Many of you may know that I am an avid fan of Catalan Rumba (to be distinguished from Rumba found in say, Cuba or the Congo). A derivation (some purists would argue, bastardization of) Flamenco, it is the dance music of the Catalan gypsies.
You will know The Gypsy Kings - they are Catalan Gypsies but are also French, and the music is very different in many ways but still it has the essential element of the 'ventilador'...the rhythm, melody and percussion provided by the guitar.
Peret is the most popular Rumba singer for Catalans and his career goes back to the 60's; actually he is credited with inventing Catalan Rumba. Many of the musicians who make up Patriarcas de La Rumba were in Peret's 'band'.
I am very excited that Peret is coming to London (with La Troba Kung Fu - another Barcelona based Catalan Rumba act - I will be interviewing him so stay tuned for a link to the feature article.
