THE SNOW GOOSE

''Mirage'' had eventually a great selling success and by 1974 Camel had already completed four UK and one three-month US tour after three years of existence.For their next work the group leaned towards a concept album.Originally they intended to dress musically '' Siddhartha'' by Hermann Hesse, but after some initial writing ideas they finally settled on Paul Gallico's novel ''The snow goose''.They entered the Island Studios in London in January 75' next to legendary prog producer Dave Hitchcock and Camel were helped in the orchestral parts by The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Bedford.To avoid legal issues with Gallico's original title the album was released under the name of ''Music inspired by The Snow Goose'' in April 1975.

Once more Camel would surprise the public, as their new album was totally instrumental, based on different short movements and influences from Classical Music, Jazz as well as the delightful Canterbury sound.The unique sound of the ''Rhayader...'' pair of opening cuts sets the listener in the mood of a whole work.The grandiose orchestral prelude, the nasty flute of Latimer along with his slow, emotional solos, the quirky keyboards of Bardens and the light interplays are all Camel trademarks of a work deeply loved by their fans, making ''Rhayader'' one of the most favorite tunes ever written by the group.The following themes are split in short pieces played more or less in a similar vein, resulting a sum of 16 pieces, tightly connected to each other.Latimer slowly becomes a guitar hero with his deeply personal guitar touch. full of emotions and interesting melodies, always supported by his alter ego Peter Bardens on the Canterbury-flavored keyboards.There are strong symphonic themes, performed by The London Symphony Orchestra and connecting rockier overtones to each other.The only complaint comes from the general atmosphere, which seems to lack a serious amount of dynamics at moments.Not necessarilly a bad thing though, as Camel offer flashes of intricate musicianship in this album with a smooth but always competitive delivery.Classical Music meets mellow Canterbury Fusion meets melodic Symohonic Rock in an album of ever-twisting soundimages and romantic, instrumental textures.

Another very strong release by Camel, considered a classic of their repertoire, but a couple of steps behind the majestic and monumental ''Mirage''.Melodic, instrumental Progressive Rock with symphonic and jazzy tendencies, likely to please all fans of imaginative Rock music.Strongly recommended...3..5 stars.