Rodrigo Y Gabriela & C.U.B.A. Area 52
Uncertain of the direction they want to head in with their next album as a guitar duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela revisit songs from their first two discs with an elaborate ensemble of Cuban and world musicians. Collaborating heavily with British jazz pianist Alex Wilson, the two virtuoso guitarists blend their previous works within a larger orchestral context, allowing the members of C.U.B.A. to share the spotlight. Specific instrumental influences only hinted at before, particularly the Santana-inspired rhythms of “Hanuman,” fully form in the horn blasts and hip-shaking grooves, with the drums relieving the percussive demands of Gabriela Quintero (whose playing injuries cancelled their last tour), and shifting the emphasis from the duo’s sheer masterful performance to their world music appreciation.