Check them out here http://www.rodgab.com/

The blend latin harmonic and rhythmic elements with neo-classical and metal style melodies. Think Al Dimeola on nylon string guitars with more soul - at 120DB.   ,-)

Gabriela in particular has developed a fascinating rhythmic/harmonic approach that really drives their sound.  She's the engine that pushes the tunes forward.

They played a sold out show at a 500+ person venue last night in San Fran- and open for Gomez tonight.    They're on Dave Matthews' ATO label and have a lot of buzz right now.  

I heard the album a few months ago -and was immediately taken in by it.   And then, as quickly as I obsessed on it -  it wore me out.  

As amazing as they are - and they are - they are true musical artists that have made greatly complex material accessible to a "rock crowd" -(I'm told the crowd at the show last night were rocking the house - for 2 acoustic guitars!!!)   the tunes all sit in the same musical spectrum and I find I fatigue with it.

The songs all sound very similar texturally, rhythmically, melodically and tempo wise as well.    

Now - some call this focus.  Drilling down into a sound; exploring and exploiting every bit there is.  They have found a "thing" that works - and they're doing it - quite successfully.   It is consistant - track to track.

It makes me wonder if I'm wasting my time attempting to explore so many different sounds in my own work.  I wonder if I'd be better off focusing on a single "thing" and going with that for a while instead of trying to discover a new thing with every tune I write.   

Right now - once I do a tune - that's pretty much it for that "vibe".   If something I end up playing sounds even a little like something else I've written I often chuck it.  Maybe that's a mistake.

Then again - the one fear I have - particularly with solo bass - is having a body of work that one could say "all sounds the same".  I don't know why I fear that -but I do and it has certainly impacted my writing. Maybe not for the better.

But developing a consistent sound is one of the most essential aspects of building a "brand" - or in music jive - a "rep".  

Thing is - I'm not even sure my tunes are really all that different sounding  - or if it's just me knowing the inner workings of them that lets me get away with the idea that they're "different".  

Anyway - watching Rod & Gab and the reaction they receive has certainly opened up some questions in my own mind about the power and necessity of focus.  The fact is - if they tried to cover as many styles and sounds the guitar is capable of making as I think I'm doing with the bass - they may be good at all of them - but exceptional at none.  

And as it stands now - the 1 thing they do - the thing they focused on - is exceptional.  Seriously.

I'm just wondering if there's a lesson for me in this observation. 

Like - do 1 thing great instead of 10 things average.

I don't know. But give them a listen - you won't be dissapointed.