Camel (band)

Camel
Current Camel lineup
Background information
Origin	London, England
Genres	Progressive rock, symphonic rock, canterbury scene, space rock
Years active	1971–1984, 1991–present
Labels	MCA, Janus, Decca, Deram, Arista, Camel Productions, Gama
Members
Andrew Latimer Colin Bass Ton Scherpenzeel Denis Clement
Past members
Doug Ferguson Peter Bardens Andy Ward Richard Sinclair Mel Collins Jan Schelhaas Kit Watkins Dave Stewart Guy LeBlanc Tom Brislin

Camel are an English progressive rock band formed in 1971. An important group in the Canterbury scene, they have been releasing studio and live recordings steadily, with considerable success, since their formation.^[1]

History

1970s

Andrew Latimer (guitar), Andy Ward (drums) and Doug Ferguson (bass) had been playing as a trio called The Brew around the Guildford, Surrey area of England. On February 20, 1971, they auditioned to be the back-up band to singer/songwriter Phillip Goodhand-Tait and released an album with him in August 1971 titled "I Think I'll Write a Song" on DJM Records. This would be their first and last album with Goodhand-Tait.^[2] They recruited Peter Bardens (keyboards) and after an initial gig to fulfill a Bardens commitment on 8 October 1971 in Belfast, Northern Ireland under the name of Peter Bardens' On, they changed their name to Camel. Their first gig was at Waltham Forest Technical College, London supporting Wishbone Ash on 4 December.

In August 1972 Camel signed with MCA Records and their eponymous debut album was released six months later. The record was not a success and the band moved to the Deram Records division of Decca Records (UK).^[1]

In 1974 they released their second album, the critically acclaimed Mirage on which Latimer showed he was adept on flute. Although failing to chart at home, it gained success on the U.S. west coast, prompting a three month tour there.^[1]

Released in 1975, the instrumental, orchestrated concept album Music Inspired by The Snow Goose, had been inspired by the Paul Gallico short story of the same name. This was the breakthrough album that brought Camel wider attention, but not without controversy. Gallico, who loathed smoking, thought the band were related to the cigarette brand and threatened to take legal action. Camel avoided this by adding the prefix 'Music inspired by...' to the album's cover. The album's success led to a prestigious sell out concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London, with the London Symphony Orchestra in October 1975.

A fourth album, Moonmadness in 1976, continued the success, but was the last to feature the original line up. Mel Collins' saxophone and flute augmented the band for the subsequent tour, beginning an eight year association. Drummer Ward was pushing for a more jazz direction and this demand on Ferguson led to Ferguson's departure in early 1977.^[1][3] Ferguson is now a property developer.^[4]

Richard Sinclair (previously in Caravan) replaced Ferguson and this line-up released Rain Dances (1977) and Breathless (1978). The latter was the last album to feature Bardens, who announced his departure before the supporting tour. He was replaced by two keyboard players: Dave Sinclair (cousin of Richard and also from Caravan) and Jan Schelhaas (also of Caravan). The Sinclair cousins both left the band after the tour, replaced by Kit Watkins and Colin Bass.

This line up recorded the more commercial I Can See Your House from Here (1979), an album which caused problems for the advertisers due to its irreverent cover, displaying a crucified astronaut looking at earth. Despite some fans' reservations about commercial leanings, the album concludes with a ten minute instrumental 'Ice', showcasing Latimer's lead guitar skills.

1980s

Camel returned to the concept album for their next recording. Nude (1981), is based on a true story about a Japanese soldier (Hiroo Onoda) found on an island many years after World War II had ended, not having realised the war was over. Duncan Mackay provided most of the keyboards in lieu of Watkins and Schelhaas, who were involved in other projects, but returned for the tour. This was the first album to feature lyrics by Latimer's future wife Susan Hoover (who had in fact contributed lyrical ideas, albeit anonymously, to I Can See...). In mid-1981, Ward stopped playing drums due to alcohol and drug abuse and Camel quietly disbanded. Years later it was revealed that Ward had attempted suicide.^[5]

Without a band, but a contract to fulfill and pressure from Decca for a 'hit song', Latimer was joined by an array of guest and session musicians, including David Paton, Chris Rainbow and Anthony Phillips at Abbey Road studio in early 1982. The resultant album, ironically entitled The Single Factor, was a far cry from the band's early hard rock/progressive sound, but it scraped the lower regions of the charts and enabled a successful Tenth Anniversary Tour, featuring Paton, Rainbow, Watkins, Stuart Tosh (drums) and Andy Dalby (guitar) accompanying Latimer. Legal wranglings over royalties then began with their former manager which took five years to resolve.

