Biography
Leading the charge in France's Gypsy jazz revival is the eclectic quintet Carmen Maria Vega, which centers on its namesake vocalist. Guatemala-born Vega was raised in Lyon and first trained in drama before turning her focus to music. Her 2005 partnership with songwriter Max Lavegie quickly established the pair on the French live circuit, where they played more than 500 shows that included appearances at La Cigale and L'Alhambra. After guitarist Sebastien Collinet and drummer Toma Milteau joined the group, they issued their self-titled debut in 2009; the critically praised album received a nomination for the Prix Constantin. A brief hiatus followed, during which Vega made her acting debut in Le Jour de la Grenouille, before the band reassembled with bassist Oliver Smith added to the lineup and delivered their 2012 sophomore album Du Chaos Naissent les Etoiles.
Singles
