MUSIC #36: GIPSY KINGS – GIPSY KINGS 1988 (LATIN)

Gipsy Kings is a Spanish-language music group from France. The group members are all related and are descendants of the Gitanos (Spanish Romani/Gypsy people) who fled Catalonia (in Spain) during the 1930s Spanish Civil War, with the exception of one band member (Chico Bouchikhi) who is not related and is of Algerian and Moroccan descent.

The members of the Gipsy Kings are:

• Nicolas Reyes: lead vocals, guitar

• Paul Reyes: backup vocals, guitar

• Canut Reyes: backup vocals, guitar

• Patchai Reyes: backup vocals, guitar

• Andre Reyes: backup vocals, guitar

• Diego Baliardo: guitar

• Paco Baliardo: guitar

• Tonino Baliardo: lead guitar

• Chico Bouchikhi. He quit after the second album, Mosaique.

The self titled album, Gipsy Kings was their first album and both the record and the band became an instant hit. Hits from the album include Bamboleo (my favourite), Djobi Djoba and Un Amor. They broke records in France, Europe and the Middle East with this album in 1988. In 1989, Gipsy Kings was released in the United States and it spent 40 weeks on the charts, one of very few Spanish language albums to do so. Gipsy Kings' total album sales worldwide now exceed 18 million copies.

If you like Flamenco, Rumba and Romani (Gypsy) style music, then you will enjoy the Gipsy Kings. My verdict: 3.5 stars

Trivia: The Gipsy Kings are featured in the latest Disney-Pixar movie, Toy Story 3. Their Spanish rendition of "You've Got of Friend In Me" is featured at the closing credits and can be found on the movie's soundtrack. The movie was released 18 June, 2010.

Gipsy Kings: Gipsy Kings 1988

Side One

1. Bamboleo

2. Tu Quieres Volver

3. Moorea

4. Bem, Bem, Maria

5. Un Amor

6. Inspiration

Side Two

1. A Mi Manera (My Way)

2. Djobi Djoba

3. Faena (A Tribute To Mr Charles Demery)

4. Quiero Saber

5. Amor, Amor

6. Duende