★★★★★
Almost 50 years after their debut, French-Catalan-Gitano band Gipsy Kings are still growing strong, selling out huge venues all around the world.
In the 1970s, José Reyes and Ricardo Baliardo, better known as Manitas de Plata, were a duo who played rumba flamenca in the southern French town of Arles. When they split up, Reyes began performing with his sons, as José et Los Reyes (as well as being their family name, reyes means “kings” in Spanish). After their father’s death in 1979, the brothers continued to perform, joined by their cousins Diego, Paco, and Tonino Baliardo (nephews of Manitas de Plata), as well as French Moroccan musician Chico Bouchikhi, who was then married to Marthe Reyes, José’s daughter. They were originally called Los Reyes before using the English translation, Gipsy Kings, and found global success.
Today, various members have their own bands, with the official band led by lead singer Nicolas Reyes and lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo, but each member tours separately. Nicolas tours with Reyes Heritage, a four-man band that includes his two sons – as well as four other musicians. Nicolas let Reyes Heritage shine without him not only during their opening set but also throughout the main show, where various members had solo moments, with one menber even singing lead on a song. It was heartwarming to watch a legend showcase the next generation, especially with Gipsy Kings being a family band.
The staging consisted of two levels, which added some drama, with slick, lively, colourful lighting reflecting the mood of each song. With the band playing flamenco music, it could be fun to have some flamenco dancers onstage for some songs, but I appreciate that that would distract from the music itself.
Gipsy Kings wisely performed their debut single and first hit, ‘Djobi, Djoba’, early on, which got the audience excited, but they saved their two biggest hits, ‘Bamboléo’ and ‘Volare’, to the very end. It was a very high energy, intense end to the gig, with the majority of the audience up on their feet dancing and cheering (and the majority Anglo audience singing the few lyrics they knew, i.e. the titles!).
Nicolas’ voice has aged like fine wine. It’s still surprisingly strong, and whilst it may not be as powerful as it once was, the deeper, coarser tones really suit the band’s fiery songs. The touring band brilliantly brought Gipsy King’s bangers to life, playing with passion and vigor, making the songs their own. It was great to see them perform a few instrumental tracks, which forced the audience to focus on the music itself. The majority of the audience did not understand the Spanish lyrics anyway, but you don’t need to know what the band is saying; you just need to feel it.
Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes is currently touring the world until August 26.
JADAR 