Live Review

Rodrigo Y Gabriela – Glasgow Barrowlands

• 17th Dec 2007

Two years ago Rodrigo Y Gabriela were widely labelled as merely street busking Mexicans who turned heavy metal songs into catchy flamenco style acoustic numbers.
However, a widely successful debut album and a sold out Barrowlands says the pair have come far from their days busking on Irish street corners.
Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero are renowned for their captivating live performances and the duo do not disappoint upon their return to Glasgow .
The stage set up, two stools, may look a bit desolate but when they begin to play none of that matters. Rodrigo takes point playing with remarkable speed and technical ability while Gabriela handles the rhythm side strumming profusely and beating the body of her guitar making the need for a drummer seem surplus.
Classics like Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ are given a fresh new perspective, but originals comprise most of the set. The crowd are even treated to some new songs from their upcoming album which, according to Rodrigo, is scheduled for release in March.
They draw up an excellent rapport with the crowd, not only by engaging in idle small talk but also letting the Glaswegian crowd shout out requests.
Eventually the words ‘wish you were here’ climb above the rabble and are duly played with the crowd providing the lyrics.
Another successful live performance will undoubtedly add to the Rod Gab freight train which seems to by gaining momentum with each passing show, and on the back of a performance like this it’s easy to see why.