With their pop songs typified by soulful vocals and rhythmic guitar beats, The Gipsy Kings have become the bridge between pop and flamenco. Bandleaders Nicolás Reyes and Tonino Baliardo remain as successful as ever even after several decades, but as with true royal dynasties, succession to the throne is essential. The second generation is already with the gentlemen on stage and almost imperceptibly
… the band has split into variants led by one of the (former) band members. These are practices somewhat reminiscent of The Kelly Family. For example, these days it is possible for The Gipsy Kings - under the same name - to perform in three places at once. Renaissance (again referring to the potentially infinitely stretching age of the band) is an album by the Tonino Baliardo version of the band. Fans may notice the absence of Nicolás Reyes, but in return they get the apparently still very young Milan Baliardo - third generation - on the song Volando. Otherwise, this band stays close to the familiar sound. Clichés are not avoided - rather embraced - and don't blame them. Renaissance is a swinging record that exactly lives up to expectations. (JV)more
