The Gipsy Kings' journey from a caravan park on the French/Spanish border to million-selling, celebrity-fêted global success is one of the most heart-warming stories in modern music. The Reyes brothers and their Baliardo cousins have forged their signature sound in a career that now spans nearly 30 years and the fruits of their labours spring forth on Somos Gitanos. The Kings' vocal and instrumental magic are founded on a pride in their native flamenco/fandango tradition but songs like "Jo Busco Una Camino" and the bold, torrential "Magia Del Ritmo" also embrace Latin and Arabic influences. This cultural mix may cause purists to frown but that's their loss. The sensual shivers flowing from Nicolas Reyes vocal on "Quiero Libertad", the beautiful atmospherics of "Felices Dias" and the quicksilver lyrical flourish from Tony Baliardo's guitar on "Flamencos En El Aire" are treasures that easily cross borders and defy categories. --Gavin Martin