Opening Farewell: Live at Catalyst

This was the first night of CAMEL's FAREWELL TOUR and I must say the sound and image quality is not as good previous releases like the magnificient COMING OF AGE. I also miss material from recent albums (RAJAZ, HARBOUR OF TEARS and A NOD AND A WINK) although it is understandable why LATIMER and co. decided to play older numbers and keep their loyal fans happy.Despite all of this, OPENING FAREWELL is another great release by CAMEL. Colin Bass playing is as solid as it gets, the new keyboard player is very good (although the keyboards are not really present in the mix), Dennis Clement drumming is amazing and continues the fine tradition of great CAMEL drummers and Andy Latimer's guitar playing is as soulful and passionate as ever. The rendition of LUNAR SEA alone is reason enough to buy this DVD.Let's hope Latimer reconsiders his initial decision and may take the beast on tour again.

As a long-time Camel fan - growing up with them, buying every album, attending many concerts, listening to their songs over and over in true bliss - I can say that they have affected me like no other artists. A truly under-appreciated group, but one with the constant guidance and influence of one of the best guitarists and performers ever. My son and I were fortunate to be at this show and witness a small group of very enthused fans giving Andy and his mates their final send off. This dvd captures much of the joy, incredible talent, and artistry that was present that night and I will enjoy watching it for years to come.

I bumped into Camel's music about three years back and have been buying up all the CD's and DVD's. As of now I only, lack Rajaz and Live CD's (which is my next purchase) and Footage on the DVD's. These guys are GREAT!!! Both Andy's are fantastic but I have to say... Denis did a great job on the drums, what a basher. He did a great job on sound as well. I have not heard a bad CD/DVD yet... each one is different which is what I enjoy. I sure hope there's some more music coming our way soon.

The only way to explain the fact that Camel did not get the attention they deserve over the years, must be they were contemporaries of such monsters like Genesis, Yes, ELP just to name a few. Andy Latimer extraordinaire guitar playing can be compared to David Gilmour (bluesy style), and his vocals, even though not as singular as Gabriel, Anderson or other singers in the genre, is perfect for Camel's music. This DVD shows them playing on a small venue, as usual, in front of an audience of american fans, and the set is as always amazing, this time including songs from their latest album A Nod and a Wink (2002). Joining Latimer is his partner since 1984 Colin Bass on bass and vocals, Dennis Clement on drums (superb) and the same talented keyboard player that joined Yes on his symphonic DVD.The only thing I missed was some back screen or any visuals on stage to complement the music which we all know, speaks by itself. Andy Latimer really deserves major recognition of his playing and contribution to the prog style. I hope it will happen before he passes away. Great band, beautiful heartfelt music. I only wish we could have more new songs to enjoy. Pay attention to the reaction of one particular guy in the audience after the song For Today (dedicated to the ones who lost their lives in 9/11). I was moved too. Long live to Camel one of my favourite bands ever.

I became a Camel fan late. I was unable to see them at Nearfest but was excited to learn they were coming to Atlanta, which is much closer. The day of the concert I called the venue to find out what time the doors opened. The person on the line said..."Oh, you didn't hear...the show was cancelled. The drummer is sick" Was I bummed. But at least now I got to see their final show by purchasing this DVD. I highly recommend this one plus their "Coming of Age" DVD.

Everything about this disk was excellent; the playing, the song selection, the video and audio quality. This is the way all band DVDs should be produced. No silly graphics, interviews that interrupt the music, or other annoying extras that irritate me. If you just want to hear good music played by good musicians, this is the ticket. Camel was a tragically under-appreciated band. Thankfully, some of their live work was recorded well for posterity.

Product arrived early. Camel is a great group and should have been given a lot of recognition through the years. Well worth the purchase.

Muy bueno. Una gran banda!

CAMEL - NEVER HEARD OF THEM until I chanced across a DVD of a concert from the mid 80's. VERY IMPRESSED. So it was inevitable I would order this much later show on DVD. IT'S GREAT. Not surround sound but excellent STEREO sound. The music is amazing. Complicated arrangements requirining first class musicianship. Lead GUITARIST Andy plays some excellent rifs, and the group work is great. I'm a big fan of CAMEL - try them.

全員が誠実に演奏している姿がいいです。楽曲も必要以上に力んでいなくて好感度１００％です。どの曲からでも入れます。

Excelente concierto de Camel, todo un clásico de una banda poco valorada en su momemento. Rock progresivo, imprescindible para fans de Camel y aconsejable para los amantes de la buena música.

Camel - at least the name and leader Andrew Latimer - first made waves in the mid 70s with their 'Snow Goose' album. Since then (and through various line-up changes) this (mainly) British band has released a legacy of wonderful music that - while occasionally dismissed as 'prog lite' - is both unique and enduring. Latimer himself is a tremendously fine guitarist - highly melodic, tasteful and - hey - original. I'm a Jeff Beck fan, and while he and Latimer are very different, both share a sense of tone, melody, tasty note choice, originality and a love of the blues and Hank Marvin (guitarist from The Shadows who influenced everyone from Clapton to Randy Bachman).'Opening Farewell...' sees Latimer with longtime bassist/vocalist Colin Bass joined by drummer Denis Clement and keyboardist Tom Brislin to deliver an inspired set to a full house at The Catalyst, in Santa Cruz, California. The tunes focus on the early-to-mid era of the band, with 'Lady Fantasy', 'Stationary Traveller', 'Slow Yourself Down' and 'Ryayader Goes to Town' among them. As always, Latimer's guitar is a highpoint, and he doesn't disappoint (does he ever?). Playing a Les Paul and a Strat he moulds melodies that are one minute jubilant, the next tinged with sorrow... He is such a wonderful player that it is criminal that he isn't ranked up there with the other 'greats' (Roger Waters wanted him, but Latimer's vocal range didn't fit Mr. Pink Floyd's requirements...). This, like 'Live at the Billboard', is a document to a fine night for audience and band. Sadly, illness overtook Latimer shortly after the tour by this line-up and he has been sidelined since. Now, seemingly recovered from that near-death experience he is working on his music again. Hopefully he will return as the passionate perfectionist and great musician he has proven to be in the past. I certainly hope so.

pour notre plus grand bonheur, andy latimer à repris du service depuis 2 ans déja et un nouvel album devrait voir le jour à la fin de l'année ou début d'année prochaine. ca c'est pour la surprise. quand à cet adieu que l'ont aurait pu croire définitif à cause de la maladie (schlerose en plaque) de andy, il est tout simplement sublime, le groupe est heureux de jouer et ça se voit, il démarrent tellement puissant que andy tous le long du gig est éssouflé mais heureux de l'energie qu'ils dégagent avec son groupe. le fidèle colin bass a la basse (ça ne s'invente pas) est à la fète servi par un denis clement a la batterie survolté. sans oublier le jeune et fantastique tom brislin aux claviers,découvert perso sur le symphonique live de yes ou il était magistral, la aussi d'ailleurs et a mon sens yes a fait une grosse boulette de n'avoir pa su garder un tel virtuose. bref que du bonheur pendant 1h50. le concert n'est pas complet car il durait en fait 2h15, c'est le seul bémol mais rattrapé par la prestation de haut vol de ces 4 magiciens qui jouent comme si leurs vies en dépendaient. on en redemande. vite la suite andy! à bientot on l'espère tous et toutes