Carmen - "Fandangos In Space" {UK} [1973] (Flamenco with Prog Rock)

An unique band, Carmen combined flamenco music with progressive rock. Adding to their distinctiveness was the fact that during long instrumental passages, members of the band would dance onstage, adding those sounds to the instrumental mix. Composed of Roberto Amaral (vocals, castanets), David Allen (guitar), his wife Angela Allen (keyboards), John Glascock (bass), who later worked with Jethro Tull, and Paul Fenton (drums), Carmen's sound was focused on up-beat flamenco guitar with a strong rhythm section and subtle keyboards. Their first album, Dancing on a Cold Wind, was released in 1973 and featured the 23-minute epic "Remembrances (Recuerdos de Espana)." It was followed by Fandangos in Space in 1974. The quintet's final album was The Gypsies, released in 1975, a more restrained effort than previous releases. ~ Geoff Orens, All Music Guide http://www.mmguide.musicmatch.com/artist/artist.cgi?ARTISTID=862284&TMPL=LONG#bio

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...! http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=668

Fandangos In Space
Released in 1973, Fandangos in Space introduced to the world the one of a kind blend of flamenco music and progressive rock of Carmen. Produced by Tony Visconti (whose credits at the time ran from Gentle Giant to David Bowie), it is a stunning demonstration of virtuosity, creativity, and songwriting skills. The Spanish/gypsy element translates into some predictable and clichéd
lyrical topics, like bull fights, but the musical elements are so well integrated into the progressive rock vocabulary (including hand claps, castanets, and flamenco footwork) that one wonders why nobody followed the band's footsteps (literally!). Fandangos in Space opens with the three-part "Bulerias," a roller coaster of sharp complex rhythmic prog and flamenco; future Jethro Tull member John Glascock's bass work is simply amazing. The piece establishes the main musical motif that will come back later in "Looking Outside" and the closing "Reprise." Roberto Amaral's typical falsetto vocals are put to good use in the torrid "Bullfight," while David Allen gives rare
emotional depth to "Lonely House," a ballad built on the metaphor of an abandoned house. When Allen, his wife Angela, and Amaral join forces for the chorus line ("you've gone"), the listener dives into the despair conveyed by the lyrics. The second half of the album is loosely linked thematically and musically, each melody subtly hinting at the others. "Looking Outside (My Window)" brings another highlight and includes a flamenco dance as an interlude. A must for prog rock fans, Fandangos in Space is one of the genre's unsung classics. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide http://www.mmguide.musicmatch.com/album/album.cgi?ALBUMID=932148&AMGLENGTH=full#review

01. Bulerias: a) Cante / b)Baille / c) Reprise (1:44)
02. Bullfight (4:48)
03. Stepping Stone (2:52)
04. Sailor Song (5:15)
05. Lonely House (4:08)
06. Por Tarantos (1:44)
07. Looking outside (My window): a) Theme (1:56) / b) Zorongo (1:17) / c) Finale (4:09)
08. Tales of Spain (5:20)
09. Retirando (2:13)
10. Fandangos in Space (4:33)
11. Reprise (3:00)

Line-up
- Robert L. Heimall: Cover Design
- Peter Mew: Engineer
- Carmen: Main Performer
- David "Leather Sax" Allen, Jr.: Guitar, Vocals
- Paul Fenton: Drums, Percussion
- John Kongos: Engineer
- Roberto Amaral: Castanets, Foot Percussion, Percussion, Vibraphone, Vocals
- Angela Allen: Foot Percussion, Keyboards, Mellotron, Synthesizer, Vocals
- Benno Friedman: Photography
- John Glascock: Bass, Bass Pedals, Vocals
- John Kurlander: Engineer
- Alan Harris: Engineer
- Tony Visconti: Engineer, Producer

01. Bulerias .......................
07. Looking outside (My window) ...

Video - http://easydreamer.blogspot.com/2006/07/carmen.html

Link for download "Carmen - Fandangos In Space" in comments ...