The Gipsy Kings are never going to have the kind of critical acclaim that Paco de Lucia has, but their popularization of poppy rumba flamenca among non-Spanish speakers is nothing to be ashamed of.

Roots
- Shrink-wrapped
The Gipsy Kings are never going to have the kind of critical acclaim that Paco de Lucia has, but their popularization of poppy rumba flamenca among non-Spanish speakers is nothing to be ashamed of. Nonetheless, here on Roots, the octet turns back to the tradition while making their own imprint on it. Having the band record in an old farm house, producer Craig Street, it seems, simply told them to sit down to play their bittersweet songs. Without electric instruments or a drum set to clutter the mix, brisk acoustic guitars will sweep listeners up in the driving rhythms as lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo soars overhead, particularly on the instrumental songs. When Nicolas, Canut and Patchai Reyes take turns on lead vocals, Street adeptly captures the timbre and nuance of the singers' voices while also delicately balancing the guitar, hand percussion and bass. No pop songs or bombastic rock beats:here's one that purists cannot argue with. --Tad Hendrickson
Country USA
Brand Nonesuch
Manufacturer Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Corp
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 1696310
Model 2014456
UnitCount 1
Format CD
UPCs 075597984125
EANs 0075597984125
ReleaseDate 2004-03-16

Country	USA
Brand	Nonesuch
Manufacturer	Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Corp
Binding	Audio CD
ItemPartNumber	1696310
Model	2014456
UnitCount	1
Format	CD
UPCs	075597984125
EANs	0075597984125
ReleaseDate	2004-03-16

Roots