A Mexican wave
Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela have created a musical phenomenon
in their adopted country of Ireland by being the first instrumental duo
to reach No.1. The long-term friends, lovers and musicians are now hoping
to take their success to Britain and beyond as TARA McWEENEY found out.
 By TARA McWEENEY
“We found out we were at the number one spot in Ireland whilst
we were playing a gig in Letterkenny,” explains Gabriela —
one half of the musical partnership with Rodrigo that is causing a stir
across the Irish Sea.
“Our manager said you are No. 3 and then he laughed. No you are
No. 1.”
But beating the Arctic Monkey’s and Johnny Cash to the top spot
of the Irish album charts is no laughing matter. When Rodrigo Y Gabriela’s
third self-titled album went straight to the number one spot no-one in
Ireland was surprised.
The Mexican musicians have been adopted by Irish people as their very
own. The pair have now made Ireland their home and even their accents
are an intriguing blend of Irish and Mexican.
Winning the audience over with their breathtaking talent they have taken
little time since they first hit Irish shores in 1999.
In fact they are touring more now than ever and have just come from supporting
David Gray on his tour.“We have not celebrated the number one yet.
We’re too tired and we haven’t had time because we have been
touring Europe. Now we are back to launch the album.”
Coming back to Ireland is like returning home for the pair as Gabriela
explains: “Ireland is my home for half the year and the other half
it is Mexico.”
It is the seamless partnership of Rod Y Gab’s music that sets them
apart from other instrumentalists. Whilst watching the audience unusually
spellbound nodding in appreciation for the teamwork guitar unique to their
style the live shows display why they are so remarkable. Recorded it would
be easy to assume that there is a percussionist separate but in fact it
is all done banging the guitar this is the only instrument played by either.
The bickering between the two is also strangely delightful and almost
comforting — like watching a brother and sister. It is often Gabriela
who tells the stories to the audience then Rodrigo will laugh and say:
“No that never happens Gabriela ,” while she protests.
Their honesty and the fact they are unafraid of showing who they are also
comes through their music.
As Gabriela says: “People can try and label us I don’t care
because whatever label they put on me I will still play the same music
with the same passion.”
Damien Rice discovered them in 1999 when they were busking on the streets
of Dublin.
They had been advised by a friend in Mexico to head for the streets of
Dublin for the music in the city. Indeed it was the vast amounts of opportunity
to play music that made them stay and make Ireland one of their permanent
homes.
Gabriela says: “Ireland is such a musical country. People will approach
buskers and talk to them, telling them what instruments they play. People
really appreciate music and what people are playing. People were also
interested in the fact we were Mexican as well which made us different
too.”
There has also been an influence of Irish music onto their own.
“I was always amazed by the trad music scene in pubs, especially
that anyone can sit in and play,” enthuses Gabriela .
“Personally I love the Irish music scene, although musicians all
over the world complain about it. But Dublin and Cork have trad sessions
that make them unique. We decided to stay in Ireland because we could
find places to play too. You can play anywhere and that’s really
hard to find.”
Now with Irish success firmly under their belt the Mexican pair are heading
to Britain. Having garnered a small gathering Gabriela explains how they
enjoy coming to Britain — even if it’s very different from
Ireland.
“We always find it really interesting because the people who come
to watch our music really concentrate hard on the music.
“They are there for the pure music rather than just for the craic
— which you find a lot with Irish audiences.”
After a short British tour they’re off to Australia for a 15-day
tour and then the USA.
“We are trying to see if we can reach the same success there that
we have had in Ireland,” says an earnest Gabriela.
Having a number one album — the first instrumental album to debut
at number one in the Emerald Isle — is an especially huge feat considering
how much traditional instrumental music Ireland produces.
But with a punishing schedule ahead of them Rodrigo y Gabriela won’t
have much time to think of it — and at least masses of people will
get to enjoy their incredible music. Keep an eye out in your town for
some Rodrigo Y Gabriela magic coming your way.
Rodrigo Y Gabriela’s third album is out in the Britain at the
moment and tour is expected to follow. |
