Carmen (band): Difference between revisions

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Carmen was a British-American band active from 1970-1975. Their style was a fusion of rock music and flamenco music and dance.

The group was founded by David Clark Allen, a Californian trained in flamenco guitar. Originally a seven-member band, the personnel soon stabilized as a quintet featuring Allen on vocals/guitars/keyboards, Paul Fenton--drums, Angela Allen (David's sister)--vocals/keyboards/flamenco dancing, John Glascock--bass/bass pedals/occasional vocals, Roberto Amaral--vibes/percussion/flamenco dancing. Their stage performances typically featured Amaral and Angela Allen dancing on a specially amplified stage floor so that their flamenco taps became an integral part of the music. Additional Spanish influences in their sound included acoustic guitar interludes in flamenco style, occasional Spanish lyrics, themes of betrayed love reminiscent of Federico Garcia Lorca, and castanets--all supported by a traditional rock-and-roll rhythm section.

The band relocated from California, USA to London, England, where they became friendly with several rock stars of the time, including David Bowie. [Marc Bolan]], and Dryan Ferry. Obtaining the services of uder-producer Tony Visconti, released three albums: Fandangoes in Space 1973, Dancing on a Cold Wind [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 Oyster Cult, and Electric Light Orchestra, and touring for three months as opener for Jethro Tull. Album sales, unfortunately, did not generate sufficient revenue, and the group disbanded in mid-1975.

David Allen continued to pursue a music career, but in 1984 was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent surgery. He re-invented his life, earning acclaim as a photographer, first working in the field of erotic anthropology and then as a black-and-white family portrait specialist near London.

John Glascock and Angela Allen married, and Glascock joined Jethro Tull in 1975, but in 1979, at the age of 28, he succumbed to complications of a congenital heart condition. Angela Allen currently resides in London.

Paul Fenton was badly injured in a fall from a horse around the time of Carmen's break-up. He had already built a career for himself as a drummer outside of Carmen, in particular working with Marc Bolan's T-Rex; he's currently playing in a Bolan tribute band.

Roberto Ameral has returned to traditional flamenco, performing and teaching in Los Angeles.

Carmen fans' website: http://www.fandangosinspace.com/index.shtml