〜From The First Half〜 〜From The Second Half〜
Please e-mail me or leave your comments on the Gipsy Kings Signboad.
No.26 From: Misty Callahan (nreyesgkfan@hotmail.com) Thu, Oct 9 1997, 03:37:10(JST):
KONNICHIWA CHIE-SAN!!!!!!!!!
Hello! I would first like to thank you for maintaining the best GK site on the internet! Second, I would like to share with you my GK concert experience from the Rosemont Theater in Chicago. Where to begin? Well, the place where the concert was held was very ritzy! I'm talkin' chandelliers and linolium! I almost felt out place wearing my jeans and crop-top, but one of the ushers informed me otherwise. Some of the other guests were wearing (I kid you not) evening gowns. Anyway, the Gipsy Kings were introduced onto the stage by a man whom I belive to be their interpeter, 15 minutes late. They opened the concert with a fiery instrumental that I can't quite put my finger on. After that, Nicolas sang "Una Rumba Por Aqui" (I'm not sure, but I think he was sporting una guitarra blanca). That is the point where it became real to me. When Nicolas opened his mouth and sang! This being my first GK concert, it was a big deal for me. Anyway, they followed that song with "Montana", "Canto a Brazil", "Recuerdo Apasionado", and Andre sang a song wich I didn't know, (a Gipsy Kings song that I haven't heard?!AHHH!). Something with the word "estrellas" in it. During the first set, the crowd was slow to respond, but this was my first GK concert, and DAMNIT! I was gonna party!! It was then did I meet up with what I like to call "My concert friends". Just a bunch of us late-teen/early twenty gals determined to have a good time! For a good twenty minutes to a half-hour, my concert friends and I were the only people dancing! Every now and again, Nicolas would look over to us and smile. Now it had been a slow start, but Canut got annoyed and said, "Nada standing?!" and made the motions for people to get out of their chairs, and then everryone stood. They finished the first set with, "Ami Wa Wa", "A Ti A Ti", "Un Amor" (the song in which this annoying lady told us to, "..sit down! This is a formal occation!". So we did, but every time Nicolas would get into it, we would jump to our feet and scream, "Ole!", "Canta Gitano!" and so forth), and "La Rumba de Nicolas". When it came time for the second set, my concert friends and I decided to go down to the stage (we were located in the back) and dance, so during "La Fiesta Comenza", we made a train and made our way to the and started dancing. The Gipsy Kings seemed to appeciate our eagerness and energy, Andre and Nicolas smiled and nodded at us. Unfortunately, the ushers told us to go back to our seats. (BooHoo). Well to make a long story short, During the second set they played "Mi Nino", "Amor Gitano", a matador instrumental, "Baila Me", "A Tu Vera" (in which Tonino did an exellent rendition of the "James Bond" theme), and of course, "Bamboleo". They also did an encore performance of "Ami Wa Wa". I Bought two of the '97 concert t-shirts and cap, and somehow during the concert, the Gipsy Kings' interpreter came around to our seats and gave us back-stage passes!!!!!!! WHOOOOOOPEEEEEEE!!!!!! (unfortunately, he only gave us two and I gave mine to an equally enamored GK fan like the nice person I am. BOOHOO. Maybe next time, huh?)
No.25 From: Maris Jurevics (maris@ccm.net) Tue, 07 Oct 1997 17:21:46:
In rereading Bamboleo, I note that no one from Chicago had commented on their 2 concerts here. If no minds the delay, I'd like to leave my impressions. Although it was only about 2 months ago, it seems much longer. The concert in Chicago tracked along the others on terms of material performed. That is, the first half was heavy on songs from Compas. Unfortunately, the audience was unfamiliar with the Compas songs and slow to repsond to the band. This changed with the playing of A mi wawa and in the 2nd half when they dipped into older material. I was surprised that they played Un Amor again this year as they had played it last year when in concert in Chicago. A nice touch was the encore a cappella version of A mi wawa.
