A NOD AND A WINK

Three years after Rajaz the band had something to say and it is closer to the core Camel sound more than anything that have done ever since Moonmadness and, what is more, it shares the glory of their glorious past. Andy Latimer's flute takes us to the world of A Nod and a Wink. The cover gives us a clue, it somehow reflects back to childhood and the dreams that come with it. "Sleep tight /safe into the night/wander through your dreams at will" are Suzan Hoover's lyrics. The melodies (guitar, vocal, keyboard, the works) are equally magical, truly only Camel could come up with them. On Simple Pleasures Latimer is done with singing the lyrics in 2:25 minutes, eager to launch into a soulful bluesy solo before the chorus brings the song to an end. On A Boy's Life he is even more keen to finish singing the lyrics, allowing a larger instrumental section which on the fourth minute takes such an unexpected turn breathing new life into the song. It's from now on that the album picks up steam for good. Fox Hill has a playful disposition (consider Down on the Farm). It's a Camel highlight (and perhaps the album's top song) with all these manoeuvres, its sublime musicanship, the catchy melodies and the warm feeling it conveys. Next is a small intermission, so to speak, carried mainly by acoustic guitars and synths, featuring only a quatrain of lyrics. Still in its 3:34 minutes it pulls off to give off a certain amount of feeling and poignancy. After that comes the instrumental piece of the album - well, it would be if it wasn't for a brief recitation. Squigely Fair that follows is truly a gem with its unparalleled melodies (how many times this word is bound to come up when thinking of Camel's music?) and its superb orchestration. The flute playing ranks among the best in Latimer's repertoire. The bass lines are magnificent. No solos here, just golden melodies. On the last song For Today Camel and Suzan Hoover remind us of the preciousness of time, moved and inspired by the fall of the High Diver on the 11th of September, 2001. Camel here stretch their soloing muscles a bit before repeating the chorus like a mantra.

Although on the booklet it reads that Andy Latimer looked forward for the next 30 years of the band to come, his illness put a stop on his purposes. A Nod and a Wink remains the last Camel album. Even if it is truly their last contribution to Music, their legacy is worth more than gold.