Founded in Los Angeles, USA in 1970 - Disbanded in 1975
In the early seventies, the British-American group CARMEN broke new ground in
rock music, combining the British flair for
progressive rock with traditional Spanish
folk themes into a very fresh, energetic and powerful new mix. The sound is centered around guitar, keyboards are used subtly but to good effect. On the whole, they are a rather hard band to describe ... "They sound only like themselves, because it IS so unique". Some vague comparisons could be made to JETHRO TULL, MEZQUITA (some of the Spanish themes), and TRIANA (the flamenco/prog combination).
CARMEN released three albums only: "Dancing On A Cold Wind", "Fandangos In Space", and "The Gypsies". It's hard to say which of the first two albums is better, both are excellent starters. Two great tastes that taste great together. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...!
Tracks:-------
Disc 1: Fandangos In Space01. Bulerias - 5:23
02. Bullfight - 4:17
03. Stepping Stone (Roberto Amaral) - 2:52
04. Sailor Song - 5:12
05. Lonely
House - 4:06
06. Poor Tarantos (Trad. arr. by David Allen) - 1:44
07. Looking Outside (My Window) (David Allen, Roberto Amaral) - 5:07
08. Tales of Spain - 8:58
09. Retirando (John Glascock, Paul Fenton, Andrea Allen, Roberto Amaral, David Allen) - 0:43
10. Fandagos in Space (Roberto Amaral) - 6:36
11. Reprise Finale - 0:56
Disc 2: Dancing On A Cold Wind01. Viva Mi Sevilla - 6:03
02. I've Been Crying (David Allen) - 5:08
03. Drifting Along (Roberto Amaral) - 7:18
04. She Flew Across the Room (David Allen) - 1:31
05. Purple Flowers (Roberto Amaral, John Glascock) - 5:18
06. Table Two for One - 2:15
07. She's Changed - 2:57
08. Gypsy Girl (Caravan) - 1:38
09. The City - 3:12
10. Time (She's no Lady) - 1:24
11. People Dressed in Black - 4:05
12. Dancing on a Cold Wind - 2:11
13. The Horseman - 3:45
14. She's Changed - 2:12
Bonus Tracks:15. Quiriquitu - 2:52
16. Out on the Street - 6:13
Personnel:------
David Allen - Lead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Flamenco Guitar
Roberto Amaral - Vibraphone, Flamenco Dance, Backing Vocals, Castanets, Lead Vocals
Angela Allen - Synthesizer, Mellotron, Lead Vocals, Flamenco Dance, Backing Vocals
John Glascock - Bass Guitar, Bass Pedals, Backing Vocals
Paul Fenton - Drums, Percussion
David Katz – Violin (Only Disc 2)
Additional Musicians Disc 2 Dancing On A Cold WindMary Hopkin - Background Vocals
Chris Karan - Percussion
Tony Visconti - Woodwind And String Arrangements
Danny Thompson - Double Bass