Other observations... Nicholas has aged and slowed down since I first saw the Gipsy Kings 6 years ago. While he still maintains a stage presence, I get the impression that lifestyle and the rigors of touring are taking their toll. While not performing, he frequently disappeared off stage. His "retirement" will truly be a loss as his voice truly conveys the passion of the gipsy. Next, it seems that the Gipsy Kings have tried to improve their stage presence in terms of lighting nad backdrops. Last year's "Tiera Gitana" tour had backdrops with motifs from Love and Liberte. This year, the lighting was new and impressive as was the stage scenery. Finally, and only a perception, the Gipsy Kings concert in Chicago always seems to fall in the middle of their touring schedule thus, the last 2 years they have seemed a bit tired. 3
years ago, when they played in a venue in Indiana (close to Chicago), they were much more lively and interacted with the audience, even allowing people to come up on the stage to present flowers and hugs. The last 2 years, it seems as if they are only going through the motions. At the end of their concerts they do seem appreciative, but during the concert itself, they appear a bit bored. Nonetheless, they are the Gipsy Kings whom we all love and would do anything to hear in concert. So, despite the somewhat negative comments, I stood from start to finish, and would still do anything to get tickets and would not miss a
concert for the world. Viva la Gipsy Kings! Karin
No.24 From Rennie Selvaggio (rensel@voicenet.com) Mon, Sep 15 1997, 14:23:02(JST):
Hi Everyone,
I just got back from my second GK concert in a row. I could get used to this life - seeing the GK perform every night. This time my wife was able to go with me and although she's not as big a GK fan as I am, she enjoyed the show too.
I sat farther back tonight than I did last night but at least I was in the middle. In some ways, it's better to sit farther back than right on top pf the stage. I was able to get the whole view and see the way that lights were used for each song. I missed the lighting effects last night by sitting so close. I think GK was in a good mood because it was their last concert before heading home. Even Tonino cracked a few smiles. I know people comment on how unemotional Tonino is during the concerts. I think it must take a great deal of concentration to do what he does and there is certainly no one else who can play the guitar like him. I gladly excuse his lack of emotion. Patchai is another story. He seems to be a bit temperamental. While he was playing and singing "Mi Nino", It appeared that he was unhappy with the sound system and was gesticulating to someone off stage. After the song, he made a gesture of frustration by throwing his hands up. Canut had to remind him to take a bow. I guess it's good that he cares so much. That's what makes them such a great group. They care about pleasing the audience.
The song list was almost the same as last night. The only change was that instead of playing the Paso Doble, they played "Galaxia" which I was glad to hear live. I really can't complain about the song selection because I loved them all. I would have liked to have heard some of the old standards though such as "Djobi Djoba", "Bailame", and maybe a few others. The concert was an hour and a half long but it seemed so short because everyone wanted to hear more. I'm sure that the whole group needs a rest because their tour must have been grueling. Although Nicolas was in great voice, I can't see how he can put so much effort into his singing night in and night out without his voice getting more raspy than it already is.
The crowd tonight seemed to be more responsive tonight than the crowd last night. Everyone was up on his/her feet early on in the concert. By the end of the concert, everyone was up on his/her chair.
All in all, I loved both concerts and it was really a memorable experience for me to finally see the GK in concert. You know how sometimes you wait for something for so long and when you finally get it, it's a bit disappointing. That was definitely not the case with GK. They don't disappoint at all. You can see how much feeling and effort they put into each performance.
Andre sang his new "Ama Bei Bei Bem" song again tonight. It really is a good song with great rhythm and melody. I have to keep an eye out for it to see if it comes out on a single or something.
I'm sorry to say that GK is leaving the US now. They must like it here though since they come every year and spend a lot of time here. I guess it's all for the best though. They can get back to their families, recharge their batteries and get to work making the next CD for us. Hasta luego.
No.23 From Rennie Selvaggio (rensel@voicenet.com) Sun, Sep 14 1997, 14:47:04(JST):
Hi To All,
I just got back from the GK concert at the Atlantic City Hilton. It was everything I had hoped it would be. At first the crowd was a little quiet but by the end of the show, GK worked everyone up to a fever pitch. They ended with Amiwawa and Bamboleo and the floor was literally shaking. I had a seat right up front to the left side of the stage. Paul and Andre were only about 20 feet away from me. Paul is always smiling and they all seem to be good-natured. The majority of the songs they sang were from "Compas". There was one new song that I had never heard sung by Andre. It was a very good song and I hope they plan to record it. The phonetic spelling is something like "Ama Bei Bei Bem". It seems that everyone had a camera and at one point, security let people approach the stage and take pictures. Paul came up front and let people snap away. It's funny to see how they communicate with each other during the show with just nods. At times they whisper amongst themselves. At the end of the show, after they came back for an encore and sang "Amiwawa", it looked like they were really going to go. But Tonino talked to Nicolas and I could read his lips and he said "Bamboleo". I think Tonino was happy with how the crowd had responded throughout the night and was giving us this extra added bonus. Nicolas nodded his head and the rest of the guys picked up their guitars and they sang "Bamboleo". It brought a huge response from the crowd. The whole show was about one and a half hours long and they didn't take an intermission. They were supposed to start at 8 pm but it didn't get going until 8:15 pm. People were still arriving fashionably late but in the end the house was completely full.
