The 14th release of the French Flamenco-style band marks a return to a more traditional style of playing. Gone are the synth arrangements, absent are the drum kits, leaving only guitars, vocals, a double bass and the occasional hand percussion. Roots marks a nice change of pace for the Gipsy Kings, moving away from the accessible pop style they have been doing for the last several albums back to a down home feel.

Some highlights from this disc:

• Bolerias — Good instrumental. Lots of ghost notes for the percussive feel.
• Fandango (Nicolas) — A guitar line and a vocalist. You can imagine a group of men, sitting around a campfire, singing of their sorrow and joy.
• Boogie — A completely apropos title, as this is a very upbeat, joyous tune, packed with a fun attitude.
• Soledad — Another warm, inviting instrumental.
• Petit Noya — A nice, happy sing-along kind of tune.

The above listing might make this disc sound like all sunshine and light. That is not the case; quite of a few of the tunes are bittersweet and melancholy (Amigo and Como Ayer, for example).

If you like flamenco (or flamenco style) music, I'd recommend this album. These guys have been doing this since dirt was invented, and they're very good at what they do.