INTERVIEW: Gipsy Kings return — this time with ‘Evidence’ to back them up
Photo: The Gipsy Kings will soon perform in New Jersey and New York. Photo courtesy of Vincent Capman / Provided by On Tour PR with permission.
For lovers of world music, the Gipsy Kings live up to their name — they are truly kings. The band, with original members Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo, still bring their flamenco-infused tunes around the world — everywhere from the south of France, where they have their roots, all the way to New York and New Jersey, where they are set to perform in the coming days.
The Gipsy Kings play Sunday, Sept. 23 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey. They will also share their songs Friday, Sept. 28 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
Reyes, Baliarod and company are known for their many important contributions to music. Since their self-titled debut album 25 years ago, they have combined the sounds of flamenco, rumba, salsa and pop into a unique output that is both danceable and authentic.
Fans love their original tunes and their cover songs, including “Volare” and “Hotel California,” which have appeared on TV screens and in movie theaters.
They have so many popular songs that their concerts can be a nonstop hits parade, but they continue to challenge themselves with new music. A few years ago they won a Grammy Award for Savor Flamenco, and they are working on a new project called Evidence. On their set list, songs from these recent efforts will likely reside next to the well-known tunes, such as “Djobi Djoba,” “Bem, Bem Maria” and “Bamboléo.”
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Baliardo, lead guitarist and co-producer, about what fans can expect on Evidence and their appearances in the tri-state area. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from the music on the new album, Evidence?
We have been very focused on this record. It is music that we have continued on from our last record, Savor Flamenco. Nicolas and I produced it and wrote most of the material over the last few years. We picked the musicians and were able to record it in our home areas in the south of France.
When you have a new member join the Gipsy Kings, what qualities are you looking for in that musician?
We have been working with our sons and Sam Rey now for the last few years. They bring to us a culture and musicianship that we are familiar with. It is all done with a foot in the past and a foot in the future — if that makes sense!
Does love of music go back to when you were a child?
Yes, it goes back even further. Our forefathers have brought this music to us, and we process it and send it back out in a way that we feel comfortable with. [But], yes, it goes back to our childhoods.
How did your life change after the success of ‘Bamboléo’?
We have [tried] to maintain our way of life, but, yes, success brings many other situations — some … very good, others not so — but in the end we are truly blessed with doing what we love to do. It isn’t a job, but a way of life that we enjoy so much.
Do you like the process of recording an album and finding that perfect sound, or the energy from a live crowd? Or both?
Really both, but they are two different things that I guess we managed to put together. We do take our experiences from the road and try and translate that into the music we record, always!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Gipsy Kings will play Sunday, Sept. 23 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, and Friday, Sept. 28 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
