Rodrigo y Gabriela: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

I can't think of a better way to describe the music of Rodrigo y Gabriela than with three words: "heavy metal flamenco." And yet the duo doesn't play heavy metal - its members perform instrumentals on nylon-string guitars - nor does it play Spanish dance music. But the term fits because the pair's fierce guitar riffs feel powerfully electric, and because Rodrigo y Gabriela's rhythmic style showcases a frenetic strum that conjures the energy of flamenco.
The duo have just released a new album titled, 11:11, which pays tribute to the pair's heroes - Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Astor Piazzolla and Pantera's Dimebag Darrell. They recently performed a few tracks for the NPR Music Tiny Desk series including "Hanuman" and "Buster Voodoo."

[@charlietran7182]

who's here in 2024?

[@TheLiberater13]

I have to take my guitar out of the room so it won't hear what it's actually capable of.

[@ltj999]

Rodrigo is a good guitar player. What Gabriella does is almost beyond comprehension.

[@ecdb__]

America definitely doesn't need a wall.

[@rimbaud0000]

Gabriela clearly has some kind of future tech cyborg robot arm. The power and precision and touch is beyond human.

[@TheOneCleanHippy]

Gabriela might be the greatest rhythm guitarist of all time.

[@Lars-ce4rd]

I still come back to this video 13 years later. These two are extremely, shockingly talented, they give me the goosebumps every time

[@BeConsiderate]

They used to play in a mexican trash metal band. They sold all their gear and move to Dublin, I believe, played on the streets learning classical guitar and were discovered. Absolutely love these guys!!!

[@iphelper]

Gabriela's strumming and percussion techniques are out of this world. The speed, precision and strength of Rodrigo's lead guitar is unreal as well. Gods.

[@soundsofsummer]

Me: Anyway, here's Wonderwall.

[@wiggityp]

bring them back TINY DESK!!!

[@toomanyorifices]

I was lucky enough to hear these two when they were busking for a living in Dublin

[@tommyforde318]

Both of these wonderful people decided to make Dublin Ireland their home for a number of years. They would busk on Grafton Street and people were just mesmerised by their magic. They absolutely deserve all of the notoriety that they have received. ❤️❤️

[@paulipaz]

One of my all time favorite musicians! Son espectaculares!

[@eclecticexplorer7828]

It's hard to believe this was 13 years ago. I remember when I first saw them appearing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." I was instantly a fan. I had recorded the show, so I was able to show it to my girlfriend later, and she also became an instant fan. We have since seen them twice at the Hollywood Bowl, and we look forward to seeing them again.

[@rowzee.]

Their talents transcend human comprehension, truly..impeccable guitar playing, as if the instruments are mere extensions of themselves. I fell in love with them some years ago and it seems I've fallen once again. Flawless beauty at its finest.

[@mnycum0425]

I couldn't find anything negative to say about either of these two if I tried to make something up. but the zone that Gabriella gets into when she's playing is a place I only wish I can make it to in my head one day. To have that focus and to so perfectly balance the art that Rodrigo breathes is a talent VERY few people (myself obviously included) will ever possess. These two, individually, and as a duo, will forever have a place in my heart when I need to feel...anything. Thank you.

[@mindylepooh]

Gave me carpal tunnel just watching them. Incredible!

[@daddyorama]

A guitarist friend and I were talking and he kept going on about what a great guitarist that the guy was. It's true but he is just playing lead while she is a whole rhythm and percussion section by herself.

[@vishanseru5027]

Saw these guys for the first time when they played live at NH7 Weekender in Bangalore, India. I have to admit I had never seen a performance such as there's. There energy when playing live is unmatchable!