Check out the spring U.S. tour dates with a full band here!

New Album

Reinvention is a tricky business. Veer too far from the known and one loses existing fans, stick too close to well trod paths and risk being predictable and safe. Rodrigo y Gabriela have gone their own way since they emerged with a bang in the early 2000s as a hypnotizing duo that mingled flamenco attack with metal accents, jazz seductiveness and more. With just two acoustic guitars (and some choice effects and smart use of volume), Rodrigo Snchez (lead guitar) and Gabriela Quintero (rhythm guitar) have become an international sensation, a position gained through raw talent, a unique vision and dedication to pushing themselves into new areas. This last point is shiningly evident on their new release, Area 52 (released January 24 on ATO), which finds them reimagining signature pieces like 11:11 and Hanuman with a group of skilled Cuban musicians and some handpicked guests like metal drummer extraordinaire John Tempesta and sitarist Anoushka Shankar. It is a lively affair, vigorously engaging with familiar territory and finding much new in these fresh hands, which layer horns, violin, piano and oodles of percussion onto their songs. The duo themselves similarly stretch, taking up electric instruments including lap steel and generally throwing hesitation to the wind in order to stir up new sounds.

We spoke with Snchez about the genesis of this project and what it means within the music thats established them as international stars.

Rodrigo Snchez by Mike Hardaker

JamBase: Theres been an appetite amongst some fans to hear what you two would sound like with a smoking band cooking behind you, but how did you end up in Cuba, which doesnt seem like the obvious choice on the surface of things?

Rodrigo: Honestly, the original idea I had at the beginning didnt turn out the way I thought it would. It was more like a project in the middle of two albums, but as my first approach to work with a Latin band – arrived and I told our managers, who liked the idea, it was interesting. But as we started to build the whole thing, I realized Cuba would be a good place to do it. I had been in New York and saw a show with a big Latin jazz band, and thought, Thatd be interesting to do.

At the same time, my management said, You have another year to go touring, so when after that are you going to jump into the studio for the next album? To me, that sounded crazy because weve been on tour for SO long. So, I had to come up with something to keep them happy AND get us a break. But, it didnt turn out to be much of a break [laughs]. Im happy now and embrace it because the results are good. I listen to it and like it. I dont listen to it the same way I listen to my other albums. I think of it as if I were listening to another band, which I enjoy.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

JamBase: Its exciting to hear your music, familiar pieces to any fan, take on new life. The new version of 11:11 is so fearless, so ready to go somewhere it hasnt gone before.

Rodrigo: Thats true, and its one of my favorite tracks. In fact, thats the kind of track I hoped wed go to. Going to Cuba was like taking a music course. We never went to music school, so we dont know how to read or write music everything is in our hands. So, we got involved with musicians who knew how to get into the music with their hands, too, but also knew how to read and understand music in both worlds. It was hard work but we learned a lot. We pushed ourselves to get to their level, and we got to change solos and add to and extend pieces. I got to play the electric guitar again!

Thats one of the more striking elements on this album, especially captured with a full rhythm section and the other instrumentation.

It was something I hadnt tried before on the other two albums and Gabriella as well. She added some of the wah-wah elements she uses onstage but normally doesnt do much on the albums. For her, it was an amazing experience to learn different rhythms that wouldnt clash with all the percussive elements but still retained her guitar as a clear part of the rhythm section. It was a challenge but it came out pretty good.

What did you find came up in your music as it came into contact with Cuban music? Cuban music has an energy and flow thats unique.

Gabriela Quintero by Mike Hardaker

When we were building the whole thing we were sent videos of all the musicians by this guy in Cuba who was setting up everything so we could pick [who would be involved]. If we were looking for a flute player, hed send us videos of five flute players that were available and well recommended. So, we looked for a balance between young and very experienced musicians, but we didnt want to go all the way with traditional musicians. We didnt want to do something like the Buena Vista Social Club [laughs].

Theres definitely a temptation to do something along those lines. Record labels love that sort of thing.

Exactly! To be honest, that was my speech when I sold [the idea] to labels. I thought theyd like that…and they did! I knew I didnt want to go so traditional, but they didnt know that [laughs].

Thats great [laughs]! I think its important with your music, which is young and coming from a different place than the usual corporate music industry, that you would also play with other younger musicians with the same mindset.

Yes! I know that and though we had a lot of young musicians, we also had, for example, the bass player Feliciano Arango Noa, who is a legend in Cuba where hes played on over 200 albums and with all the big stars you can imagine. Hes older than anyone, but even he said, I need to do something different.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

The younger musicians were SO happy. They werent aware of us because the Cuban people arent aware of anything really [due to state control of all imported news and entertainment]. These musicians watched what we did and really got into it. They were really fearless. They were willing to change the clave, which normally for them is a big, big deal.