Ton Scherpenzeel (of Dutch prog-rock band Kayak) joined Latimer as Camel's new keyboardist with Paul Burgess on drums for 1984's Stationary Traveller. Bass returned (for good) to fill the bass position for the tour, which also included Rainbow on backing and occasional lead vocals and some keyboards. For the Hammersmith Odeon shows which were filmed, an additional keyboard player, Richie Close (who died a few years later from Legionnaires' disease) was also added, and former members Peter Bardens and Mel Collins made guest appearances.

After the release of the resulting live Pressure Points in late 1984, Camel disappeared without trace as far as the public was concerned. Finishing the contract with Decca, Latimer was unable to interest other British record companies and eventually moved to California when the lawsuit ended (successfully for him).^[6]

1990s

After a seven year hiatus, Latimer revived the Camel name, releasing a new album, Dust and Dreams, in 1991. Part of it had actually been recorded as early as 1988, before Latimer's departure to the US, and featured all members of the previous incarnation, i.e. Bass, Burgess, Scherpenzeel, alongside a number of additional musicians. The album was largely instrumental and inspired by John Steinbeck's classic novel The Grapes of Wrath. It was released under Latimer's own label Camel Productions and, whilst according to some it was a triumphant return to their progressive roots, to others it was a disappointingly middle-of-the-road effort.^[7]

Scherpenzeel's fear of flying made him largely unavailable for touring. So former Mike Oldfield and Fish keyboardist Mickey Simmonds joined Latimer, Bass and Burgess for the 1992 "comeback" world tour from which in 1993 a double live CD, recorded in Holland, Never Let Go, was released. In 1994, former members Bardens and Ward formed Mirage with members of Caravan. In this incarnation, it played a short European tour, with a setlist including numerous Camel pieces, but it quickly gave way to a Bardens-led band with no other Camel or Caravan alumni.

Inspired by the death of Latimer's father, he and Hoover then wrote Harbour of Tears (nickname for Cobh (pronounced 'cove') harbour in Ireland from which many sailed off to the USA during the Potato Famine) under the Camel name, which was released in 1996.

In 1997 Camel again toured the west coast of the U.S., Japan and Europe (as they had in 1992) with Latimer supported by Bass, Foss Patterson (keyboards) and drummer Dave Stewart. The tour resulted in Coming of Age, a live double-CD and DVD.

In 1999 Latimer, Stewart, Bass and guest Scherpenzeel, recorded Rajaz. Set in ancient times, Rajaz was a spontaneous composition inspired by the rhythm of the camel's footsteps to help weary travelers reach their destination. Latimer was smitten with the theme, and this album truly took Camel back to their prog-rock roots.^[8]

2000s

Stewart left the band when he was offered the chance to manage a drum store in Scotland before the following live tour, to be replaced by French Canadian Denis Clement on Drums. The 2000 tour was augmented by Guy LeBlanc on keyboards. Latimer, Bass, LeBlanc and Clement then went to a tour of South America in 2001.

In 2002 this quartet released A Nod and a Wink, - a reflective, mellow album, prominently featuring Latimer's flute. The album was dedicated to Peter Bardens, who died in January 2002.

Following somewhat-troubled live tours of recent years, Camel Productions announced the 2003 tour to be Camel's "Farewell Tour". Guy LeBlanc had to quit shortly before going on the road due to the illness of his wife, and was replaced by Tom Brislin (in the US) and a train-travelling Ton Scherpenzeel (European leg). The US leg of the tour was highlighted by a headline appearance at NEARfest, the world's most prestigious progressive rock festival.

Latimer started work on unplugged (acoustic) versions of old Camel material, but this was aborted.^[9] In 2006, Latimer accepted an invitation to audition for a guitar/vocal role on Roger Waters tour, the position eventually being filled by Dave Kilminster.

