Caravan

Rising from the ashes of Canterbury based band Wilde Flowers and heading down the psychedelic rock path remaining members David and Richard Sinclair, Pye Hastings and Richard Coughlan formed Caravan in 1968. With everyone on the same wavelength and the common goal of wanting to write and record music themselves while making a living off it, the band rented a house in Kent where for the next six months they would do exactly that. Without sufficient funds, the band sought help from the Soft Machine to use their PA to continue rehearsing their new material. Later that year, Caravan caught the attention of publicist Ian Ralfini leading them to become the first British band to sign with Verve Records with whom they released their self-titled debut album. Their relationship with Verve would remain brief before moving over to Decca Records. In 1970, despite the lack of commercial success Caravan released their critically acclaimed album ‘In the Land of Pink and Grey’. With a series of ups and downs mediated through line-up changes and a substantial dormant period, Caravan returned in 2013 releasing the album ‘Paradise Filter’. With the 70’s boasting the most fruitful period in their career, the band dive into nostalgia playing tracks such as ‘Golf Girl’ and ‘Memory Lain, Hugh’. Meandering through their dreamy psychedelic sensibilities while verging on melodic folk accompanied by the flute and violin, Caravan take the audience back down memory lane proving that they still have it.

I had not seen Caravan before but known about the band and some members for 45 years or thereabouts. This was a superb venue with an extremely freindly and helpful owner and staff at Trading Boundaries I. East Sussex. I had a meal in a wonderful environment. Now the band! What can I say. Absolutely wonderful and technically brilliant by all members of the band to a man and I include the freindly road crew as well. They stand out as one of the best band I have seen and I have seen some of the great. Well done Caravan. Next time I see a advert for them I will be there. I am a Man if Kent (West Kent) although I believe that refers as to whether you were born North or South of the river Medway and they are from Kent originally and I believe Geoff is from Hinckley. I just love his playing of the viola, guitar, flute spoons and I believe it was a balalaika or similar. Lead guitar, bass, keyboards and younger drummer (55) I was told I believe from a town near me In Crowborough. All superb. What a great evening. Even people visiting from San Fransisco and Singapore, both worth the travel.

Seen these guys in several venues for many years they are just awesome, off to see them again at the Hammond at the end of March.
Just go you will enjoy yourselves.