Roberto Amaral

Carmen
Carmen as seen on Fandangos in Space. Clockwise: David Clark Allen, John Glascock, Angela Allen, Paul Fenton, Roberto Amaral
Background information
Origin	Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres	Progressive rock, flamenco rock
Years active	1970–1975
Labels	EMI, Mercury, Angel Air
Associated acts	Widescreen, Flamexicano!, 'Papa Tigre'.
Past members	David Clark Allen Angela Allen Brian Glascock Dennis Trerotola Adam Moody Mark Moody Vicente Roberto Amaral Rick Chavez Mark Anthony Nigel Griggs John Glascock Paul Fenton

Carmen was a British-American band active from 1970-75. Their style was a fusion of rock music and flamenco music and dance. The band achieved critical acclaim and some commercial success in recording and performance but its greatest significance lies in being the originator of flamenco/fusion and one of the first world music ensembles.

Carmen's first album, Fandangos in Space, is ranked number 46 in the Rolling Stone list of 50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time.

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 '1984 Floor Show', Marc Bolan ( Paul Fenton became his studio and tour drummer ), and Bryan Ferry. Obtaining the services of producer Tony Visconti, Carmen released three albums: Fandangos 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 Öyster Cult, and Electric Light Orchestra, 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.

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 Garcia Lorca, and castanets, all supported by a traditional rock rhythm section.