I love new music of any kind. I may not embrace it but I always want to check out something new and different. And, as a music lover it is my duty to pass on the buzz. My friend Maria has a love for guitar and knows her stuff, so when she turns me on to something, I check it out with anticipation. Her latest suggestion was a duo known as Rodrigo Y Gabriela. Their story is as interesting as their playing. They are two Mexican metal heads who transplanted to Dublin, Ireland and cultivated a sound and style unheard of before. They are a mix of thrash and speed techniques, with sultry intricate fret dances that ends up sounding like a band rather than a duo...

After learning from the school of hard knocks on the streets of the world, Rodrigo Y Gabriela got noticed and signed. They quickly hit the promo circuit doing gigs, getting on Letterman and others. Gathering steam, they created an underground fan base via their Myspace page, as well as their creation of RodGab.com. Surfing the web and exposing yourself to these two young creators is a fun and satisfying venture. Buying and listening to the debut album is a rewarding experience with the inclusion of “Stairway to Heaven” and Metallica's “Orion.” It is sure to please any musical palette. The two describe their music as fusion, stating it is mainly Latin harmonies and rhythms, with a rock structure. Not unstructured like Jazz. They don't improvise, because as metal fans and guitarists they want to ensure you always here the same F**king solo!. Ok… so you watch the YouTube stuff and scan their websites. Wait till you see them live. Holy smokes!

I caught up with Rodrigo and Gabriela at the Roseland Ballroom. Alex Skolnick from Testament skillfully performed warm up duties with his jazz/fusion trio to a full house. Moments later Rodrigo Y Gabriela walk on stage, plug in and proceed to enthrall the already enthusiastic crowd. It is really quite a sight to see. These two talented musicians know their guitars inside and out. As they move through the set of entirely instrumental music the audience already knows the cue and, claps along with the timing spot-on. There is an electricity moving through the building and it emanates from the two acoustic guitars and 20 fingers that play them like I have never seen. I have seen flamenco guitarists and metals finest -which the duo is quick to point out they’re fans of, but that’s not what they are- these two sound like there are more people on stage (with a percussion section) and it’s really only them. Quite astonishing to experience!

Midway through the set Alex Skolnick came out, jammed with them and held his own, in what sounded at first like a questionable endeavor, but turned into a real treat. The crowd went nuts for everything Rodrigo could dish out and followed every cue. Every time Gabriela spoke the audience quieted to hear her talk to us like old friends. The original tunes were accepted and as pleasing as the couple of covers. It was great fun watching them beat the daylights out of their guitars. I highly recommend you seek out this pair online and see for yourself, if you like guitar you will love Rodrigo Y Gabriela! If you like fresh air you will really be grateful you found out about them…

On the air and in the wind, Fingers