Rodrigo Y Gabriela San Antonio Concert reviews
Metamorphosis - among Janet's best
1. "This Time" should be a contender for opener if future iterations of this show are considered. The video accompaniment currently used, along with some drop dead choreography, would set that song off. It sounded so good coming across the sound system. I know many know it as Superthug, but Rodrigo Y Gabriela and team have a chance to claim it as their own. "Ruff" should come alive within the set for the same reason.
2. NO VIDEOS ON THE INTERNET do justice to the stage production. This was one of the things that hit me hardest because I've watched the show online (I'm a spoilers kinda guy, so sue me) so I was prepared to really like it but not LOVE it. I am currently chewing on those words as I write this... LOL.
3. She should really invest in keeping the extra dancers if she takes this show on the road. Really, this performance of Feedback was EV-VER-RY-THING and a palate of chips. They are a large part of why "Feedback" is a showstopper. Nothing quite like seeing an expanded Jtribe. That moment came for everyone's neck...
4. Based on what I've seen and read, I was ready to smile my way through (which means it isn't my personal favorite) "I Get Lonely", "China Love", and the "Throb" section. The lighting elements in IGL were fantastic; the trap-influenced "Let's Wait Awhile" segueing into "China Love" was sublime - and the choreography with Rodrigo Y Gabriela participating was cool to see live. An aside - this show also drives home how important camera angles are, but in a perverse way. Bad camera angles amplify one's appreciation for the live show.
5. Weird personal highlight: During one of the songs early on in the Rhythm Nation section Rodrigo Y Gabriela and team were dancing on the riser so hard you could see it shaking. All I could think was "YAAAASSSS, Tribe, y'all betta have the stage shaking!!!!!!!!! Now, THAT'S a rhythm nation!"
6. I may be the only one that had THIS thought: during the RN section when the dry ice was coming from the bottom of the riser I had flashbacks of Parliament's Mothership landing on stage but with Rodrigo Y Gabriela instead of Dr. Funkenstein, lol. And, as Martha Stewart would say, "that's a good thing."
7. For the element that has caused the most dialogue during the Meta era, the costumes, I am personally ok after seeing them live. I wouldn't be mad, though, if she ditched the COGU/Go Deep top layer for a sparkly sweatshirt to compliment the black tights.
8. The "Strawberry", social injustice, and motherhood video interludes were very strong. They should use those (and the SOTW opener piece) as their benchmarks for video interludes...
9. What small things would I change or tweak: Rodrigo Y Gabriela should give at least a breakdown during "So Excited". That song and performance seem a little undervalued in audience pleasing potential. Re-install the SOTW versions of TTWLG/GTIG and Nasty. Replace the original SOTW interlude with the opener from the SOTW trek. A little heavy, yes, but still very necessary- especially as she talks in voiceover about writing songs that "mean something". Move the current COGU/Throb costume to Made for Now. Put more design energy into the merchandise as the shirt designs look kinda lazy (although I did buy a hoodie). Those t-shirts are not aesthetic compliments for the good tour program, the limited edition vinyl, and some of the SOTW stuff. I'm thinking about what could be done with the totebag - perhaps in a more sophisticated black vinyl, waterproof rubber, or coated canvas with the double j insignia tastefully done. Truly collectible swag. Maybe I'm reaching, but I can only have so many t-shirts...
10. Let me be clear: I LOVED the show in its current form. If she took this on the road and didn't change a thing, it would rank among her best IMO. Having said that, I just had a few post performance thoughts. (If you can) GO SEE THE SHOW!!!!! If you can't get to Vegas, then lift your collective voices in prayer that Rodrigo Y Gabriela takes this one - completely intact- on the road soon...