Gipsy Kings

The Gipsy Kings

As pictured top row (l to r) Canut Reyes, Andre Reyes, Paco Baliardo.

Bottom row (l to r) Paul Reyes, Tonino Baliardo, Nicholas Reyes, Patchai Reyes.

     I have been a big fan of the Gipsy Kings since I saw them play on Good Morning America in 1993. Their upbeat tempo and multiple vocal, guitar, and hand clapping parts was an immediate attention getter. They sing in a Gipsy dialect, combining Catalan, Spanish, & French, called Gitane. They have released about 9 albums in the United States, and have some available in other countries. A lot of their songs have made the charts all around the world. Their homes are in the gypsy community in Arles, France, their music has successfully combined the styles of Rumba, Flamenco, Jazz, Pop, as well as a Middle Eastern influence in a very unique, artistic fashion. Each album has a unique sound, and their style blends well with many others.

The Reyes Family

     Sons of the late Jose Reyes, a famous singer of Cante Jondo (a deep, emotional style of flamenco singing). Nicholas, Canut, and Paul used to play with their father when they were younger as Los Reyes. This was the start of the Reyes' musical history. The Reyes include Nicholas, Paul, Canut, Andre, Patchai, and Georges.

The Baliardo Family

     After Jose Reyes became ill, and Cancer claimed his life, the Reyes met their Baliardo cousins one year at Les St. Maries de la Mer (a yearly gypsy festival in France). Since the Baliardos were more guitarists than singers, as the Reyes were more singers than guitarists, they joined up with the Reyes to form what is now known as the Gipsy Kings. This was a successful mix for both families. The Baliardo's that have been or are in the band include Tonino, Paco, Diego, & Nino. The lineup is always subject to change due to illness, etc. Sometimes a Baliardo or Reyes son will come play with the band.

Gipsy Kings Lyrics

The lyrics and translations to most of the songs can be found at Bamboleo Of Japan-listed in the links below. Thanks for such a good page, Chieko!!

Also Recommended

Jose Reyes / Jose Reyes y Los Reyes
Gitan Poete
L' Amour d'un Jour
Fete des Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Cantaor De La Camargue

     These albums reflect the early years of the Gipsy Kings, in a more pure, uncommercialized sense. If you liked the Allegria (the first Gipsy Kings recording) album and the lack of the electric band backing them, these are the ones to get. Jose Reyes was a great singer, and the roots of the Gipsy Kings can heard in this music, which will sound quite familiar if you are already an avid GK listener.

Jesse Cook
Tempest

     Jesse Cook is a Canadian player of Rumba-Flamenco. I like a lot of the tracks on this album, especially "Baghdad" which has middle-eastern influences that blend well with Rumba-Flamenco. I do not have any of his other albums, but I am sure that they are good, too. Jesse got to jam with the Gipsy Kings at a party in Arles one time, while visiting his father.

Chico and The Gypsies
Nomade
Vagabundo

     Although I don't like the over abundance of GK cover tunes done by this band, Chico probably did help write some of this music and should be able to play it if he took part in its making. I think they did an excellent job on "Habla Me" and I like the dance version of "Vagabundo". I also like "Dile" and "Tu Dueno".  Chico played with the Gypsy Kings on the first few albums, bbut left the band after differences with management could not be settled.

Nova Menco
Gypsy Fusion

     Some awesome instrumental Rumba-Flamenco here. Just because one of the guys looks like Fabio is no reason to not audition this CD. It is very up tempo and fast paced, with lots of neat guitar licks. Some of it is a bit redundant though.

Los Ninos De Sara
Gipsyole

     I just received a promotional copy of this CD from Intentcity Records, and I am very pleased.  The Familiar Rumba-Flamenco Band consists of 3/4 of Alabina. There are some hints of Salsa, Cuban, and other South American influences here. I will post more information here in the future after I listen to the CD a few more times. More info can be found on the Intentcity web site.

Gipsy Kings Links-Some Of My Buddies

The Official Gipsy Kings Web Page

The Gipsy Kings Mailing List-By My Pal Bob Bish-Join GKML for LOTS of info !

Bamboleo, the Unofficial GK Page of Japan. There are English Translations of GK lyrics here.

Krishna's South France Flamenco Page-LOTS of history, and Flamenco related music. A MUST VISIT.

The Gipsy Kings' News Centre-By Bennardine De Britto, Ze Chief Canutian.

Gisou & Afshin's Page-Another GKML Listmember Friend-Great pics & interview here.

A GK page from my Listmember Friend Celio, From Brazil.

Melanie Smith's GK page.

Abanico de Musica- a Great Camargue page by Rob den Boer



 

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