In October 2006 Latimer completed a move back to the UK with intentions of recording and releasing future Camel albums from his home country and completing a project started in 2003 with Andy Ward and Doug Ferguson.^[10][11]

In May 2007, Susan Hoover announced through the Camel Productions website and newsletter that Andrew Latimer has suffered from a progressive blood disorder Polycythaemia vera since 1992 which has progressed to Myelofibrosis. This was part of the reason why Camel ceased extensive touring. Latimer underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant in November 2007. He responded well to treatment, but has suffered from fatigue and cycles of severe joint pain. In the September 2008 newsletter, she reported that Latimer was gradually regaining strength and they are adopting a positive frame of mind that Camel will eventually be able to play a mini-tour and release a new studio album.^[12]

2010s

Latimer's health has progressed and he contributed guitar solos and vocal tracks to David Minasian's album Random Acts of Beauty (released August 2010).^[13] In September 2010 Camel Productions announced that Latimer and Denis Clement have started writing material for a new Camel album.

Legacy

The 2005 release Fuera de Tiempo by Argentinean band Rockaphonia contains three Camel "tribute" covers.^[14][15]

A tribute band, The Humps, in Israel, routinely performs some of the band's material.^[16]

Another tribute band named Fritha (after the song on the Snowgoose album) is performing in Japan ^[17]

In Sweden there is a tribute band named Lady Fantasy (after the song on the Mirage album).^[18]

A band named Raha in Iran is doing covers of Camel songs.^[19]

In Egypt, Andromida is also doing covers of Camel amongst their set.^[20]

In 2010, a Norwegian progressive band who has taken the name Mirage after the title of Camel's second album, is including Camel songs amongst a set of Yes, Jethro Tull, and King Crimson pieces.^[21]

About the same time, an Italian Camel tribute band has also taken the name Mirage. The material they have released so far is from the Snowgoose suite.^[22]

Band members

Most recent line-up

• Andrew Latimer - guitar, vocals, flute, recorder, keyboards, bass guitar (1971-)
• Colin Bass - bass guitar, vocals, keyboard, acoustic guitar (1979–1981, 1984-)
• Denis Clement - drums, percussion (2000-)
• Ton Scherpenzeel - keyboards (1984, 1991, 1999, 2003-)

Former members

• Doug Ferguson - bass, vocals (1971–1977)
• Peter Bardens - keyboards, vocals (1971–1978)
• Andy Ward - drummer, percussion (1971–1981)
• Richard Sinclair - bass, vocals (1977–1978)
• Mel Collins - saxophones, flute (1977–1979)
• Jan Schelhaas - keyboards (1979–1981)
• Kit Watkins - keyboards, flute (1979–1982)
• Paul Burgess - drums, percussion (1984–1992)
• Dave Stewart - drums, percussion (1997–2000)
• Guy LeBlanc - keyboards, vocals (2000–2003)

Additional studio musicians

• 'Eddie' - congas on Camel
• Tony Cox - synthesizer on Camel
• David Bedford - orchestral arrangements on Music Inspired by The Snow Goose
• Martin Drover - trumpet on Rain Dances
• Malcolm Griffiths - trombone on Rain Dances
• Brian Eno - keyboards on Rain Dances
• Fiona Hibbert - harp on Rain Dances
• Dave Sinclair - keyboards on Breathless
• Phil Collins - percussion on I Can See Your House From Here
• Duncan Mackay - keyboards on Nude and The Single Factor
• Chris Green - cello on Nude
• Gasper Lawal - percussion on Nude
• Herbie Flowers - tuba on Nude
• David Paton - bass, vocals on The Single Factor and Harbour of Tears; vocals on Dust and Dreams
• Graham Jarvis - drums on The Single Factor
• Dave Mattacks - drums on The Single Factor
• Simon Phillips - drums on The Single Factor
• Anthony Phillips - guitar, keyboards on The Single Factor
• Chris Rainbow - vocals on The Single Factor and Stationary Traveller
• Haydn Bendall - keyboards on Stationary Traveller
• Francis Monkman - harpsichord synclavier on The Single Factor
• Tristian Fry - glockenspiel on The Single Factor
• Jack Emblow - accordion on The Single Factor
• Mae McKenna - vocals on Dust and Dreams and Harbour of Tears
• Christopher Bock - drums on Dust and Dreams
• Don Harriss - keyboards on Dust and Dreams
• Neil Panton - oboe on Dust and Dreams; oboe, soprano saxophone, harmonium on Harbour of Tears
• Kim Venaas - timpani, harmonica on Dust and Dreams
• John Burton - French horn on Dust and Dreams and Harbour of Tears
• Mickey Simmonds - keyboards on Harbour of Tears
• John Xepoleas - drums on Harbour of Tears
• Barry Phillips - cello on Harbour of Tears and Rajaz
• Karen Bentley - violin on Harbour of Tears
• Anita Stoneham - violin on Harbour of Tears
• Terry Carleton - drums, percussion, backing vocals on A Nod and a Wink
• JR Johnston - backing vocals on A Nod and a Wink

