Mirage

Despite being relative latecomers to the scene, Camel eventually earned a considerable reputation as a progressive rock band. Their modest commercial success kept the band busy, but just outside of the big league. Hailing from Surrey, guitarist Andy Latimer formed The Brew in the late 60s. Bassist Doug Ferguson brought in drummer Andy Ward and the band landed a gig in 1971 backing singer-songwriter Phillip Goodhand-Tait. However, this proved unsatisfactory; so in a bid to make it on their own, the band secured the services of Pete Bardens on organ from a Melody Maker advertisement. Bardens, of course, had a long history in the London rock scene, having already worked with Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, Rod Stewart and Van Morrison. Camel's debut album was released by MCA in February 1973, but the band was quickly dropped from the label, despite successful tours with Barclay James Harvest and Stackridge. Live recordings from the period confirm that Camel did have a jam-band feel; just check out the Santana-esque "God of Light." Camel then signed on with Gama management, who secured the band a record deal with Decca Records. Produced by David Hitchcock, Mirage was their issue. The straight-up "Freefall" opens, revealing the band's unpretentious and dynamic sound. The instrumental "Supertwister" takes its inspiration from the Dutch group Supersister, whom Camel toured with throughout Europe. Camel then attempts their first stab at interpreting sci-fantasy literature; here, Latimer offers the "Nimrodel" suite (taken from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings). The instrumental "Earthrise" has a bit of Caravan sound to it, but the similarity is merely coincidental. The "Lady Fantasy" suite lightens up with a Focus-like middle section and reprise, while Bardens's overdriven organ solo winds down the suite. Despite significant touring, including almost six months in the US, the album failed to chart. And yes, the original album cover was initially proposed as a marketing campaign for the European branch of the tobacco company of the same name.