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Camel - A Nod and a Wink CD (album) cover

A NOD AND A WINK

Camel

 

Symphonic Prog

3.95 | 785 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Dedicated to Peter Bardens (1945 - 2002)

That's basically what Andy Latimer wrote on 27th June 2002 for the sleeve note of this album. I t has been 30 years Camel had been in music industry with many personnel changes only Andy Latimer remains in the band. This is similar with King Crimson where Robert Fripp has been the only constant member of the band. And Camel was recognized and respected as the band with excellent compositions combining mellow to medium tempo kind of music. While King Crimson has evolved their music started with their "Discipline" album, Camel's music has been generally same in style from its debut album until this album's release. "A Nod and A Wink" commemorates Camel's 30 years of existence in progressive music. Through this album, Collin Bass, the bass player during the early years of Camel returned back in the band. Well, actually Camel means Andy Latimer, I would say.

Looking at the artwork, it clicked me to a novel by Paulo Coelho titled "The Alchemist" especially the shadow of a child (like the shepherd in that novel) and a horse, plus night time nuance. The opening track "A Nod and A Wink" gives a clear picture about the situation, lyrical-wise. It starts beautifully with an ambient sounds depicting night situation followed wonderfully by flute work by Andy Latimer. The flute and its accompanying acoustic setting make the intro of the song is truly attractive for those especially love symphonic or neo progressive music. The song moves beautifully with low to medium register notes singing style - starting with "Goodnight. Tired little eyes. Time to climb the wooden hill" - and followed with stunning guitar solo ala Andy Latimer. It's truly an excellent opening track.

The second track "Simple Pleasures" enters beautifully just after the first track "A Nod and A Wink" ends. The basic rhythm section comprises bass guitar, keyboard, drum and a simple percussion (a tom sound) that falls at the end of the signature and it enriches the song. Latimer sings with static sound of percussion and some guitar fills in addition to the rhythm section. What's so interesting is when Latimer finishes his first lyrical verse, the music is followed with a relatively long guitar solo in the vein of David Gilmour of Pink Floyd - but with Latimer's own style. Wow! I really love this track, it's so enjoyable and relaxing, really!

"A Boy's Life" (hmm. again .. the title reminds me to that "The Alchemist" novel) starts with acoustic guitar fills accompanying Latimer's singing "I try to see through your eyes ." in relatively flat melody with low register voice notes. Right after the first lyrical verse completes, the music moves with music interlude and at approx 2'38" it provides break demonstrating acoustic guitar fills and soft keyboard work - it's really nice. Latimer also provides howling guitar at approx 4'20 which then brings the music into full blast where electric guitar takes long nice solo. It's really pleasurable enjoying this song. I am really glad that Camel still consistent in delivering excellent composition. Until now I have been listening three excellent songs and let's continue the journey to the fourth track: "Fox Hill".

"Fox Hill" opens in uplifting mood with relatively medium to fast tempo - at least it's faster than the previous three tracks. Latimer sings in higher register notes Collin Bass starts to demonstrate his great basslines at 1'20. At approx 1'40 the music gives a nice break with different music style where the piano provides accentuated rhythm section (like Supertramp's music) and Latimer sings differently. His singing style this time reminds me to The Sensational Alex Harvey Band's. After that, the guitar solo brings the music moves forward dynamically intertwined by keyboard by Guy LeBlanc. Denis Clemet on drums is also given a chance to do solo at approx 5'02. Even though this song lacks catchy melody but the style changes are really excellent and it makes me enjoying this album better.

"The Miller's Tale" starts with an ambient bird sounds followed beautifully by acoustic guitar fills and then soft keyboard solo. "And the two friends went home .." sings Latimer to start the first verse. The keyboard sound at back ground makes a vintage sound layered by great acoustic guitar work. AT approx 1'56 the song moves into nice interlude which brings the listeners into something like movie soundtrack.

"Squigely Fair" starts with uplifting mood music led by guitar solo in relatively long period until 1'56 when flute takes over the role and it moves into nice breaks with Collin Bass tight basslines. Flute makes the song very enjoyable especially when it starts at 2'56 where the flute sound is something interesting like Ian Anderson's flute work.

"For Today" concludes the album beautifully with a very nice piano solo in mellow mood. When Latimer starts to sing, the piano work is replaced by acoustic guitar rhythm. At 2'20 Latimer gives great maneuver of his guitar with Floydian style backed by long sustain keyboard work at the back. The guitar solo is really stunning.

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any prog music collection.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 4/5 |

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