Web: gipsykings.com
Contact: heather@reybee.com
Players: Tonino Baliardo, leader; Benji Baliardo (Cosso), guitar; Mikael Baliardo, guitar, percussion, vocals; Jean-Claude Villa (Mounin), lead vocals, guitar; Jean Samuel Rey, lead vocals; Jean Michel Kerwich (Miguel), vocals, guitar; Cyril Serguy, keyboard; Thomas Potrel, bass; Sebastian Contreras, drums, percussion
Fiery rumba flamenca group the Gipsy Kings brought their charismatic, passionate energy to the stage for an engaged, packed house. With effortless communication between musicians, and a combination of rich vocals and fabulous percussive sound, even reserved audience members were compelled to move their bodies.
Founded in 1979 in France, the band is of Catalan heritage, performing a blend of Catalan rumba, flamenco, salsa, and pop. Singing mostly in Spanish, they often mix in Catalan, French, and Occitan. Opening with the title track from their latest (19th) album, “Historia” brought instant crowd participation, with trademark flamenco sound inspiring dancing and singing throughout the evening. “La Dona” followed, before conga stylings and high-register vocals kicked off on “Djoba Djoba.” Clapping and growing enthusiasm ensued on “La Quiero.”
Second new, “Seniorita” added a delicious guitar intro and softer ballad feel, highlighting the strong lead vocals and beautiful group harmonies. Phenomenal vocal control and tremendous band cutoffs added intensity to the show. Engaging the audience with their humble invitational exchange between songs, “Un Amor” had the crowd singing along the round, full guitar stylings and vocal flourishes dancing over a percussive backdrop. “Pasajero” followed with more chanting, then “Sin Ella,” “Chiribi,” and more. Rounding out the evening with “Bem, Bem, Maria,” “My Way” (originally recorded and performed by Claude François in 1967—with French lyrics by Gilles Thibault, made famous by Frank Sinatra in 1969), “Baila Me,” and “Todos Olé” (with the crowd chanting “Olé!”), and “Bamboleo,” the room was on its feet singing and dancing along.
The closing encore of “Volaré” can only be described as a beautiful dance fest and sing-along. Following a bow and “thank yous” from the stage, the audience was led in a few beautiful rounds of call-and-response chorus refrain. Between unison guitar sections, heart-wrenching quejíos, enticing dance moves on the stage, and intoxicating conga, cajon rhythm and syncopated rock, the show delivered musical intrigue and spellbinding joyful sound. Historia is out now.
