Search - Carmel :: Live at Ronnie Scott's

'Carmel' listen once, immortalized forever.

08/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the vocalist Carmel Lieder, who is virtually unknown to Americans, but with many thanks to Brain Eno, Carmel is immortalized for those that enjoy great music. This is pop in a new way; the vocals of Carmel are sweet and haunting for the dreams. Dreams made by David Lynch... I would like to drop a few names to give you the type of genre, but Carmel can't be placed like so and so, etc... My first encounter with the music of Carmel was in the late 80's. A friend arrived from Europe with the Carmel CD, `The Falling,' the CD went to the highest bidder and I followed suit with the rest of the Carmel CD's. For those of you that are out there and would like to buy a CD that is sure bet, BUY this CD and then check out the bands other CD's, you yourself will be immortalized."

Raw, Funky, Edgy, and Very Natural...

Armando M. Mesa | Chandler, AZ | 06/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"That's what I love about European import bands and artists ! They take American or Western musical genres and influences and add their own worldly and experimental ingredients just to kick it up a notch or two. The Brit-funk, pop-jazz group known as Carmel is a prime example. Carmel is named after lead singer Carmel T. McCourt whose soulful and throaty vocals are faintly reminiscent of a Motown female singer and and a very lightweight Janis Joplin vocalist.The end result is an ultra-cool blue eyed soul singer who gives the impression that shes about to break down her vocals for an all get out scat session. Cuts like Big Belly Woman not only add a comic twist in the lyrics but exemplify how Carmel proves that having soul and rhythm in one's gifted musical abilities has nothing to do with the color of skin or nationality. The opening track You Promised Me the World comes complete with the backing of a funkified Hammond organ and deep rich electric bass for a foot stomping session. Backed by equally gifted instrumental band members Carmel offers that rich late night soul dancing and listening that was also established by the likes of Simply Red's Mick Hucknall and members. Slower ballads like If You Don't Come Back are just as enjoyable and unforgettable...This is a Euro-import worth listening for years to come as the music and it's musical R & B, Blues, Jazz, Funk roots are the influential fuel for this artistic fire of fusion !Carmel defies being categorized or stigmatized as another temporarily fashionable band victimized by trends !"