Carmen initially came together in Los Angeles as seven-piece band formed by guitarist David Clark Allen and his sister Angela Allen in 1970. The band’s unique style blended both Progressive Rock and Flamenco styles, with Angela Allen also being an accomplished Flamenco dancer aside from being keyboard player. Despite interest from music mogul Clive Davis, the band failed to make any headway in getting a record contract they relocated to London in 1973. The Allens soon assembled a new line-up of the band with Flamenco dancer and vocalist Roberto Amaral and British musicians John Glascock (bass) and Paul Fenton (drums).

Their unique live performances soon came to attention of David Bowie who became a friend of the band. Famed producer Tony Visconti produced the band’s debut album Fandangos in Space in 1973. This was followed in 1974 by the album Dancing on a Cold Wind. Carmen undertook extensive touring and appeared on the Midnight Special US TV show with Bowie before parting company with Tony Visconti. The band’s last album, The Gypsies appeared on the Mercury label in 1975 in the USA and Japan, following its release Carmen disbanded with John Glascock joining Jethro Tull.

The Albums 1973-1975 gathers together all of these albums, serving as a fine introduction to the music of a unique Progressive Rock band.