The Ecuadorian Singer and Composer Carmen G Kelz (Carmen Gonzalez) was born in Quito Ecuador. Established in 1976, their musical roots ley in soul, jazz, blues, latin, world and Bossa Nova. By aligning their divergent cultures and unwavering passion. Carmen is an experiment in the new and old. This transcendent ensemble Koral Esmeralda has created a sound that has listeners bound for a journey of styles and concepts as far as the mind can imagine.
Carmen González with her fiery and expressive voice. At the beginning of her musical career, she was attracted to the city of Esmeraldas- Ecuador, with African influence on the Pacific coast, where percussion groups, vocal ensembles and marimba that remember West African music are part of the local culture Carmen González musical heart drifted to Cuba, finding in the cities of Santiago and Havana, For more than four decades, Carmen G Kelz has dedicated her life to preserving, promoting, and sharing the musical and cultural heritage of Ecuador with audiences throughout Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Recognized internationally for her powerful voice, artistic authenticity, and commitment to cultural preservation, Carmen has become one of the leading ambassadors of Afro-Ecuadorian music and traditions worldwide.
Her artistic work bridges ancestral rhythms from Ecuador's Pacific Coast, Latin American song traditions, world music, and contemporary influences, creating a unique musical identity that transcends borders and generations.
Since 1997, Carmen G. Kelz has been a featured vocalist and principal performer with the acclaimed Latin American ensemble La Legión. Together, they have appeared on major stages and cultural events throughout Brazil, Germany, Ecuador, Chile, and the United States, presenting a repertoire that blends Latin American traditions, contemporary world music, jazz influences, and original compositions.
Working closely with her husband, renowned saxophonist, arranger, composer and producer Javier Tito Junco and his TMJ Band, Carmen has participated in the creation and production of her most recent seven recordings. Under Junco's musical direction and orchestral arrangements, these productions have expanded her artistic vision while preserving the cultural identity and heritage that define her career. This long-standing artistic partnership continues to shape Carmen's contemporary work, connecting her international legacy with new creative projects for global audiences.
INTERNATIONAL SHOWS AND DISCOGRAPHY
-
1982 - Costa Rica.
-
1985 - Mexico - (Tlamatinime)
-
1986 - French. (La Maison de L’Unesco - La Maison de l’ Amérique latine - with Atahualpa Yupanqui, Paco Ibañez and Miguel Angel Estrella)
-
1987 - French - (Theatre L’OLYMPIA - Paris)
-
1991 - Germany - (Berlin)
-
1992 - Spain - (Expo Sevilla 92 - Sevilla)
-
1993 - Venezuela - (Carabobo Fest)
-
1993 - Mexico - (Guanajuato and Cervantino Fest)
-
1994 - Brasil - (Memorial America Latina - Sao Paulo)
-
1994 - Japon - (Tours for 21 cities)
-
1995 - French - (Biarritz Film Fest)
-
1997 - Cuba - (Nacional Theatre - La Havana)
-
1998 - 1er Festival de Amorfinos - Esmeraldas - Ecuador
-
1999 - CD “Simplemente Carmen”
- 2002 - CD "Caramba" Network Medien Germany
-
2002 - CD “Musica Negra en las Americas” Network Medien Germany
-
2003 - Brasil - (II Wold Social Forum - Porto Alegre - Brasil
-
2003 - Brasil CD “Ao vivo”
-
2004 - Ecuador - (International Boleros Fest “Patricia Gonzalez”)
-
2006 - USA - (Club - Havana Night)
-
2007 - USA - (Night Clubes - Havana Night, Private Parties, La Cueva Blue.)
-
2008 - USA - (I Love Calle 8 Club.)
-
2009 - USA- (Miami Golf Club)
-
2010-2011 - USA - (Theatre Stage Miami.)
-
2012-13 - USA - (Theatre Stage)
-
2014 - USA - “Show Tres Pianos y una Voz”(La Esquina de la Fama Club, Coconut Grove Jazz Festival)
-
2015 - USA - (Mio Night Club- Miami)
-
2016- USA - (Records CD Carmen Gonzalez- Vol 1)
-
2017-18 - USA - (CD Carmen Gonzalez- Vol 2)
-
2019 - USA - (CD Latina Soy)
-
2020 - USA -(CD “Remembranzas”)
-
2021 - USA - (CD “The Best of Carmen Gonzalez”)
-
2022 - USA - (CD “Simplemente yo”)
-
2023 - USA - (CD “Entrelazada”)
-
2024 - USA - (CD “La Partida”)
-
2025 - USA -(CD “Ave Fenix”)
-
2026 - USA - (CD “Raises Invisibles”