Search - Los Reyes, The Gipsy Kings :: Gipsy Xmas

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 12/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My earliest Christmas recollections of growing up in Southern California include visits to historic Olvera Street in Downtown L.A. with my parents...entranced by the holiday festivities in this Mexican-style plaza filled with the sights and sounds of early California. There was the wonderful food, and the Mariachi groups playing carols and songs of the season. On my first listen to Los Reyes' GIPSY CHRISTMAS, I was magically transported back to that special time. The flamenco guitars, the carols in Spanish...what a wonderful addition to one's holiday music collection! From the earliest days of the musical genre now known as Smooth jazz, this flamenco sound has been a part of the mix, with Ottmar Liebert and the Gipsy Kings its earliest stars. Los Reyes: Gipsy Legends was actually the original Gipsy group, from which The Gipsy Kings sprang. Antonico Reyes maintained the original name, and this group has continued to evolve over the years, as it has integrated a new generation of gifted musicians from within his family. This music is authentic, organic, and an absolute delight, from the gentle, lyrical instrumentals ("Slowly Snow Is Falling," "Sweet Bells Are Singing," and "Oh So Cheerful" are my favorites.) to the robust vocals, all sung in Spanish. This album really needs to be part of your Christmas this year, and for many Christmases to come. Every time I hear Los Reyes' GIPSY CHRISTMAS, those warm, sweet childhood memories of Olvera Street on chilly December evenings will come flooding back, and I like that! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN"