It has been twenty-five years since the Gipsy Kings captured the world’s imagination with their self-titled debut album—a record that became a genuine phenomenon, certified gold and platinum around the globe, introducing millions of listeners to a unique, irresistible blend of traditional flamenco styles with Western pop and Latin rhythms. Since then, the band has toured virtually non-stop, to the farthest-flung corners of the planet, and sold almost twenty million albums, all the while retaining the same line-up of virtuoso musicians.
Now the Gipsy Kings return with Savor Flamenco, their ninth studio album and first new release in six years. The project marks the first time in their storied career that the Kings have produced themselves and written all of the material. It also starts a relationship between France’s most successful musical group of all time and a new label, Knitting Factory Records.
“World Music” is often a meaningless catch-all phrase, a marketing shortcut, but as one of the acts that first helped define the phrase, the Gipsy Kings create music that really does cross all borders. From the beginning all the way through Savor Flamenco their sound has reflected the constant travel and diverse influences of the gypsy heritage.
Over the years, the music of the Kings incorporated elements of Latin and Cuban styles, Arabic music, reggae, and jazz guitar reminiscent of the French Gypsy master Django Reinhardt. Yet, as heard on the new album, they have never lost their intense connection to the traditional flamenco of their heritage, keeping a spotlight on Tonino Baliardo’s fluid guitar work and Nicolas Reyes’s powerful vocals. This broad cultural mix has enabled the Gipsy Kings to be embraced wherever they play—from China to Brazil, New Orleans to Russia, Australia to Africa.
For the band, the new album represents both a look forward and a look back. Nicolas Reyes says of “Samba Samba,” the lead single of Savor Flamenco, that “it’s a song very much from our early years—it was written for parties, sun, joy, and beaches.” That being said, you will not want to miss this stunning musical performance at The Bomb Factory in Dallas.
At Oxford at Crossroads Centre Apartments in Waxahachie, Texas, it is clear that we have it all, but we still feel obliged to inform you of all the events our community has scheduled. Please feel free to join in all of the fun at this event!
Event Time/Date:
Tuesday, May 15, 2018—8:00 PM
Event Venue Location:
The Bomb Factory
2713 Canton Street
Dallas, Texas 75226