RAIN DANCES

The significance of "Rain dances" in the history of Camel is that it represents the first line up change the band experienced, with bassist Doug Ferguson leaving due to differences with drummer Andy Ward over the band's style of rhythm section. In his place came ex-Caravan bassist Richard Sinclair, bringing with him a slightly jazzier style of playing. This pleased Ward, but the relationship between the two was by all accounts less than harmonious. While not an official member of the band, Mel Collins was pretty much on board too, his sax emphasising further the more jazz influenced direction of the band. Collins would go on to formally join Camel for the following "Breathless" album.

"Rain dances" has one of the best intros to an album you're ever likely to hear. "First light" is an inspired instrumental track which bursts into life with an uplifting synthesiser workout, then moving through fine guitar and sax solos. This was, as far as I am aware, the first time sax had been used on a Camel album, Mel Collins introducing it in a similar way to how Al Stewart did on his "Year of the cat" song.

The album is in two distinct halves, the first side of the LP containing shorter tracks with a pop feel. Side two on the other hand is largely instrumental, and finds Camel indulging in some of the most fusion based work of their entire career. The lengthy list of guest musicians and their talents emphasises again the jazz orientation. Sinclair adds a new dimension to the vocals, although the slightly off key, dull nature of them is still present.

"Highways of the sun" is a synth based song with a catchy hook, while "Tell me" is a delicate ballad with some fine flute. Camel's predilection for corny song titles continues with "Metro gnome" and "One of these days I'll get an early night". The former features some of Andy Latimer's best guitar work, while the latter moves towards Average White Band territory, with some very jazz based piano and sax. The closing title track draws things back to a more "Snowgoose" like symphonic sound, the orchestral theme building nicely, but fading all too soon.

While "Rain dances" contains some overtly commercial sections, it is undoubtedly one of Camel's most adventurous albums. In some ways it parallels Caravan's "Waterloo lily" album in that it finds the band exploring the jazz side of their music in greater depth than on any other album. Whether this is due to the arrival of Mel Collins and Richard Sinclair, or whether they were brought in because Latimer and Bardens wished to move in that direction is not entirely clear. What is clear though is that with "Rain dances" Camel largely succeeded in their desire to extend their boundaries, and created a highly credible album in the process.

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