Liverpool saw an amazing transformation last week. A bleak October evening in Liverpool was transposed into a warm sunny Mediterranean beach party! Well that’s how it appeared as the Gipsy Kings took centre stage at the Philharmonic. The evening began with Nicolas Reyes raw harmonies together with the combined strumming of six flamenco guitars hypnotising the audience into a foot tapping rhythm. The incredible vocals, finely tuned with the warmth of even more impressive skilful musical talent transported everyone to a distant holiday destination, full of fun, laughter, dancing, and imaginary sangria. | "full of fun, laughter, dancing, and imaginary sangria" | | Alan Noble |
As the performance progressed, the rather unusual mixture which made up the audience became apparent. Yes there was a fair share of grey haired couples clapping along but it was so amazing to see how this group of middle aged men could appeal to the wide spectrum of age and nationalities which made up the audience. There were children with parents, teenagers and quite a large proportion of female thirty somethings all totally absorbed by the Gipsy Kings infectious energy, talent and rhythm. With Liverpool’s ever increasing international communities it was no surprise to hear many Spanish voices within the audience. As the performance approached the interval and an amazing rendition of Djobi Djoba, it was too much for the Spanish quarter as they almost involuntarily took to their feet and began dancing in the aisles. When they sang “Un Amor” they dedicated it to the audience “with a happy heart” (I must practice my Spanish) and was sung with such passion that it was almost haunting. For me, the best part of the evening was midway through the second half as the Gipsy Kings gave a truly magical lesson in Rumba Catalana. They sat on the stage and made the instruments talk in an enthralling instrumental which was performed in an almost improvised “jazz” type style. As expected they played each instrument with what appeared to be effortless skill but then they introduced another instrument, the audience! With almost effortless skill they got the audience to perform a rhythmic clapping sequence which became an integral part of the music itself. All too soon the evening and magic was over despite a magnificent encore of Volare which brought everyone in the auditorium to their feet dancing and clapping, it was time to venture out to face the dull October evening once again but this time you are inspired to book your Spanish language class, go down to the travel agent and book your next Mediterranean holiday. | 
