The Back Four is a NI studio project/'supergroup' put together by former Northern Ireland international footballer Ian Stewart and Belfast musician/promoter Philip McCarroll, featuring some of their favourite musicians from the NI music scene.
Says McCarroll "I had a copy of the Belfast Boy song on an obscure Manchester United supporters CD for years, always loved it, and considered it ripe for revisiting. It was never a big hit so hasn't been overplayed or over-exposed. It was already a quality tune but we've given it a big 2024 kick in the backside! George Best is as good as a national icon, not to mention a massive hero of mine, when you pay tribute to him, you want to get it right"
Carmen initially came together in Los Angeles as a 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 a 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).
‘The Albums 1973-1975’ gathers together all of these albums, serving as a fine introduction to the music of a unique Progressive Rock band.
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