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This portrait of French pop stars the Gipsy Kings is a fascinating story of the group's fertile and rich gypsy heritage as revealed by concert performances, interviews, and vintage home movies. The seven-member ensemble comprises two sets of brothers, four from the Reyes and three from the Baliardo families. The Reyes are the sons of renowned flamenco singer José Reyes, whose partner,
Manitas de Plata, was one of the greatest flamenco guitarists in the 1960s. There's wonderful footage here of the Kings' singer Nicolas Reyes as a teen belting out traditional "cante jondo," or the deep, mournful singing of the gypsies. There's also rare film of José Reyes singing solo offstage and the Reyes family hanging out with painter Pablo Picasso, a family friend. The concert footage is decent but actually one of the weaker aspects of the documentary--Nicolas Reyes's voice was in end-of-the-tour (hoarse) form in the chosen performances. Still, the Kings' love of life, family, music, and the gypsy tradition shines boldly through on this worthy tribute to one of the most vibrant contemporary world artists.
--Karen Karleski
Product Description
1996 - Nonesuch Records - PBS Aired Show - The Gypsy Kings Are Among The Most Successful Bands In World Music Today, With 15 Gold And Platinum Records Earned Over The Last Decade. This Hour Long Musical Journey Explores The Bands Roots In Gypsy Culture, And Their Rich Family Heritage In Flamenco Music. Filmed In Performance At Washington DC's Wolf Trap, And In The Gypsy Camps Of Arles In The South Of France, Tierra Gitana Captures The Excitement Of A Gypsy Kings Live Show And Provides A Glimpse At The Vanishing Lifestyle Of A Vibrant Community Of Traditional People - Written And Directed By Hart Perry
