The six tunes were played at a medium slow to medium tempo, but they were constantly invigorated and pushed along by Theo Pas'cal's upfront, funky electric bass.

Meanwhile, pianist Robi Botos was applauded for his consistently sparkling solos. Orlanda Guilande shone both as a capable backup vocalist and stirring hand drummer. And Travis Yearwood's steady jazz kit drumming completed the group's total sound.

The sound was that of jazz and fusion. Two-beat, punctuating bass lines ... an electronic wash and glitter of chords ... and Carmen's voice above a steady and detailed rhythm.

It was clear that her ambition is to move from a folkloric into a more instrumental-based sound, but Carmen's mild-mannered singing was frequently dominated by the sheer energy and inventiveness of her bandmates.