The souvenirs were really bad. They had only 2 types of T-shirts. They both had the same design, an orange bull and the words "Gipsy Kings". One was white and one was black. They also had a cap with the same design. I asked if they anything with the "Compas" design. There was a guy and a lady at a little table in the back of the room. They told me that the marketing company GK used to have had gone bankrupt in the middle of the tour and they had to scramble and get another company. They said that that's all the selection they had. I was willing to buy GK keychains, bumper stickers, whatever, but there just wasn't anything.
There were all types of people there from young to old and in between like me. Some were dressed in very formal wear while others arrived in short pants, T-shirts and sneakers. I took a middle of the road approach and felt comfortable that way.
It seemed that the sound system was in good order. I figure they had the night before to get it right.
Before I went to the concert, I found a National Geographic book in my collection called "Gypsies". As I was leafing through it, I found a photo of Jose Reyes. It didn't identify him but I recognized him. There was also a photo of Manitas de Plata as well as some beautiful photos of gypsies and of "La Tierra Gitana". I thought GK would enjoy seeing that book so I went to Guest Services and asked them to give it to them. They told me they would and I hope they do. I left a letter with the book. I wrote it in Spanish because my French is a little rusty.
The songs that they sang are as follows: Recuerdo Apasionado, Una Rumba Por Aqui, Ama Bei Bei Bem, Montana (sung beautifully by Canut), Pena Penita, La Rumba de Nicolas, Salsa de la Noche, La Fiesta Comenza, Canto A Brazil, Un Amor, Volare, Mi Nino, The Paso Doble, A Tu Vera, Amiwawa, and Bamboleo. And I get to do it all again tomorrow with my wife. Talk to you later.
No.22 From Divina (Darpino@aol.com) Sat, 13 Sep 1997 14:52:57:
It's now Saturday 1500hr here. I was glad to get your message in reply to my question. The concert was fantastic. I cannot wait until they come back again to this area. They played almost the entire Compass album & about 5 songs from older albums. They are playing in Atlantic City, NJ three nights and I heard that yesterdays & todays were sold out completely.
Another song they did was the Pasodoble Nacional of Spain, in tribute of all Spanish people present. The lightning and sound were incredible.
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I will e-mail if I get any news of new info on upcoming events.
Again, thank you
Divina
No.21 From Rennie Selvaggio (rensel@voicenet.com) Thu, Sep 11 1997, 09:27:47(JST):
Hi Everyone,
Did you catch GK on Regis and Kathy Lee today? Nicolas and Paco didn't appear. The 5 members who did appear were Paul, Andre, Tonino, Patchai, and Canut. Regis made comments about how great they are throughout the show and held up a copy of the "Compas" CD. They were on the set but just out of sight for most of the show and when they would break for a commercial or return from a commercial, GK would play instrumental snippets of their hits such as Bamboleo, Djobi Djoba, Bailame, etc. At the very end of the show, they sang Canto A Brazil. Before the show, I had expected that they were going to sing Amiwawa but I guess without Nicolas there, they couldn't do that song. Nicolas was probably resting back at the hotel and Paco was probably keeping him company.
No.20 From Jeffrey Roller (angelini@qed.net) Wed, 10 Sep 1997 08:43:05:
Hi Chie..
Sunday night in NY I had the best seats I ever had at Radio City Music Hall.
Call me a tradionalist, but I like their older music better than the
new. I realize the show has to change from year to year to keep it
fresh.
But they could play the worse song in the world and it would sound like a classic.
Hope you made the trip.
Your friend
-jeff
No.19 From Pamela Tomkinson (pt@neurotec.com) Sat, 06 Sep 1997 16:12:19:
Hi Chie,
The Friday night concert was even better than Thursday night's concert since the crowd was in a party mood and their enthusiasm seemed to energize the band. People were up and dancing throughout almost the entire second set and the band was playing with great energy and enthusiasm.
I noticed during the first set that Andre was not playing guitar and had a brace or splint on his ring finger of his left hand, leading me to believe that it was broken. It was almost as if he couldn't be there and not play, his hands were moving as if he were playing a guitar, strumming the air. However, he came back after the intermission with his guitar strapped around his neck and the splint gone and played throughout the second set as if nothing had happened.
One change I noticed both nights is that after Canut finishes singing Montana, he steps back into the shadows and Nicholas comes forward to finish the song "his way." I wish he would leave the song to Canut since I feel strongly it is his signature song and Nicholas has the spotlight the rest of the night. Canut seems to be lost in the shadows the last two nights, the lights not on him except for his lead songs. What a waste!
