Record Reviews

CARMEN ~ FANDANGOS IN SPACE / DANCING ON A COLD WIND ANGEL AIR 229 (Barcode: 5055011702295) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2006 One of the most eagerly awaited reissues ever of the first two albums released by the US / UK Prog group CarmenFind albums by this artist, which were amongst the most sought after albums among Prog collectors for almost 30 years. Carmen originated in the US and was a brainchild of David AllenFind albums by this artist and Angela AllenFind albums by this artist, who took their Flamenco roots and mixed them with rock. In 1973 the band moved to UK, which was more open to their unusual musical direction. The legendary Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist produced their first two albums. In spite of the initial high interest in the band somehow things eventually did not work out and after recording one more album they disbanded and disappeared from the scene. The albums remain as an important legacy of the period, especially in view of the fact that they are one of the first attempts to combine wold music (in this case Flamenco) with rock elements, which they certainly did with great taste and talent. The band included the bass player John GlascockFind albums by this artist, who later joined the ranks of Jethro TullFind albums by this artist, where he stayed till his death in 1979.

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CARMEN ~ THE GYPSIES / WIDESCREEN ANGEL AIR 225 (Barcode: 5055011702257) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 - 1995 Released: 2007 Recording their 3rd album - The GypsiesFind albums with this title - was just about the last thing CarmenFind albums by this artist managed to accomplish before the band disintegrated. In spite of their phenomenal stage act and two highly regarded albums, the band was so ahead of its time musically that their path to stardom never happened. Lack of support by their record label and mismanagement brought them to a dead end following their US tour, where they opened for many famous Rock groups including Jethro TullFind albums by this artist. The album was released in US only and disappeared from the shelves almost immediately, remaining completely unknown to their fans for many years. As it turns out the album was every bit as strong as the two predecessors were and in many ways even superior, especially due to the strong compositions and more Prog oriented approach. The Avant-Garde (at the time) marriage between Rock and Flamenco is particularly strong on this album and the close relationship with Jethro Tull (Carmen’s bassist John GlascockFind albums by this artist joined JT after the band folded) evidently inspired the many Prog elements. In retrospect this is one of those lost musical treasures, which finally get the deserved attention. The second album in this set brings the band’s history up to date with the release of Carmen’s leader David AllenFind albums by this artist solo album, recorded over a period of 10 years with two other musicians. This instrumental material complements the Carmen legacy beautifully, as it is also based on the Flamenco motifs. Great stuff!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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