Gipsy Kings
Gipsy Kings

Adding fiery warmth to a cool summer night, Gipsy Kings thrilled a near-capacity crowd at Chateau Ste. Michelle Saturday night with more than two hours of its signature Rumba Catalana, a popular style of flamenco music.

Led by the Reyes and Baliardo brothers from the south of France, Gipsy Kings kicked off their set with “Rumba Tech” and the powerful “Djobi Djoba.” The two sets, separated by an intermission, featured such past hits as “Baila Me,” “Bamboleo,” “La Quiero” and “Volare,” the group’s passionate version of Domenico Modugno’s “Nel blu dipinto di blu,” which won the first Record of the Year Grammy in 1958. The group also teased the crowd with an unexpected snippet of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”

Nicholas Reyes’ raspy, earthy voice was a highlight of the entire show, as were lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo’s distinctive solo riffs. The group’s complex harmonies and rhythms were a delight.

The show included “Pena Penita” and “La Dona,” two songs from the group’s 1982 album, “Allegria.” But they did not perform their famous cover of “Hotel California,” which was featured in the Coen Brothers’ movie “The Big Lebowski.”

The concert attracted a multi-racial audience speaking various languages. And the crowd’s passion for the pioneering world-music group ran deep. Many concertgoers just couldn’t stay seated for the powerful show.

The show came to a close about half past 9 p.m. with a two-song encore of “Bambaleo,” the group’s signature hit, and “Volare,” which prompted a frenzy of rhythmic clapping, dancing and singing from the crowd.

It’s amazing the group is able to perform with so much energy and passion year after year.

One Reply to “REVIEW: Gipsy Kings at Chateau Ste. Michelle”

  1. In Portland they played a very disappointing approx hour and twenty minutes. They came out for an encore and played just one song. A great band, but a lame effort. Not worth the money for so little effort.

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