Guitarist/vocalist Diego Baliardo is best known as a member of The Gipsy Kings, a band formed in 1979 that brought the upbeat sounds of contemporary pop-oriented rumba flamenco music to the world. Baliardo’s family descends from Spanish Romani who fled to France during the 1930s Spanish Civil War. On Este Ritmo (This Rhythm), he is joined by The Gypsy Evolution, a group that includes his guitar-playing grandsons (Marlon and Gibson), bassist Antoine Ona, and percussionist Pacheco Rodolfo. With feelings of excitement and flamboyance, the band keeps the party lively with exuberant vocals and spirited rhythms. All the songs, composed by Diego, are passionately sung with warmth and sincerity about going to the beach (“Me Voy a la Playa”), not having money (“No Tengo Dinero”), or just getting a little crazy (“Loquita Loca”). Diego Baliardo also expresses some seductive and romantic sentiments in “Mi Niño” (My Child), “Cara Bonita” (Pretty Face), and “Bambino” (Little Baby). Este Ritmo offers an uplifting collection of songs, probably written in much the same vein as the more traditional gypsy material that was seminal to Diego’s early musical development. Music is central to the gypsy culture, way of life and heritage, and it’s comforting to know that their unique style is being passed on and kept alive by future generations. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)