I noticed this year that there is more sharing of the lead songs with Andre, Patchai, Canut, than in previous years. Although I love Nicholas' voice, I think this is a great trend -- I love all their voices!
A final note -- the sound was much better Friday night than Thursday. I don't know if this was due to the fact that we were halfway back in the center of the pavillion (we were in the fifth row on Thursday!) or the soundman finally figured out the accoustics to the pavillion. I've never heard them sound better.
I wish the GK a great end to their US tour next week and hope they are back in 1998!
Pamela
No.18 From Ulis Fleming (ulis@ix.netcom.com) Sun, 07 Sep 1997, 04:38:02(JST):
Hello all! The Gipsy Kings concert at Wolf Trap (Washington DC) on Sept 2 was a blast!
You had to be dead not to have had a good time. The weather was a bit damp but that stop anyone from enjoying themselves. They closed with an encore with of A Mi Wa Wa though they had played it in their first set. Though last year's concert was excellent,
this year's was even better!
No.17 From Pamela Tomkinson (pt@neurotec.com) Fri, 05 Sep 1997 12:07:54:
Hi Chie,
First let me say how great your site is -- I'm a HUGE Gipsy Kings' fan and visit your site regularly to read about their US tour.
The Gipsy Kings performed last night in Boston at the Harborlights Pavillion which is a big tent set up on Boston Harbor. The temperature dipped pretty low last night and Nicholas left the stage after the first song and returned with a big scarf wrapped around his neck to protect his voice. I noticed several of the band members, Tonino, Canut and Patchai, all blowing on their fingers between songs to keep them warm. Canut looked fabulous as he sang Montana with the wind blowing gently through his hair, it couldn't have looked better if they had set up a wind machine for the effect.
The concert was great but the sound was a bit muddled in the beginning and it took several gestures from Patchai to the soundman to get it fixed. Unfortunately it ruined the first half of Andre's lead vocal (I don't know the name of the song). The concert started at 7:30, they played for 40 minutes ending the first set with Ami Wa Wa. After a 20 minute intermission they came back with a lot more energy and played another 40 minute set that ended with Bamboleo. The crowd got to their feet and brought them back for an encore of Ami Wa Wa but played with a stronger percussion and African beat to it.
Everyone seemed upbeat and in a good mood, there was a time when Paul danced over to sing and play with Patchai and Canut and then Canut was wandering around the stage interacting with the other band members. For the first time I saw them play a strange "bullfight" styled song that they seem to enjoy. They always look like they are having fun, too.
All in all it was a great concert, although I would have suggested a different play list but you can tell they are trying to make Ami Wa Wa the popular hit that Bamboleo was. I've got tickets for tonight and can't wait to see them again. These guys are magic!
Pamela
No.16 From Gabe (dimattia@julian.uwo.ca) Tue, 02 Sep 1997, 03:11:42(JST):
GK in Toronto was a bit of a disappointment. Only two ~40 min sets and the band didn't really connect with the audience. Obviously the language problem was partially to blame but little effort was made by GK's to pull the crowd in. Overall it was a good concert but at times it seemed more like an infommecial.
The crowd became more active toward the end of the second half and it seemed that the concert was finally going to take-off and then it was suddenly over. One standing ovation a and they came back for a quick song. Most of the songs were new which was great but I didn't come away feeling that i had just been entertained by my favorite group of musicians. The GK's really
need to beef-up their stage-presence in a big way!! The music is good but its not enough in person with 15,000 fellow fans.
No.15 From Gabriel E. DiMattia (dimattia@julian.uwo.ca) Sun, 31 Aug 1997 11:02:28:
Hi:
Last evening we travelled to Toronto from nearby London, Ont. to be entertained by the Gipsy Kings. We were very excited about the opportunity to experience the band "live" as we are avid fans. Approximately 15,000 were in attendance at the Molson Ampitheatre and it was a beautiful evening; perfect temperature and no wind so there was great anticipation for an electrifying show. The band appeared at 8:15pm and played until 9:00, took a half hour break and returned for another ~40 min. The second half was certainly better than the first half; overall the quality of musicianship was very good however the band did not connect with the audeince and we felt the show was too short. There was very little interaction with the crowd and it seemed more like an infomercial than a concert. In the second half the crowd finally came to their feet and when we thought the concert was just about to start"cooking" it was over. They came back for one standing ovation and played the "mano" song for a second time which I think was a rip-off as Bem, Bem Maria would have been more appreciated. Overall it was a good experience but the lack of communication with the audience was a big disappointment for us.
