Compas

Gipsy Kings

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 12, 1997)
• Original Release Date: August 12, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B000005J4Z
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #95,447 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > World Music > Europe > Eastern Europe > Gypsy

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

On 1997's Compas the Gipsy Kings stretched out into new traditional sounds while adroitly maintaining their patented pop blend. During the Gypsy people's centuries of wandering, they picked up a mosaic of musical influences on the road and made them their own. To reflect this historical development in music, two Egyptian musicians, Hossam Ramzy (percussion) and Abud Abdel Al (violin), add Middle Eastern embellishments to the guitar-driven mix. The Brazilian percussion master Nana Vasconcelos also sits in, as does Shawn Farrenden on didgeridoo. The sole sour note is the inclusion of the Italian chestnut "Funiculi Funicula", which lowers the tone but which will no doubt delight restaurateurs. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth the money unless you're a diehard fan, October 24, 1999

By A Customer

I'm mystified by Amazon's decision to list this as one of the group's Essential Recordings. It's definitely the weakest of the bunch, although a couple of the songs are OK. If you want the flamenco rhythms the Gipsy Kings are known for, I prefer Love and Liberte, but any of the other albums are better than this one. If you want unplugged sound, try Allegria; if you want the middle eastern-Moorish musical influence, Mosaique is far superior.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compas, June 16, 2001

By	Andres M. Vilhjalmsson "kds" (Iceland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Compas is another excellent Album from the famous Gipsy Kings. It is a little different from the other albums but don't get me wrong, it is still a very good one. It must be their most inventive album ever and their most atmospheral one. Standout tracks are: Ami Wa Wa (Solar Por Ti), La Fiesta Comenza, Canto A Brazil, Mi Nino and the beautiful Di Me. The instumental tracks are all brilliant. This album is very recommended, for every one.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Takes you to Spain without the airfare!, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

I am a diehard GK fan! I fell in love with them after hearing "Bamboleo". I think they are a fantastic group to introduce the world to Latin music. After hearing just one song, you will fall in love with the ancient gypsy and arabic sounds that are blended with classic instruments. The big plus is the voice of Nick Reyes who is sometimes hard and unstoppable, making you feel the pain of loss or the smooth sensuous voice that makes you feel the passion of love. Their music reflects the landscape of Spain and its history. I visited Spain in February and heard their music many times on the radio. When I want to remember my great time in Spain, I listen to the Gypsy Kings.