Gipsy Kings: Nicolas Reyes, Andre Reyes (vocals, guitar); Tonino Baliardo, Chico Bouchikhi, Diego Baliardo, Paco Baliardo (guitar).
Additional personnel: Philippe Desserpris (electric guitar); Guillermo Fellove (trumpet); Claude Maisonneuve (oboe); Dominique Droin (piano, synthesizer); Dominique Perrier (piano); Jean Musy (synthesizer); Gerard Prevost (bass); Negrito Trasante-Crocco (drums, percussion); Claude Salmieri (drums); Charles Benarroch (percussion).
Engineers: Daniel Michel, Francois Delabriere, Roland Guillotel.
Recorded at Studio EMI-Pathe Marconi, Paris, France in March, June, July and September 1989, except "Vamos A Bailar" recorded live in July 1989.
On MOSAIQUE, the Gipsy Kings stretch their unique, pop-inflected take on native Spanish music into newly supple, more meditative configurations. As on their earlier albums, they draw heavily from gipsy and flamenco traditions in both content and style. However, influences from other regions are in greater evidence here, as spectacular vocalists Nicolas and Andre Reyes employ characteristics of the singing style indigenous to the religious music of North Africa and the Middle East. The surging pulse of tracks such as "Viento Del Arena" and "Trista Pena" are imbued with an almost otherworldly, trance-like feel, without sacrificing the group's keen melodic sense or accessibility.
Elsewhere, the Kings continue to mix it up. The sophisticated, jazzy air of cuts like "Liberte" and the title track alternate with the exuberant playing and insistent hooks of "Nina Morena," and the smash hit "Volare." As always, the caliber of the musicianship is remarkable. With MOSAIQUE, the band's continually evolving formal sensibility creates a music that is fresh, romantic, and eminently listenable.
