Carmen with David Clark Allen

<p>Carmen with David Clark Allen in conversation with David Eastaugh</p> <p>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 <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quintet'>quintet</a>.</p> <p>In London, they became friendly with several rock stars of the time, including <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bowie'>David Bowie</a> - who introduced them internationally by including them on his Midnight Special '1984 Floor Show', <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Bolan'>Marc Bolan</a> (<a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Fenton_(musician)'>Paul Fenton</a>became his studio and tour drummer), and <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Ferry'>Bryan Ferry</a>. Obtaining the services of producer <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Visconti'>Tony Visconti</a>, Carmen released three albums: <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fandangos_in_Space'>Fandangos in Space</a> (1973), <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_on_a_Cold_Wind'>Dancing on a Cold Wind</a> (1974), and <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Gypsies_(album)&action=edit&redlink=1'>The Gypsies</a> (1975). By early 1975, the band was enjoying its greatest success, playing as an opening act at concerts by <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Santana'>Santana</a>, <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_%C3%96yster_Cult'>Blue Öyster Cult</a>, and <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_Light_Orchestra'>Electric Light Orchestra</a>, and touring for three months as the opener for <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jethro_Tull_(band)'>Jethro Tull</a>.</p>