Latin American beats had been joined with flamenco by gitanos since at least the 1950s, mixing complex strumming with rhythmic, percussive tapping on their guitars' tops. The new Reyes generation — soon to meet and join up with three guitar-playing brothers from the Baliardo family — began creating more pop-oriented songs. They played at roma parties and at street corners until they got their chance to record under the group's new name, Gipsy Kings.
Sharp-eyed individuals might have noted that all the left-handed members of the group play guitars strung upside-down; this is usually as a result of the individuals' not having their own guitars when growing-up. Borrowing and playing a right-hander's the wrong way up was the only way to learn.
Band's story
They became popular with their self-titled first album, Gipsy Kings, which included the songs "Djobi Djoba ", "Bamboleo " and the romantic ballad "Un Amor". The song "Volare" on their second album Mosaique is a rumba version of Domenico Modugno's Italian hit "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu". The Gipsy Kings were enormously popular in France and throughout Europe along with the middle east. In 1989, Gipsy Kings was released in the United States and it spent 40 weeks on the charts, one of very few Spanish language albums to do so. Their cover version of "Hotel California" is an excellent example of fast flamenco guitar leads and rhythmic strumming (this version was featured in the Coen Brothers' movie The Big Lebowski).
In 1991 the Gipsy Kings provided flamenco guitar and backing vocals on Bananarama's version of "Long Train Running", using the pseudonym "Alma de Noche" ("Soul of the Night"). Also in '91, for a multi-artist project called "Simply Mad About the Mouse" — a compilation of new versions of songs from Disney films — the Kings contributed an annaly-crafted, fast-paced rumba flamenca version of "I've Got No Strings" from "Pinocchio" - replete with feverish flamenco guitar leads and rhythmic hand-claps (palmas). The lyrics' enthusiasm for freedom, not being tied down, fit the gipsy creed perfectly.
Their 1993 album "Love and Liberte" won the Latin Grammy Award for "Best Pop Album of the Year," and contained the enduring song "Montana," an emotional account of Roma chased from their birthplace by prejudice and persecution.
The '95 compilation "The Best of the Gipsy Kings" went platinum, staying on the charts more than one year. Albums "Mosaïque," "Allegria," "Este Mundo," "Gipsy Kings Live," "Love & Liberte," "Tierra Gitana," "Cantos de Amor" and "Volare! - the Very Best of the Gipsy Kings" went gold.
Lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo — who has always written the group's instrumentals — released his first solo album, Essences, in 2001; a second self-titled one followed in 2003.
Flamenco purists criticized their use of drum kits, electronic bass, and electronic keyboards and rock and reggae beats. Defenders say they helped create a new style.
Gipsy Kings' total album sales worldwide now exceed 18 million; they toured worldwide again in 2007. They are the world's best-selling music group from France in history, according to their website, where dates and places of their current tour can be found.
Years active: from 1987 till present.
Members
Gipsy Kings are members of two related families: the Reyes and the Baliardos (Reyes means Kings in Spanish). They are cousins of the flamenco great Manitas de Plata, lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo married his granddaughter. Nicolas, Canut, Paul, Andre and Patchai Reyes are sons of flamenco singer Jose Reyes. The Gipsy Kings are:
Nicolas Reyes: lead vocals, guitar
Paul Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Canut Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Patchai Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Andre Reyes: backup vocals, guitar
Diego Baliardo: guitar
Paco Baliardo: guitar
Tonino Baliardo: lead guitar
Chico Bouchikhi was also a member of the Gipsy Kings, but quit after the album Mosaique.
Calaverada
Gipsy Kings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Amor vivir, amor llorar
Un dia suelta de felicidad
Si yo no te encuentro yo solo pol la calle
Amor vivir, amor llorar
Un dia suelta de felicidad
Si yo no te encuentro yo solo pol la calle
Yo quisiera hoy saber
Eres todos como amigos
Yo quisiera hoy saber
El motivo que tu tienes
Amor vivir, amor llorar
Un dia suelta de felicidad
Si yo no te encuentro yo solo pol la calle
****************translated text**************
Love to live, love to cry
A day without happiness
If I don't find you alone in the street
Love to live, love to cry
A day without happiness
If I don't find you alone in the street
I would like to know today
If you are all as friends
I would like to know today
The motive that you have
Love to live, love to cry
A day without happiness
If I don't find you alone in the street
The Gipsy Kings' song Calaverada is a track that speaks to the ups and downs of love and the human condition. Starting with the refrain of "love to live, love to cry," the song delves into the idea that happiness is fleeting and difficult to hold onto. The singer yearns for a day filled with unbridled joy, but acknowledges that he may find himself wandering alone in the street without it.
As the song progresses, the singer seems to be asking existential questions about the nature of relationships and human connection. He wonders aloud if those around him are truly his friends, and what motivates people in their actions. The chorus repeats throughout, serving as a reminder that love and happiness are fleeting and must be taken as they come.
Calaverada is a poignant and introspective track that draws attention to the fragility of human emotion and relationships. With its lush instrumentation and engaging melody, the song draws listeners in and encourages them to contemplate their own experiences with love and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Love to live, love to cry
The ups and downs of life are part of the experience
A day without happiness
The importance of seeking joy in life
If I don't find you alone in the street
The longing for a chance encounter with a loved one
I would like to know today
Curiosity about the thoughts and feelings of others
If you are all as friends
Questioning the true nature of relationships
The motive that you have
Seeking understanding and clarity in interpersonal dynamics
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: FRANCOIS REYES, JAHLOUL BOUCHIKHI, MAURICE BALIARDO, NICHOLAS REYES, PATCHAI REYES, PAUL REYES, TONINO BALIARDO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Recep Halil Gültekin
on Un Amor
Vuoi amare Bedla