Camel - A Nod and a Wink
	Released: 2002 Label: Camel Productions Cat. No.: - Total Time: 55:42
	Reviewed by: Eric Porter, November 2002 A Nod And A Wink celebrates 30 years of Camel music. The bands highly melodic symphonic style is in vast abundance here. As the title track opens, longtime fans will rejoice at the sound of Andy on the flute. An element that is too often absent in the bands music. Andy also seems to have found a friend in the acoustic guitar, as it is used throughout the recording. New keyboardist Guy LeBlanc is the perfect mate for Andy's smooth guitar licks. With the two often playing in unison, the band seems to gel together on their first studio effort. In words and music Andy seems to be in a reflective mood. Songs like "For Today", "A Boys Life" and the short "Miller's Tale" just ooze with feeling. The music changes gears and offers plenty of instrumental sections, yet for the most part it stays in mellow, laid back territory. The mood is not all somber, as the title track immediately signals the listeners to strap themselves in as Latimer and LeBlanc dole out some enticing lead work. The whimsical lyrics of "Fox Hill" are quite different than those of the other songs, and musically is rather bouncy and upbeat. Another excellent instrumental from the band, "Squigely Fair" is a launching pad for Andy's guitar, firing up another terrific melody. If the albums title was to suggest that the music was a reflection of the bands past work, then I say they hit the mark. Camel has continued to put out consistently excellent music, and I have yet to be disappointed. With the ever-changing line-up, it is good to see Colin Bass still in the fold. Let's hope LeBlanc and drummer Dennis Clement decide to stick around, as both seem to fit perfectly. Cherio! [See also Steph's review - ed.] More about A Nod and a Wink: Track Listing: A Nod and a Wink (11:16) / Simple Pleasures (5:31) / A Boy's Life (7:20) / Fox Hill (9:19) / The Miller's Tale / (3:34) / Squigely Fair (8:02) / For Today (10:40) Musicians: Andy Latimer - guitars, flute, keyboards, vocals Guy LeBlanc - keyboards, backing vocals Colin Bass - bass, backing vocals Denis Clement - drums Terry Carleton - drums (tracks 2&6), percussion, backing vocals JR Johnston - backing vocals Contact: Website: www.camelproductions.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Camel (1973/2002*) Mirage (1974/2002*) The Snow Goose (1975/2002*) Moonmadness (1976/2002*) Rain Dances (1977) A Live Record (1978/2002*) Breathless(1978) I Can See Your House From Here (1979) Nude (1981) Chameleon - The Best Of Camel (1981) The Single Factor (1982) Stationary Traveller (1984) Pressure Points - Live (1984) Compact Compilition (1986) Landscapes (1991, compilation) Dust And Dreams (1991) Echoes (1993, compilation) On The Road '72 (1993) On The Road '82 (1994) Never Let Go (1994, live) Harbour Of Tears Rajaz (1999) Coming Of Age (1999) The Paris Collection (2001) A Nod And A Wink (2002)