RAJAZ

Whereas some 70s bands limp on, producing dated mediocrity, Andy Latimer has resurrected Camel and produced this absolute masterpiece. Dust and Dreams failed to convince me fully, but Harbour of Tears was a clear indication that he was returning to form; Rajaz is the culmination of the process and has some of the best music the band has ever recorded. Sahara, Rajaz, Three Wishes and The Final Encore all contain some astonishing and beautiful music and every other track is interesting, but Lawrence is the peak, with an elegant guitar solo that he would have struggled to beat 30 years before. The whole album has a coherence and economy that is very impressive and even the vocals, for so long Camel's Achilles heel, are fine; Latimer's voice has become deeper, more mellow and more tuneful over the years. The backing musicians are fine players and contribute well, but Latimer is the shining star with excellent compositions and stunning playing. In short, he's the best musician prog has ever produced.

5* without question and one of the 3 best albums of the 1990s.