Written by Bella Lee
It is a Thursday evening at the Hollywood Bowl. The seats are full and the audience awaits the return of the legendary duo Rodrigo Y Gabriela to Los Angeles. As the sun sets on this gorgeous night, the two artists emerge onto the stage.
Rodrigo y Gabriela are a Mexican acoustic guitar duo known for blending elements of rock, jazz, and traditional Mexican music. Formed in 2000, the duo consists of Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero, who initially gained popularity in Dublin, Ireland, where they busked on the streets. Their music is characterized by intricate guitar work, rhythmic strumming, and percussive techniques that create a vibrant sound. They often incorporate influences from various genres, including flamenco, metal, and folk. Rodrigo y Gabriela are celebrated not only for their technical prowess but also for their captivating live performances, which are often filled with energy and connection with the audience. Their unique sound and dedication to their craft have earned them a loyal following worldwide.
Rodrigo greeted Los Angeles warmly. “Every time we play this venue (the Hollywood Bowl), it is a pleasure to perform here. Thank you for having us again.” They played several songs from their newest album In Between Thoughts…A New World. Their latest sound is a more rock-centered feeling, while still staying true to the style that they are known for.
On stage, Rodrigo and Gabriela are enticing. The trust they have in each other is so complete, so full, so in sync with each other. It is as if their musical souls are connected past explanation. Not a single note was missed, no beat was misplaced, and the music was electric. Combined with the Hollywood Bowl’s incredible venue, the sound permeated the air. The audience as a collective held their breath as the duo performed, completely taken over by their energy. “Since we don’t sing,” Rodrigo said. “I hope you can hear the guitars tell our story.”
After playing pieces from their latest album, the two guitarists performed a medley of their most popular songs. “Hanuman,” “Tamacun,” and “11:11” were effortlessly blended together. In between small bursts of energy, the two would pause briefly, Gabriela lifting her arms to encourage the crowd, and then they would continue the performance.
The two of them are masters of their music, and it is as if the guitars bent to their will. Gabriela, whose specialty is percussive strumming, has tested the physical and musical limits of a guitar. Rodrigo, who leads the main melodies, lets his fingers run through the strings as if they were made of honey. The two of them together are a powerful force, no one can compete with them.
Along with playing their released music, the duo also played a few songs from their upcoming release. Their descriptions of the music were loving. “You can imagine you’re a bird,” said Gabriela. “Flying through the skies, and seeing the world from a new perspective.” The new pieces were soaring, lifting the audience from their seats and transporting them. Rodrigo took them to a new world, one where music heals.
As the night ended, Rodrigo thanked all of Los Angeles. “Thank you for your support through the years. You’ve been waiting for a bit.” Gabriela added, “We love you, thank you.” The two of them walked around the front of the stage, playing for the fans and interacting with them. They ended the night inviting the audience to dance while they played. As the stars shone, the melodies of the two guitars carried the audience all the way to the end of the night.
