RODRIGO & GABRIELLA ... and FOO FIGHTERS UNPLUGGED

In my August 17 post I mentioned how my clients sometimes bring to my attention wonderful music that I hadn't heard before.

Two recent examples come to mind.

A couple getting married this September told me they'd like to hear some Rodrigo Y Gabriela as during dinner. I must admit, I wasn't familiar with them, but I quickly filled that gap in my musical database. It turns out Rodrigo & Gabriela are an extraordinary guitar duo -- from Mexico but based in Ireland -- who play a fiery, edgy blend of Central and South American and world music. They're like a stripped-down, acoustic version of the Gipsy Kings. Wonderful stuff, and very suitable if you want something a bit different during cocktails or dinner.

A couple whose wedding was earlier this month wanted the Foo Fighters' "Everlong" for their First Dance. One doesn't normally think of that noted grunge-rock group as a source of First Dance material, but this couple had come across a lovely acoustic renditon of the song. It took some digging to find a downloadable version, but after getting it, I not only played it as their First Dance but also added that song, with its poignant, emotionally-charged lyrics, to my list of suggested First Dance tunes for future clients.