Gabriel
No.14 From Lisa Brooks (sstudio@earthlink.net) Sun, 31 Aug 1997 15:35:07:
Hello Chie! This is Victoria. I'm sending you my impression of the Gipsy Kings concert in Minneapolis last Thursday night. This was the second time that I've seen them here. The first time my husband and I went with friends and we promised that if the Gipsy Kings come to our city again that we would bring our children. Well we did on Thurs and it was wonderful to share the experience with them. They are 10 and 7.
It was a different crowd than last time, many people 50-60 years old, and less Latinos in the audience than in '95. A recent salsa concert the week before the Gipsy Kings may have effected the turn out. When they came on stage the audience were on their feet and then sat down for the first songs, an instrumental, songs I'd never heard before (Compas has been out before this concert so we knew the songs), one from Andre. The first set went by very fast, there was an intermision and the second set was a little longer. The group looked tired!!! Canut was in a goofy mood, talking with Tonino, Paco and walking over to Andre and Paul on the other side to play near them. After songs he streched out his arm to get the audience to clap for the featured performer. He did sing Montana (a personal favorite) and seemed to enjoy the few fans who gave him a standing ovation. Patchai sang Pena Penita. Andre sang Canto A Brazil. Canut also sang A Tu Vera, which was used to highlight solos for the drummer and congo musicians. Nicolas sang Baila Me, Rumba de Nichola, Un Amor, La Fiesta Va Comenza and one I didn't know. Tonino had 4 songs, I can only remember the new Recuerdo Apasionado by title. He was smiling at least, sometimes he looks so serious. There were some sound problems, some back feed. Bamboleo was the last song and the encore was A Mi Wa Wa.
It took the crowd a long time to warm up and dance. People behind us kept telling everyone to sit down. I turned around and told them they want us to get up and dance. Like I said it was a weird crowd. After intermission a woman who looked to be in her 80's was wandering around looking for her seat. Security staff kept telling people that they couldn't dance in the aisles. Obviously there were alot of people seeing the Gipsy Kings for the first time and didn't know what to expect. I think they were looking for a "Cultural" evening, not dancing and singing in the audience.
The best part was bringing our children. They managed to get up to the stage on Paul and Andre's side and my daughter, who can dance a sweet gipsy rumba, caught the eye of Paul, Andre and Nicholas who smiled at her and I could tell they were touched by the children's enthusiasm. Our son gave them a "Thumbs Up" sign and they responded in turn. Just to say thanks for the music our family sent them flowers the day of the concert.
They preformed better in '95, but I wouldn't miss them for the world!
I'm concerned about Diego. His absence on the new CD and the concert tour, and the note on the CD package, that the band's thoughts are with him, lead me to believe that he is ill. If anyone knows anything please pass it on. Chie, I would also love info on their wives, children, ages, and a family tree would be great!! Also authentic translation would be great. I've had many years of Spanish and even though I don't consider myself truly fluent, many of the translations available are missing the poetry and idiom.
Chie, you have the best site for the Gipsy Kings, I visit it often for updates and it was fun reading concert reviews on your site before we saw then here in Minneapolis. Keep it up. I hope you can see them soon, too!! Sionara Vic
No.13 From: isa (walmi.int@mighty.noli.com) Fri, 29 Aug 1997, 08:52:46(JST):
On August 23 and 24 they came to Chastain Amphitheater. They made the place jump and clap and go wild!! Atlanta really welcomes the GKs. We got great seats, third row and then danced our way to the stage. We danced and sang all night, I even cryed during some songs that just touch my heart. They really part their souls into every word. To be so close was a dream to me. As we were leaving a woman I had be dancing with, talking to during the concert, grabbed my arm and told me my night wasn't over yet, she gave me a BACK STAGE PASS!!! I couldn,t believe my good luck. My sister in law came back to see what had happened to me and Caught me as I was going down a hall. She got taken along also. This unknown woman then introduced me to them. They came out and I was just star struck. They were so nice and thoughtful. I couldn't speak to them, but they must have known how I was feeling. I got many kisses on the cheek and hand, many hugs and even once the oldest one Pablo touched his heart as I had done during one of the songs that I was crying to and then touched his cheek, I think he saw me crying at that point, so of course this made me cry again, and he held me while I cryed on his shoulder. Then I looked at him and he held my face and kissed my cheek, then I touched his face and kissed his cheek and told him that I was so happy to be there. It was just to good to be true. I just cannot stop thinking about that wonderful thrilling night. For one hour I got to be close to them. Then I knew I had to go and meet with my husband and friends. I will be sending you some pictures soon. They are just wonderful and if I ever see that woman again I will tell her thank you, she said she had spent 5 days with them in San Fran. and knew them as gentle men, which they truely are. I cannot wait until they come back!!! isa