I’m going to get a little personal with this review because the significance of seeing Gipsy Kings live with the founding member Nicolas Reyes at the microphone had my heart bursting and tears in my eyes. In my youth, my dad introduced me to a lot of music, from blues to bluegrass, big band to world music and everything in between. When Gipsy Kings (with Reyes at lead vocals) exploded on the international scene with their self-titled third album that included songs like “Bomboléo” and “Djobi Djoba” both of which were enthusiastically received by the crowd Saturday night at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery. That album became a staple in the tape player in both my parents’ car and later in my first car, a half-working old truck.

Recently my dad passed away and a lot of things remind me of him… as a music photographer I have covered a lot of bands, but there are very special instances that bring tears to my eyes and happy memories of my very favorite person. Saturday night was one of those times and I couldn’t have felt more excited and joy-filled than when Reyes voice soared over the crowd. His vocals were the sounds of my youth, as I sang out words I didn’t quite understand at the time with my dad right there with me. It wouldn’t have mattered if they performed new music or old, the crowd at Chateau Ste Michelle were just as overjoyed to hear them as I was, especially with Reyes at the helm.

I also have to give a mention to the opener, Ginger Winn. She mentioned a couple times that it was her first ever show in Seattle, and even more significant, in front of a large crowd. Despite her self-proclaimed nervousness she was wonderful. Absolutely adorable in her crowd interactions, completely excited that her first album is finally complete and ready to purchase, and the music she performed (both original and covers) were a great way to start the evening. I’d put her somewhere between bluegrass and rock, but I don’t really like squishing people into boxes so check out her music for yourself.

Gipsy Kings still have a few dates on their tour with Nicolas Reyes so if you have the chance to see them don’t hesitate to grab a ticket now. It’s worth every penny and then some.