Area 52, Rodrigo y Gabriela’s soon to be released studio album, was recorded in Havana with a 13-piece Cuban orchestra. It is set to be released January 24, 2012.
Area 52 will released by ATO Records early next year. The album, produced by legendary Peter Asher, is comprised of nine tracks that are some of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s favorite songs from their own catalogue. This studio release will represent the first time Rodrigo y Gabriela have collaborated with other musicians.
On the topic of venturing into collaborative work, Rodrigo said, “it was really important for us to seek out the best young players in Havana […] Our music is high energy, high intensity; and we wanted guys who could interpret our vision and match our approach”. The 13-piece Cuban orchestra that ended up being the right players for such a technically ambitious project are collectively known as C.U.B.A.
Aside from selling 1.2 million albums, Rodrigo and Gabriela have also been busying themselves contributing to blockbuster movie scores. For their approach to Area 52, Rodrigo comments, “We saw it as a trip into the unknown, an experiment”. The band plans to tour throughout 2012.
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