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.
La fiesta comenza
Gipsy Kings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a family party.
The brothers and sisters are all gathered around the bride and groom.
Joy breaks out as their mother and father arrive, and the party can really begin.
The Gipsy Kings' song "La fiesta comenza" is a lively and upbeat track that describes a family party that is just getting started. The song begins with the familiar sound of the rumba, a popular style of music in Latin American culture. The party that is taking place is a family celebration, with the bride and groom at the center of attention. The lyrics describe how the brothers and sisters have come together to celebrate, and how the arrival of their parents really gets the party started.
The song conveys a sense of joy and excitement that is infectious. The music and the lyrics work together to create a festive atmosphere that is perfect for dancing and having a good time. The lyrics are simple but effective, painting a picture of a happy family coming together to celebrate an important occasion.
Overall, "La fiesta comenza" is a fun and festive song that is perfect for any party or celebration. It captures the spirit of a family gathering and conveys a sense of joy and happiness that is sure to put a smile on your face.
Line by Line Meaning
Another rumba.
Once again, we gather to dance the rumba.
It's a family party.
This celebration is for and about the family.
The brothers and sisters are all gathered around the bride and groom.
The siblings of the newlyweds have come together to celebrate their union.
Joy breaks out as their mother and father arrive, and the party can really begin.
The presence of the bride and groom's parents brings about an outburst of happiness, signifying the start of the true festivities.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BALIARDO, RE, REYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MsLola Lola
LOVE LOVE this song
ALESSANDRA LUCIANI
😍😍😍😍
Amor Siempre
Gitana 😍
Peron Rodrigues
Show.
En 23.08.2020 as 20:14 hs.
Ayoub Mahfoud
gipsy la montana
alejandropublicitari
gracias
Michel Ville
Ole Nicolas
Ricardo Nivelo
Of a bbvghgtgg. Ew