Touring musicians

1971-1976

• Andrew Latimer - Peter Bardens - Andy Ward - Doug Ferguson

1976

• Andrew Latimer - Peter Bardens - Andy Ward - Doug Ferguson - Mel Collins

1977

• Andrew Latimer - Peter Bardens - Andy Ward - Richard Sinclair - Mel Collins

1978-1979

• Andrew Latimer - Andy Ward - Richard Sinclair - Mel Collins - Jan Schelhaas - Dave Sinclair

1979-1981

• Andrew Latimer - Andy Ward - Colin Bass - Jan Schelhaas - Kit Watkins

1982

• Andrew Latimer - Kit Watkins - David Paton - Chris Rainbow - Stuart Tosh - Andy Dalby

1984

• Andrew Latimer - Colin Bass - Paul Burgess - Chris Rainbow - Ton Scherpenzeel - Richie Close

1992

• Andrew Latimer - Colin Bass - Paul Burgess - Mickey Simmonds

1997

• Andrew Latimer - Colin Bass - Dave Stewart - Foss Patterson

2000-2001

• Andrew Latimer - Colin Bass - Denis Clement - Guy LeBlanc

2003 (U.S.)

• Andrew Latimer - Colin Bass - Denis Clement - Tom Brislin

2003 (Europe)

• Andrew Latimer - Colin Bass - Denis Clement - Ton Scherpenzeel

Line-ups timeline

Discography

Studio albums

• 1973 - Camel
• 1974 - Mirage (US Billboard #149; (13 weeks on chart))
• 1975 - The Snow Goose (UK #22; (13 weeks on chart)); Certified Silver
• 1976 - Moonmadness UK #15; (6 weeks on chart); Certified Silver
• 1977 - Rain Dances (UK #20; (8 weeks on chart); US Billboard #136)
• 1978 - Breathless (UK #26; (1 week on chart); US Billboard #134)
• 1979 - I Can See Your House from Here (UK #45; (3 weeks on chart); US Billboard #208)
• 1981 - Nude (UK #34; (7 weeks on chart))
• 1982 - The Single Factor (UK #57; (5 weeks on chart))
• 1984 - Stationary Traveller (UK #57; (4 weeks on chart))
• 1991 - Dust and Dreams
• 1996 - Harbour of Tears
• 1999 - Rajaz
• 2002 - A Nod and a Wink^[23]

Live albums

• 1973 - Greasy Truckers Live at Dingwalls Dance Hall (Various Artists. Includes 19 minute version of Camel's 'God of Light Revisited')
• 1978 - A Live Record (live, various venues 1974, 1975, 1977)
• 1984 - Pressure Points: Live in Concert (live, 11 May 1984, Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK)
• 1992 - On the Road 1972 (live, venue unspecified)
• 1993 - Never Let Go (live, 5 September 1992, Enschede, NL)
• 1994 - On the Road 1982 (live, Dutch radio, 13 June 1982, Congresgebouw, Den Haag, NL)
• 1997 - On the Road 1981 (live, BBC radio, 2 April 1981, Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK)
• 1998 - Coming of Age (live, 13 March 1997, Billboard, Los Angeles, USA)
• 2000 - Gods of Light '73-'75 (live, various venues)
• 2001 - The Paris Collection (live, 30 September 2000, Bataclan-Club, Paris, France). Note: CD wrongly states concert as 30 October.

