We offer commentaries on the explosive making of their earliest major-label releases and on one standout from later in their career.

to Carmel's own site (opens in new browser window)

 

 

The group Carmel consisted of a core Jim Par(r)is (bass), Gerry Darby (percussion) and Carmel McCourt (vocals). They came to prominence in the UK in the early 80s, making several albums and becoming widely known in Europe, especially France.

After calling it quits a few years back, they reconstituted and are playing and recording again.

In 2004 we added a new interview with Carmel McCourt.

Bad Day was Carmel's first major-label single release and became a surprise UK and European hit.

Production was intense and unusual. The large group involved hinted at the scale of things to come on the following first album.

Artwork by Serge Clerc

 
     

The Drum Is Everything consolidated Carmel's position as a trio surrounded by anything up to 23 other musicians.

Their exceptional fusion of gospel, jazz, Africana defined a unique style. The production was similarly varied.

Artwork by Serge Clerc

 
     

All In The Game was recorded several years after their first idiosyncratic records, and remains one of their most accomplished.

Photo: Frederique Veysset

 

Carmel at the Stereo Society:
To Carmel's home at the Stereo Society
To Carmel McCourt in interview
To audio excerpts from Carmel's interview
To the making of Bad Day
To the making of The Drum Is Everything
To the making of It's All In The Game

Carmel collaborators at the Stereo Society:
To the Uptown Horns' home at the Stereo Society
To Johnny Folarin's home at the Stereo Society

Download printable cover art of four Carmel record covers from our Downloads page

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We encourage shopping:
Why our universal CD price is so low
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Why you get almost instant satisfaction: wait just three days for REAL quality
We give away HUGE chunks of music so you can REALLY check it out

Grandma's Goodbye, mixes from the track on The Contessa's Party The Shirts, Only The Dead Know Brooklyn Thorne: The Contessa's Party Lene Lovich: Shadows and Dust Sprawl
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Sprawl Albums at the Stereo Society Raven Cry Tomorrow Thorne: Dancing With B