Its always exciting when someone says there are no rules. This is often where the best music emerges.

Totally! In the classical world, they might not be that excited by this idea because they dont have the same kind of skills the Cubans have. When they go to school in Cuba, they learn classical music not Cuban music. In fact, they dont have schools to teach traditional Cuban music. Thats amazing to me. All the music they play is coming from generations on the street.

Its kept alive person to person.

But they also understand classical music, and everyone can read music and all that, which is why they are so good.

Are there any plans to tour with this group? Being from Cuba, I imagine there are all sorts of complications and challenges to making that happen.

Its very difficult, but we are going to do a couple of tours. The first one is in February in Europe, and then the second in America in April. Were not sure if well be able to bring them all but we want to keep most of the band together. A lot of them play with big bands in Cuba and have other commitments. But we dont want to just hire any musicians to just play. The idea is to add something to our show to reveal something of these tracks [to audiences]. Hopefully, it will be special.

Rodrigo y Gabriela Tour Dates :: Rodrigo y Gabriela News

JamBase | International
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Bill Ward

The previously announced Black Sabbath reunion is now in doubt as drummer Bill Ward has threatened to leave the band unless he receives a “signable contract”. This is only the latest hiccup in the reunion, as guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with Lymphoma last month. Read the full statement from Bill Ward’s website below:

“Dear Sabbath Fans, Fellow Musicians and Interested Parties,

Bill Ward

Wilco :: 01.19.12 :: Fillmore Auditorium :: Denver, CO

Photo gallery below review!

Wilco by Brad Hodge

Underneath the ambient glow of the Fillmore Auditoriums iconic purple chandeliers, a buzz began to grow. As the sold out crowd ushered in early for Wilcos tour opener White Denim began to burrow into the ear holes of those paying attention. What often times is considered to be a rather heartless box of a venue with overpriced cocktails actually had a wonderful mix of sound. Heavy guitar riffs permeated throughout the venue, and many first timers were christened by the unique, harmonious indie pop sound of White Denim.

Despite the phenomenal opening set, the evening really was about Wilco. They had not been to Denver in a while, and Im pretty sure theyve never opened a tour here. The band seemed to really enjoy the scene as they got right down to business opening the show with an old delightful Yankee Hotel Foxtrot tune Poor Places. This was followed by the pairing of Art of Almost and I Might, early favorites from the bands recent successful release, The Whole Love. In perfect harmony with the wants and needs of the audience, the band offered up a tasteful balance of old and new material with a song from almost every album in the bands catalog.

Wilco by Brad Hodge

Jeff Tweedy, being the well-rounded showman he is, flaunted his sense of humor with between song banter including a rant about the aroma of the venue. Is pot legal here? It smells really legal in here. This band reinvents themselves with every new album, and their live show almost always flawlessly offers up the seemingly impossible recreation of impeccable songs. Their ability to harmoniously assault the airwaves with a bevy of sounds while Tweedys voice slices through all the madness is really like no other.

As what seemed to be a perfect night started to fade with the set closing Shot in the Arm, satisfaction fell across the crowd. However, when Tweedy and crew stepped back out for the encore apparently they had no plans of going home, launching into an eight-song encore including Whole Love and finishing a good solid 45 minutes later with Im a Wheel. The band seemed to really like Denver, and will hopefully make it back sooner than later, but for the rest of the country they are headed your way, and are not to be missed.

Setlist
Poor Places, Art of Almost, I Might, Misunderstood, Side With The Seeds, I Am Trying To Break Your Heart, One Wing, She’s A Jar, Impossible Germany, Via Chicago, Kamera, Born Alone, Capitol City, War On War, Box Full Of Letters, Pot Kettle Black, Dawned On Me, A Shot In The Arm

Encore: Whole Love, Heavy Metal Drummer, Walken, I’m The Man Who Loves You, Red-Eyed And Blue, I Got You (At The End Of The Century), Outtasite (Outta Mind), I’m A Wheel

1/19/12 – Wilco @ The Fillmore Auditorium (Denver, CO) View Photos

Wilco Tour Dates :: Wilco News

JamBase | Mountain High
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Papadosio with The Werks :: 12.30.11-12.31.11 :: LC Pavilion :: Columbus, OH

Full gallery for two night run below review!

