Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

CAMEL

UK progressive rock band formed '72 by keyboardist Peter Bardens (ex-Them, Shotgun Express, Village, etc plus solo LPs The Answer '70, Peter Bardens '71), Andy Latimer (flute, guitar, vocals), Doug Ferguson (bass), Andy Ward (drums). Had been together as Brew, backed singer/songwriter Philip Goodhand Tait. Similarity of name to ex-Herd heart-throb Peter Frampton's Camel didn't help first two LPs Camel and Mirage '73--4; third The Snow Goose, a concept LP suggested by Paul Gallico's children's novel, took them to no. 22 UK LP chart, out of college circuit and into Royal Albert Hall Oct. '75 with the LSO: the instrumental album was reminiscent of Focus, with Latimer's flute much in evidence. After Moonmadness '76 Ferguson left; bassist Richard Sinclair (ex-Caravan, National Health) joined, his distinctively English vocals marking Rain Dances '77; these and Breathless '78 made top 30 UK albums, bottom of US charts; A Live Record from same time did not. Saxist Mel Collins (ex- Kokomo, King Crimson) was also present at this time. Sinclair was replaced by Colin Bass; a major upheaval was the departure of Bardens, who played with Van Morrison again, also solo LP Heart To Heart '79 before joining Colin Blunstone in Keats. Latimer led band through I Can See Your House From Here '79 and Nude '81 (concept LP about Japanese soldier unaware war was over). Music became noticeably less keyboard-oriented (The Single Factor '82) despite addition of ex-Caravan sideman Jan Schelhaas. Lineup in '84: Ton Scherpenzeel, keyboards, Paul Bass, bass; Paul Burgess (ex-10cc), drums, Chris Rainbow, vocals; made Stationary Traveller and live LP with Bardens guesting. Never the most distinctive of progressive bands, but survived new wave vicissitudes.