29 November 2014 (gig)
07 December 2014
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane stage, bathed in a purple light from the ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ set tonight made way for a myriad of musicians. The 13-piece guitar superstars, ‘Chico & the Gypsies’, made their UK concert debut to premier their infectious brand of rumba, flamenco and Latin pop delivered in traditional flamboyant fashion.
Eight guitarists lined-up at the lip of the stage to welcome the lively audience, strumming their guitars with musical menace.
As the co-founder of the Gypsy Kings, Chico Bouchikhi has a musical pedigree longer than most, credited with writing classic tunes such as ‘ amble’, ‘ jobi Djoba’ and 'Soy'.
After an acrimonious split from the Gypsy Kings Chico Bouchikhi formed Chico and the Gypsies releasing their first album in 1992. Their latest offering, the bands tenth album, ‘ Fiesta’ drove the high-octane mood of the night, energy levels high with frantic guitar strumming and claps a-plenty. Whilst guitar virtuoso Kema Baliardo, the grandson of Gypsy guitar legend Manitas de Plata, played masterful solos in moments of reflective calm.
All in black with the exception of Chico in his familiar white shirt he welcomed the sell out audience of all ages, “Are you ready for the gypsy party?” The answer was a resounding yes with the crowd soon out of their seats and dancing in the aisles.
Taking it in turns to sing it seemed as if everyone had their moment on vocals, all exceptional voices in their own right, with cheeky individual characters to suit. Striking flamboyant poses with very funny dance breaks, there were solo spots for all the musicians with violin, piano and guitar duels.
‘1, 2, 3 Maria’ ‘La Camisa Negra’ and ‘Siempre the amore’ were debuted from the new album ‘Fiesta’. Gypsy King classics ‘Hotel California’, ‘Djobi Djoba’ and ‘Bamboleo’ were also thrashed out to a joyful public.
Experts at the false ending, ‘Volare’ and ‘My Way’ finally closing an epic night of traditional gypsy party music. I for one am already looking forward to the next time, a most memorable evening for all.
Speaking to Music-News.com after the show Chico told us “After 30 years I reappear in London, hopefully it will not be long before I return. It was a magical night, I am very happy.”
Please also check out the exclusive Music-News.com interview with Chico and Peewee below.
