cabin from the Seattle concert, where it was cold (by my desert rat standards) and raining during the second set. We were delighted that they all recognized us, and acknowledges us with various smiles and nods. Even Canut and Tonino showed glimmers of recogition, if not, appreciation. I always wondered in the videos we have who they were smiling and nodding at. Now I know.
I'm out of new superlatives for this fourth out of five concerts. But you all know it was as great as the others. Our seats turned out to be not FR center but right in front of Canut - a different perspective from the last three venues. The stage is lower and the seats were fairly close to the stage.
The music was basically the same, but they did play, in the second set an
instrumental I only know as Gipsy Waltz from Bolero, but with Tonino on lead. There is another version that either Chico or Los Reyes do, but I can't remember what it's called. They also included a slow, love song, no clue as to its name, although parts of it were vageuly familiar. The sound was fabulous where we were sitting, except for the bass being too dominant. I could hear the stage monitors, and clearly every note that Tonino played and Canut sang. This was a first from all the venues.
At the beginning of the second set a steady stream of people moved into my
"Private Idaho", crowding the area between the front row seats and the stage. This pisses me off! The paya bimbos pushing their way to the stage were extreme tonight. Several tried to grab at Canut and Georges. This gave me an insight into Canut;s personality. He looked like he felt threatened by the attention, and I think this is why he retreats from fans. For the "Bimbo-leo" encore, he let Michael play guitar in his place and whispered something to him, which I assumed was "They're all yours." He retreated to the back to play a series of percussion instruments, out of harm's way. I found myself doing the same thing in the crowd that pushed its way around us, retreating to a safe haven. I complained after the concert to a woman who I assume was the event coordinator." She told me they "lost control" and apologized. Pretty scary when security loses control.
I'm sure I'll think of more, but for now it's Bob's turn on the computer.
....................LP
Lauren covered it pretty well. The sound was much better, relatively speaking. To our advantage, the main banks of speakers were over our heads and behind us. So was the roof, so we didn't get rained on. The rain may have driven so many people forward toward the stage.
I'd add that they played "Bem Bem Maria" this time, but not "Trista Pena".
They played that other slow number Lauren mentioned. It sounded vaguely
familiar, but I couldn't place it either.
At the end (I don't know why I didn't think of this before) I outstretched my hand toward them. Managed to shake with Canut first, then Georges and Paul.
Also got a nice GK ballcap. It's nicely embroidered with the letters "GK" over a bull in the front and "Gipsy Kings" on the back. Black with a red brim.
I got the chance to chat briefly with Pascal before the show. I told him about the Internet list, but he didn't seem all that impressed or interested. At least now I can e-mail him and say "I introduced myself to you at....".
...Bob
A Concert Preview in the Seattle Times.
