Fans of Camel will remember the keys/synth work of Peter Bardens from the band’s first album on through their sixth studio album, Breathless. These are considered the best of Camel’s eventual fourteen studio efforts. Before and after his departure from Camel, Bardens produced a string of ten solo albums that began with his pre-Camel sets, The Answer (1970), and Write My Name In The Dust (1971), his interim project, Vintage 69 (1976), and his post-Camel albums of which the well-received Water Colors was one. It was issued in 1991. Unfortunately, Peter Bardens died in 2002 from a bout with cancer.
On October 26, a reissue of Water Colors will be released. There is nothing special about this reissue as there are no bonus tracks. The album was originally released by Miramar Records to add to the popular New Age style of music that was in full bloom at that period.
Personally, I’m pleased to see Water Colors return to the market place. It brings back the flood of memories from the album, and should be considered essential for Camel fans to own. If you are/were unaware of its existence, then take this opportunity to investigate this classic Pete Bardens treat. Its original nine instrumental and vocal songs carry the progressive richness of Camel within it. There are touches of jazz, rock, and spacey explorations in the tracks.