‘AREA 52’ RECORDED IN HAVANA WITH CUBAN ORCHESTRA

Mexican acoustic rock duo Rodrigo y Gabriela will release their new album on January 23rd 2012. Entitled ‘Area 52’, the album is their first recorded collaboration with another group of musicians; a thirteen piece Cuban orchestra composed of some of Havana’s finest young players, collectively known as the C.U.B.A.

The album has been produced by Peter Asher, known for his work with James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, 10,000 Maniacs and Diana Ross; as well as being A&R at Apple Records. The album was co-produced by Rodrigo. It has been mixed by Rafa Sardina, 25 times nominated (and 11 times winner) at the Latin Grammys. On ‘Area 52’ Rodrigo y Gabriela revisit nine of their compositions and reinterpret them in a new and dramatic fashion, this is Rodrigo y Gabriela as they have never been heard before.

The new arrangements were done by Switzerland based composer / arranger / pianist Alex Wilson, best know for his work with Courtney Pine and Ernest Ranglin. Recording took place during the summer at Abdala Studios in Havana and later at Rod & Gab’s studio in Ixtapa, Mexico. Guests on the album include Anoushka Shankar on sitar, rock drummer John Tempesta (The Cult, White Zombie, Testament) on two tracks, jazz bass player Carles Benavent (Miles Davis, Chick Corea) on two tracks and Palestinian group Le Trio Joubran.

The album is called ‘Area 52’. Rodrigo explains: