Somos Gitanos

Descripción

It's been four years since the last studio album by the multi-guitar ensemble with a penchant for poppy rumba flamenco. Have things changed much with the Gipsy Kings' sound? Absolutely not. Die-hard fans may grow frustrated by the lack of musical progression here, but the group retains the fiery fervor that has characterized their sound for well over a decade, whether playing celebratory dance numbers or romantic ballads. Their layered guitars, passionately soaring vocals, and driving rhythms remain catchy on energetic, upbeat tunes like "Magia del Ritmo," the Latin-flavored "Jo Busco un Camino," and the rambunctious "Solo, Solo Dire." The Gipsy Kings have certainly never sought to play purist flamenco of any sort--they include harp, accordion, keyboards, and Middle Eastern instrumentation on select songs here--but they have popularized Latin guitar for a mass audience without watering down the music's spirit. And all these years later, their music still inspires one to get up and dance. --Bryan Reesman