Gipsy Kings AT radio city Music Hall
Featuring LP Artist Roldolfo Pacheco

Rodolfoby Marcia Stevenson

A band of gypsies, mostly brothers and cousins, who hail from the South of France, have contemporized Flamenco, and produced their own unique sound coined Rumba Flamenco. The exotic appeal of their music fuses elements of rock, jazz, blues and Latin. Vocals, acoustic guitars, electric bass, synthesizer, drums and percussion are the driving instrumental forces.

The Gypsy Kings are the top-selling French act in history. Since their 1987 release of the international hit single "Bamboleo" they have dominated the world music charts, selling more than 14 million albums worldwide with four million in the United States alone.

Promoting their latest album, "Roots", the Gipsy Kings performed a two hour concert to a sold-out crowd at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Sung in Gitane, a langage that combines French and Spanish, their songs of love, desire, and celebration demonstrates, once again, that meaningful expression can transcend words.

For over15 years, LP artist and percussionist, Rodolfo Pacheo has colored the beautiful melodies of the Gipsy Kings. His first big gig was a five year stint with the acclaimed dance company, Ballet Nacional de Colombia. He moved to France in 1977, giving up his dream of becoming a soccer player and concentrated on his musical career. Shortly afterwards he began performing and recording with such musicians as Tito Puente, Patato, and Tata Guines.

Rodolfo Pacheco's Set Up
Rodolfo's percussion set-up for the Gipsy Kings.
Because the show was sold-out, the LP group was taken back stage to see the performance. We watched the concert off to the side of Roldofoís set-up. He is a dynamic and multi-talented percussionist. I noticed that he would often use unique combination of instruments. As an example, he would strike the LP Jam Blocks with LP Jingle Sticks. This produced a very lively sound that complimented the music perfectly. His conga solo was unbelievable, it demonstrated his athletic prowess and rhythmic gift. (According to LP Artist Rep. Terry Tlatelpa, he just loves his LP Congas.

A special thanks to Rodolfo! He was a warm and attentive host. During intermission he took us to the hospitality area, where we chatted and took photos.

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