Compilation albums

• 1981 - Chameleon - The Best Of Camel
• 1985 - The Collection
• 1986 - A Compact Compilation
• 1991 - Landscapes
• 1993 - Echoes: The Retrospective
• 1997 - Camel - Master Series (25th Anniversary Compilation)
• 2001 - Lunar Sea
• 2010 - Rainbow's End: An Anthology 1973-1985

Singles

• 1973 - "Never Let Go" / "Curiosity"
• 1975 - "Flight of the Snow Goose" / "Rhayader"
• 1975 - "The Snow Goose" / "Freefall"
• 1976 - "Another Night" / "Lunar Sea" (Live)
• 1977 - "Highways of the Sun" / "Tell Me"
• 1978 - "Breathless (Sin Respiracion)" / "Rainbows End" (Spanish)
• 1979 - "Your Love is Stranger Then Mine" / "Neon Magic"
• 1979 - "Remote Romance" / "Rainbows End" / "Tell Me"
• 1981 - "Lies" / "Changing Places" (Dutch)
• 1982 - "No Easy Answer" / "Heroes" (Canadian)
• 1982 - "Selva" (Dutch)
• 1984 - "Long Goodbyes" / "Metrognome" (German)
• 1984 - "Cloak And Dagger Man" / "Pressure Points"
• 1984 - "Berlin Occidental" (West Berlin) Stereo Version / Mono Version (Mexican)

DVDs

• 2002 - Coming Of Age (live, 13 March 1997, Billboard, Los Angeles, USA)
• 2003 - Pressure Points (live, 11 May 1984, Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK)
• 2003 - Curriculum Vitae
• 2004 - Footage
• 2005 - Footage II
• 2007 - Total Pressure (full version of Pressure Points concert).
• 2007 - Moondances (live, 14 April 1976, Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK and 22 September 1977, Hippodrome, Golders Green, London, UK)
• 2010 - The Opening Farewell (live, 26 June 2003, The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, USA)

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Thomas, Stephen. "Allmusic Biography". Allmusic.com. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p3821/biography. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
2. ^ "Phillip Goodhand-Tait singer/songwriter". Pg-t.com. 1979-03-25. http://www.pg-t.com/1970sdiary.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
3. ^ Zwebner, Ofir; Lasse Ødegård. "Frequently Asked Questions". Skylines - Camel Web Site. http://www.magenta.co.il/camel/faq/faq-body.htm#4a. 
4. ^ Zwebner, Ofir. "Camel's members careers". Skylines - Camel Web Site. http://www.magenta.co.il/camel/members/members-body.htm#ferguson. 
5. ^ "Camel Timeline 1964-1981". Camelproductions.com. http://www.camelproductions.com/CamelTimeline1964_1981_v2.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
6. ^ "Magenta Camel faq". Magenta.co.il. http://www.magenta.co.il/camel/faq/faq-body.htm. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
7. ^ "last FM bio". Last.fm. 2009-02-11. http://www.last.fm/music/Andrew+Latimer. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
8. ^ "Camel timeline 1982-2000". Camelproductions.com. http://www.camelproductions.com/CamelTimeline1982_2K_v2.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
9. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2008-04-20). "interview with Guy LeBlanc". Youtube.com. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCyat45-EgI. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
10. ^ "Camel timeline 2000". Camelproductions.com. http://www.camelproductions.com/CamelTimeline2000_.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
11. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen!. "YouTube Left Luggage". Youtube.com. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsBvo-nV3es. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
12. ^ "Camel News". Camelproductions.com. http://www.camelproductions.com/news.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
13. ^ David Minasian (2010-07-08). "David Minasian blog October 26, 2009". Davidminasian.blogspot.com. http://davidminasian.blogspot.com/. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
14. ^ [1]^{[dead link]}
15. ^ "Detailed Reviews Rockaphonica - 2006 - "Fuera de Tiempo"". ProgressoR. 2007-04-02. http://www.progressor.net/review/rockaphonica_2006.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
16. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2007-07-26). "The Humps". Youtube.com. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcWdkD0qUww. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
17. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2006-10-25). "Fritha". Youtube.com. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9s_dplTWhM. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
18. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2008-06-21). "Lady Fantasy". Youtube.com. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rz8Hc26yK8. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
19. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2008-12-30). "Raha". Youtube.com. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBwooygnZ0Q. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
20. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen!. "Andromida". Youtube.com. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olRSQ5ZOHD4. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
21. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen!. "Camel "Never Let Go" cover by Mirage". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBkOBPdHkEQ. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
22. ^ [2]^{[dead link]}
23. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 90. ISBN 1-904994-10-5. 

External links

• Camel Productions, the official Camel web site
• Camel discography at Discogs
• Camel Performances