Interview with Andrew Latimer 1999

May 1999, Camel remains as one of the greatest bands of all time...its sound has developed day by day, as well as Camel Productions, which has most of Camel's albums available.
The interview below is intended to give you an idea of Mr. Latimer's musical relation with Chris Rainbow during early eighties, it's a short but very valuable interview.

Hope you all enjoy it!
Arthur Saenz


Q. When and how did you meet Chris Rainbow? Had you listened to his solo works before or you found about him through The Alan Parsons Project?
A. I first met Chris at Abbey Road whilst recording 'The Single Factor' or possibly 'Nude', I can't quite remember (1981 or 1982). I do remember David Paton telling me that Chris had a great voice and we met one day in the corridor of the studio. I immediately liked Chris. He was incredibly funny!

Q. How was the experience of having Chris and David on "The Single Factor"?
A. Chris & David sing like angels together. They also posess a great deal of silliness. So working together was both rewarding and fun.

Q. Did the fact that vocals were completely different, change Camel's style/music?
A. It did change the sound of Camel but... in a way... that's Camel is all about. Change.

Q. Was the reaction from the public in concerts any different from your previous tours? Having Chris Rainbow sing most of the songs.
A. Difficult to say really.

Q. Did he ever have something to do in the production part?
A. No.

Q. "Long Goodbyes"...first time someone had Chris Rainbow sing in very low and high registers at the same time, Ton Scherpenzeel's favorite too, what do you think of that song?
A. One of my favourites, too. Chris did a lovely job. He has fantastic range and I liked the way the character of his voice changed when the register was low or high.

Q. What's your favorite song from Chris during his "Camel years"?
A. Long Goodbyes.

Q. "On The Road '82"...there's a new, very special chemistry, why do you think that particular lineup worked out so amazingly well?
A. I would say humour was the galvanizing factor.

Q. Would you like to work with him again in future releases?
A. Absolutely.

Q. There's a new Camel album soon to come. How different do you think it's been, to be working with Camel Productions?
A. Camel Productions is the best career move I've made (apart from forming Camel in the first place). It gives me complete artistic freedom, direct access to the people who buy the reocrds and enables me to carry on making music.

Source: Old(inactive) Chris Rainbow website managed by Arthur Saenz