Papadosio by Brian Hockensmith

Papadosio and The Werks combined forces for the New Year to host what would become one of the best local events of the year. The Ohio bands brought it all back home for a two night celebration at the LC Pavilion in downtown Columbus. They would go on to play to a sold out crowd on New Years Eve, making the night only more remarkable. Playing host to fans from all across the state and beyond, what the bands had in store was nothing short of a genuinely crafted live musical experience that came straight from the heart. With their inclusion of live art in the spatial context of their sets, The LC was set up to also host painters, hoopers, and dancers/performers. Reminiscent of both the bands respective festivals, Rootwire and The Werk Out, familiar faces glowed in every corner. Both bands have a strong following of dedicated friends and fans that will relentlessly turn out, thus completing the creative circle of artistic collaboration within the musical landscape. When it comes to The Werks and Papadosio, everyone has something to bring to the table.

Both bands defy genre classification with ease, which in turn makes them noticeably intriguing and mesmerizing to watch. Each band is uniquely comprised of heavy hitters that cover all realms of their crafted sounds. Rob Chafin (drums), Dino Dimitrouleas (bass), Norman Dimitrouleas (keyboards), and Chris Houser shredding the guitar merge their individual and respective strengths to form The Werks, which is truly a product of each of their own eclectic musical influences. At the heart of Papadosio is Anthony Thogmartin (guitar, keys), Mike Healy (drums), Rob McConnell (bass), Billy Brouse (keys), and Sam Brouse (keys). The five talented guys excel with their inspirational artistic means of expression through music.

The Werks by Brian Hockensmith

Friday night brought in opening acts The Polish Ambassador and the on-the-rise Space Panda. The Werks played a high energy set as they threw down Althea for the first time, brought Mike Healy out on drums to jam, and at one point Space Panda on the keys. They were then followed by Papadosio, who took the stage to headline the evening, playing a set to warm the soul with excitement and smiles. As fans began to arrive in town, the first night was a gratifying one with a peaceful edge as friends reunited and anticipated the impending epic-ness to come the next night.

Night two was packed full of energy and new faces. As the start of the event got closer, the news of a possible sell out was lifting as last minute fans snagged their tickets and pushed The LC to capacity for the inevitable sold out evening. Local bands RoeVY and Karma/Attak kicked it off and the crowd began to pour in. Papadosio would go on first to an ever-expanding crowd, stoking the excitement as midnight drew closer and closer. At just about midnight, the beginning of the end ensued as The Werks joined Papadosio onstage, combining their magical musical powers to become Werkadosio. They kicked off the collaboration with Polygons, a song by Papadosio. It was becoming more clear by the minute that something incredible was about to happen. The countdown began, instigating the crowd into an eruption of excitement as the tolling of bells and clocks rang throughout the room, and the heartbeat pounding thuds followed. There was only amazement as fans realized what the guys had put together as they covered Pink Floyds Time. Masterfully recreated into the Werkadosio style to initiate the New Year, the moment was transcendental.

The Werks & Papadosio by Brian Hockensmith

Then it became The Werks set again as they continued to awe the room with high energy grooves, and some new and bar-raising covers. The Werks debuted OG, covered R.E.Ms Its the End of the World, and rocked Liquid as former member Chuck Love joined the guys for yet another astonishing moment. The jam was so emotionally charged that it appeared to send waves of electricity throughout the room. The set hit yet another high point as the guys covered Rage Against the Machines Killing In the Name for the first time with Norm on vocals. The night was brought to the perfect end as Papadosio joined The Werks again to play a 2001 encore, which included Chuck.

The two bands are at the forefront of what appears to be a shift occurring in the musical world. After a strong summer of numerous festivals and shows all over the country, the two bands took the beginning of 2012 head on and at full speed. For some time now, they have been progressing at a fast rate, astounding fans as they appear to just be getting better and better each time out. NYE was proof of that, and it signified the beginning of a new outlook for this musical family that encourages and is enthusiastic about change, progress, and the promise of what the future holds for us all.

The Werkadosio collaboration represented a New Year of transformation, a shift and change towards a different level of musical experience and consciousness. At the heart of these two bands is a message around the idea of love and appreciation, as well as positivity and one-ness which pulses throughout each song and in every set they play. The two have proven that we as a live music community can transform to become bigger and better. It gives hope that music can be more than just a concert. With their feet well through the door, and the potential to irreversibly change the world of music as we know it, it appears these guys arent going anywhere anytime soonand thats just that way we want it.

12/30/11 – 12/31/11 – The Werks and Papadosio @ Lifestyle Communities Pavilion (Columbus, OH) View Photos

Papadosio Tour Dates :: Papadosio News

The Werks Tour Dates :: The Werks News

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