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Carmen was an American-British band active from 1970 to 1975. Their style was a fusion of rock,
progressive Progressive may refer to: Politics * Progressivism, a political philosophy in support of social reform ** Progressivism in the United States, the political philosophy in the American context * Progressive realism, an American foreign policy par ...
, and flamenco music and dance. Carmen's first album, ''
Fandangos in Space ''Fandangos in Space'' is the 1973 debut album by flamenco-rock band Carmen. Reception Rock critic Ryan Reed has described their music as flamenco prog rock, "In a glammy yelp, the frontman sang tales of bullfights and gypsies, as the music blen ...
'', is ranked number 46 in the Rolling Stone list of ''50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time''.


History

The group was founded by David Clark Allen, a Mexican/American Californian trained in flamenco guitar. Originally a seven-member band in Los Angeles, the band relocated to London, England, in January 1973, where the personnel soon stabilized as a quintet. In London, they became friendly with several rock stars of the time, including David Bowie - who introduced them internationally by including them on his Midnight Special '1980 Floor Show', Marc Bolan (
Paul Fenton Paul Fenton may refer to: *Paul Fenton (musician) (born 1946), English drummer *Paul Fenton (ice hockey) Paul John Fenton Jr. (born December 22, 1959) is an American former ice hockey forward and executive. He has previously served as the gener ...
became his studio and tour drummer), and Bryan Ferry. Obtaining the services of producer Tony Visconti, Carmen released three albums: ''
Fandangos in Space ''Fandangos in Space'' is the 1973 debut album by flamenco-rock band Carmen. Reception Rock critic Ryan Reed has described their music as flamenco prog rock, "In a glammy yelp, the frontman sang tales of bullfights and gypsies, as the music blen ...
'' (1973), ''
Dancing on a Cold Wind ''Dancing on a Cold Wind'' is a 1974 album by flamenco-rock band Carmen. It was later released on a double CD set with the band's previous album, '' Fandangos in Space''. Trivia The cover is a mock-up of the logo for Gitanes brand cigarette des ...
'' (1974), and '' The Gypsies'' (1975). By early 1975, the band was enjoying its greatest success, playing as an opening act at concerts by Santana, Blue Öyster Cult, and
Electric Light Orchestra The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) are an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1970 by songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood with drummer Bev Bevan. Their music is characterised by a fusion of pop, classical a ...
, and touring for three months as the opener for Jethro Tull. A series of unfortunate events then occurred while the group was recording ''The Gypsies'' at Longview Farm. Paul Fenton seriously damaged his knee, stopping his career as a drummer for many years. Carmen and Tony Visconti ended their musical relationship, and the band's manager left. Carmen disbanded shortly after finishing their last album in 1975 and John Glascock went on to join Jethro Tull.


Music

Carmen's stage performances featured Amaral and Angela Allen dancing on a specially amplified stage floor, so that their flamenco zapateado became an integral percussive addition to the music. Spanish influences in their sound included acoustic guitar interludes in flamenco style, occasional Spanish lyrics, themes of betrayed love reminiscent of Federico García Lorca, and castanets, all supported by a traditional rock rhythm section.


Discography

The first two albums were re-issued by Angel Air records as a 2-CD set in October 2006. Carmen's third album ''The Gypsies'' was re-issued by Angel Air records in May 2007, also as a 2-CD set; the second CD, entitled ''Widescreen'', contains new instrumental music by David Clark Allen.A review of this 2 CD set is availabl
here
Widescreen - the band David formed with Laurence Elliot-Potter - supported The Buena Vista Social Club, Eliades Ochoa, and Ojos de Brujo and played for many years regularly on the UK festival circuit. * ''
Fandangos in Space ''Fandangos in Space'' is the 1973 debut album by flamenco-rock band Carmen. Reception Rock critic Ryan Reed has described their music as flamenco prog rock, "In a glammy yelp, the frontman sang tales of bullfights and gypsies, as the music blen ...
'' (1973) * ''
Dancing on a Cold Wind ''Dancing on a Cold Wind'' is a 1974 album by flamenco-rock band Carmen. It was later released on a double CD set with the band's previous album, '' Fandangos in Space''. Trivia The cover is a mock-up of the logo for Gitanes brand cigarette des ...
'' (1974) * ''The Gypsies'' (1975)


Members

* David Clark Allen - lead vocals, acoustic flamenco guitars, electric guitars, synthesiser, mellotron, piano, backing vocals, lyrics (1970-1975) * Angela Allen - lead vocals, synthesizer, mellotron, piano, backing vocals, dancer (1970-1975) * Roberto Amaral - lead and backing vocals, lyrics, dancer (1971-1975) * John Glascock - bass, bass pedals, synthesisers, lead and backing vocals, lyrics (1972-1975) *
Paul Fenton Paul Fenton may refer to: *Paul Fenton (musician) (born 1946), English drummer *Paul Fenton (ice hockey) Paul John Fenton Jr. (born December 22, 1959) is an American former ice hockey forward and executive. He has previously served as the gener ...
- drums, percussion, backing vocals (1973-1975) * Brian Glascock - Drums (1970-1973) * Dennis Trerotola - lead vocals (1970-1971) * Adam Moody - guitars (1970-1971) * Mark Moody - bass (1970-1971) * Vicente - dancer (1970-1971) * Rick Chavez - guitars (1971-1972) * Mark Anthony - guitars, lyrics/music (1970-1972) * Nigel Griggs - bass (1971-1972) Nigel also played bass guitar in the band Split Enz from 1977 to 1984 and performed in Schnell Fenster from 1986 to 1992.


References


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Carmen British progressive rock groups American progressive rock groups