France isn't the first place that comes to mind when the subject of Gypsy flamenco comes up, but in fact, it was the South of France that gave us the Gipsy Kings and Gipsyland. Like those artists, Tekameli is a Gypsy flamenco group that hails from France but could hold their own against many of Spain's Gypsy artists. The flamenco that Tekameli embraces on Ida y Vuelta isn't traditional flamenco, but rather, falls into the nuevo flamenco category; it combines Gypsy flamenco with elements of Latin pop and, on some material, salsa. The difference between this act and traditional flamenco purists is like the difference between Al DiMeola and Django Reinhardt -- DiMeola might love and admire Reinhardt's music, but that doesn't mean that he has to play exactly like Reinhardt played in 1935. "Las Claras del Dia,""Sin Saber Porque," and other soulful pieces on this CD leave no doubt that while Tekameli's members are fluent when it comes to flamenco rhythms, they aren't obligated to play flamenco the way their great grandparents played it. Although not for flamenco purists, Ida y Vuelta is enthusiastically recommended to both Latin pop and nuevo flamenco lovers. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
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