Sara Erde, Caramelo’s lead vocalist, was raised in a Jewish folk music-loving family in Brooklyn. Her Spanish friends convinced her to start dancing flamenco at an early age. She went on to act in off-Broadway shows, and then met guitarist Jed Miley, a Seattle native who studied flamenco guitar in Spain. The resulting musical collaboration drew in disparate influences from the streets of Brooklyn, which are on display in Caramelo’s new album, Ride. The seven soulful, flamenco-tinged songs showcase the virtuosity of the musicians on the session. And, according to publicity materials, Caramelo’s dancers bust moves from flamenco to hip hop. — M.S.
(American Jewish World, 5.11.12)
