Carmel by Carmel

2017 | Jazz | Pop

Formed in Manchester in 1981, this jazz/pop trio was formed by the eponymous Carmel McCourt on vocals, Jim Paris on double bass and Gerry Darby on drums and percussion. In May 1982 their first single, "Storm", released on the Red Flame label, crashed into the indie charts, followed later that same year by a self-titled mini-album. Comprising four self-penned songs, the fledgling band were also brave enough to take on "Guilty", previously recorded by the likes of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, and to completely rework the Smokey Robinson classic "Tracks Of My Tears". They drew praise for their unique sound, and performed a sell-out show at the famed Ronnie Scott's jazz club. They were quickly snapped up by London Records, at that time one of the hottest labels around. They paved the way for the likes of Sade, Alison Moyet and Swing Out Sister, and although they never quite achieved the level of success in the UK that they deserved, they have been more appreciated on the continent, especially in France, where they have toured many times. This reissue of that classic first album includes as a bonus both sides of their first single, the studio version of "Storm" and their take on Ann Peebles' "I Can't Stand The Rain".

Carmel (Artist/Musician)