festival
July 13-15, 2012
Waterfront Park
Louisville, KY
My Morning Jacket will headline and curate the event.


All Good
July 19-22, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH

Gathering of the Vibes
July 19-22, 2012
Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT

Floyd Fest
July 26-29, 2012
Lover's Rock
Floyd, VA
Performers include: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Leftover Salmon, Matisyahu, Galactic, Punch Brothers, Toubab Krewe, Drew Emmitt Band, and many others.

Newport Folk Festival
July 28-29, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI

Newport Jazz Festival
August 3-5, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI

Lollapalooza
August 3-5, 2012
Grant Park
Chicago, IL

Camp Barefoot
August 23-26, 2012
Camp Hidden Meadows
Bartow, WV
Performers include: Zach Deputy, Brothers Past, The Motet, Euforquesta, That 1 Guy, and others. Headliners yet to be announced.

The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival
September 20-23, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH



Hope you all have a great week! I'm on my way to go see The Werks at The Beachland tonight, so should be a good one! Be sure to get more Jam Central Station on Facebook and Twitter. Until next week, Jam On!