Carmen (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | David Clark Allen |
| Defunct | 1975 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, London , United States, United Kingdom |
Area served | International |
Key people | David Clark Allen, Angela Allen, Roberto Amaral, John Glascock, Paul Fenton |
| Products | Music albums: Fandangos in Space, Dancing on a Cold Wind, The Gypsies |
Carmen was a band with American and British roots, active between 1970 and 1975, recognized for their unique fusion of rock, progressive, and flamenco genres. Their first album, Fandangos in Space, holds the 46th spot on Rolling Stone's list of the 50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time.
History
The group was established by David Clark Allen, a flamenco guitarist of Mexican-American descent. Initially formed as a seven-piece ensemble in Los Angeles, Carmen moved to London in January 1973, where they solidified as a five-member band.
While in London, they built relationships with prominent rock figures such as David Bowie—who included them in his Midnight Special '1980 Floor Show'—Marc Bolan (whose drummer Paul Fenton later became part of Carmen), and Bryan Ferry. Collaborating with producer Tony Visconti, they produced three albums: Fandangos in Space (1973), Dancing on a Cold Wind (1974), and The Gypsies (1975). By early 1975, Carmen was supporting major performers like Santana, Blue Öyster Cult, and Electric Light Orchestra, as well as completing a three-month tour backing Jethro Tull.
During the sessions for The Gypsies at Longview Farm, drummer Paul Fenton sustained a serious knee injury that sidelined his career for several years. Following this setback, the band parted ways with Visconti, lost their management, and dissolved shortly after finishing the album. Subsequently, member John Glascock joined Jethro Tull.
Music
Carmen's live shows incorporated dancers Amaral and Angela Allen performing on a stage floor equipped with special amplification via contact microphones, allowing their flamenco-style zapateado footwork to serve as an additional percussion layer. Their sound reflected Spanish influences through flamenco-inspired acoustic guitar passages, occasional use of Spanish lyrics, themes of betrayed love akin to those found in Federico García Lorca's work, and castanets, all layered over a conventional rock rhythm foundation.
Discography
Angel Air Records re-released Carmen’s first two albums together as a double CD set in October 2006. The third album, The Gypsies, was reissued in May 2007 also as a two-disc package; the bonus CD titled Widescreen contains new instrumental compositions by David Clark Allen.
David Clark Allen later formed the band Widescreen with Laurence Elliot-Potter. This group performed alongside The Buena Vista Social Club, Eliades Ochoa, and Ojos de Brujo and became a regular presence at UK festivals.
- Fandangos in Space (1973)
- Dancing on a Cold Wind (1974)
- The Gypsies (1975)
Members
- David Clark Allen – lead vocals, acoustic and electric flamenco guitars, synthesiser, mellotron, piano, backing vocals, lyricist (1970–1975)
- Angela Allen – lead vocals, synthesizer, mellotron, piano, backing vocals, dancer (1970–1975)
- Roberto Amaral – lead and backing vocals, lyricist, dancer (1971–1975)
- John Glascock – bass guitar, bass pedals, synthesizers, lead and backing vocals, lyricist (1972–1975)
- Paul Fenton – 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 guitar (1970–1971)
- Vicente – dancer (1970–1971)
- Rick Chavez – guitars (1971–1972)
- Mark Anthony – guitars, lyricist/composer (1970–1972)
- Nigel Griggs – bass guitar (1971–1972); later joined Split Enz (1977–1984) and performed with Schnell Fenster (1986–1992).