France's
Gipsy Kings
have been purveying their distinctive brand of gypsy/flamenco music since the 1970s, when the Reyes brothers (sons of legendary flamenco singer
Jose Reyes
) banded together with their talented cousins, the Baliardos, to play the music that was a fundamental part of their lives. After years of amazing performances, the group finally broke worldwide in the late '80s, bringing the sound of their homeland to audiences all over Europe and America. This compilation brings together some of the most spirited selections from their impressive discography. The trademarks of the
' music are their crisp, undulating rhythms; the gritty, emotive vocals of
Nicolas
and
Andre Reyes
, and the phenomenal guitar work of
Tonino Baliardo
(nephew of flamenco great
Manitas de Plata
).
Baliardo
's solos are sharply executed, organically conceived moments of beauty that glow with a lyrical grace. Besides the more traditional flamenco style in which the
specialize -- exemplified by "Baila Me" and the monster hit "Bamboleo" -- the band extends its reach into more unexpected territory, like the reggaefied "Escucha Me" and
Domenico Mondugno
's 1958 pop hit "Volare." This is a rich and varied document of an original and important voice in modern music. ~ Rovi Staff