Gipsy Kings, The - Pasajero (Album)
The Gipsy Kings’ past is rich in history and success. In 1988, they released their first self- titled record. ‘Gipsy Kings’ made commercial waves throughout Europe, enjoyed a stint on the American Billboard charts in 1989, and helped to raise the profile of Flamenco music internationally. The exposure of the band reached further heights with their cover of ‘Hotel California’ which appeared on the soundtrack to ‘The Big Lebowski’ in 1998.
The new release from the Gipsy Kings is entitled ‘Pasajero’ (‘Passenger’). The album is a textbook account of flamenco pop. Warm vocal harmonies and virtuoso guitar playing interact with the Afro-Cuban rhythm section to fuse a style that is known as Gypsy Rumba.
‘Si Tu Me Quieres’ opens the record with gusto. Immediate and direct, the song is a fitting introduction to the Gipsy Kings. A commanding vocal performance by Nicolas Reyes is backed by Latin-flavoured guitar lines, a Bossa Nova rhythm, and some surprising vocal samples.
The diversity of the Gipsy Kings is immediately obvious, as the second track ‘Pueblos’ is driven by a loose reggae feel. The minimalist bass work of Bernard Paganotti and the Carlton Barrett-inspired percussion of Patrice Renson give the track an irresistible groove.
Despite enjoying multi-platinum album sales and a longevity that few groups accomplish, the Gipsy Kings’ path to success has not been straightforward. Nicolas Reyes, in an article with Roots-World’s Christina Roden, spoke of the persecution that the band have faced because of their Gypsy lifestyle and the outrage purists have expressed about their transformation of traditional flamenco music. The maturity and authority that exists in ‘Pasajero’ partly derives from knowing that the Gipsy Kings have fought to play their music.
‘Mira La Chica’ (The Girl Watches) integrates a horn section into the mix of Pasajero. Wisely, the production of the tune limits the impact of the horns, allowing the Gipsy Kings to breathe and embellish. The bridge section of ‘Mira La Chica’ bears a stylistic resemblance to the musical theme of ‘Sex and the City’. The interest that this Douglas J Cuomo composition created in Salsa can at least be partially credited to the African rhythms of bands such as the Gipsy Kings.
‘Pasajero’ is not without comparisons to other contemporary rock and pop acts. The muddy bass and syncopated rhythms of ‘Chan Chan’ are reminiscent of some of the darker works of the Dave Matthews Band (such as ‘Don’t Drink the Water from their release ‘Before These Crowded Streets’). The mimicry of popular musicians incorporating World sounds into their performances (including Paul Simon, Ween and Pearl Jam) has exposed a wider audience to alternative genres. However, it is acts such as the Gipsy Kings that are true ambassadors for this music.
‘Pasajero’ is a fine first step into World music for the typical listener as it manages to expose elements of authentic Flamenco sounds while incorporating more familiar popular influences. The result is an enjoyable and easy listen.
