Peter H. Kistemaker | Helmond, Noord Brabant Netherlands | 04/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Perfectly, the album opens with Ice, a track from the album: I can See Your House From Here, I never get tired of hearing it. This surely must be one of the finest instrument tracks ever been written. After this serene start the tempo is soon lifted up with the second track Chord Change again another instrumental. This piece has lost none of it's chemistry over the years. The general mood of the album is somewhat laid back and the following song reflects this with the beautiful acoustic version of Fingertips, taken from the Stationary Traveller album. Next we go back to Camel's debut album for the first of the two versions of Slow Yourself Down, track four follows with the more traditional arrangement of the piece, taken from the concert and features some excellent organ. I noticed the album is slightly more instrumental than previous albums but the lack of vocals is compensated perfectly by the chemistry between both old and new bandmembers. Sahara, the only track taken from Rajaz best demonstrates this and all the musicians sound wonderfully close together. The CD moves into a rockier mode for the first of three tracks from Dust and Dreams, starting with Mother Road slipping into the atmospheric Little Rivers and Little Rose and finishing up with Hopeless Anger. And finally the last track from the concert is a Camel favourite, Lady Fantasy. I have no problem in recommending this CD. There is enough variation within the structure and arrangements of Camel's material for the release of another live album."
The Nederlander is Correct! Camel still Rules
R. F. Tauriello | New York, NY | 07/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although it's been well established ..., I thought I should offer my $0.02 on this monumental live recording. Firstly, its crystal clear sound quality reveals the beauty and texture of Andy Latimer on the guitar. Is there a more expressive and subtle guitarist? I think not. This is, indeed, an emotional moment for the perceptive listener. Particularly on the breathtaking opening track, "Ice"; sublime glissandos and sharp arpeggios abound. Secondly, the inclusion of Canadian Guy LeBlanc (Nathan Mahl) on keyboards was a superb choice by the band. His unobtrusive solos and excellent all-around accompaniment make a perfect fit for Andy's songwriting and playing. In addition, Guy provides French translations of the titles and a brief description thereof for the Parisians. This CD absolutely shimmers with brilliance. This concert was a rare event where every facet seemed to flow perfectly. Let it ne'er be said that prog cannot be both emotional and intellectually stimulating at the same time and in the same relationship. Even Rolling Stone's Dave Marsh would appreciate this one -- but then again, who cares."
A Great Live CD
Mark A. Wellman | Plaucheville, LA United States | 04/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The sound is clear, and the performance is excellent. They were certainly in the zone that night. This is the best Camel lineup since the original. Everything is good, but "Lady Fantasy" is superb...they completly nailed it. If Camel can continue to produce work like this, prog fans will truly be blessed."
Another Great Live Album From Camel
Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 11/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Paris" is a single disc live album that was recorded two years after "Coming Of Age" on the "Rajaz" tour. The lineup is different with Denis Clement filling the drummers chair, and Guy Leblanc (from Nathan Mahl) on keys. For the most part the material is different from the previous live one with only "Ice" and "Mother Road" to be found on both discs. This is another very good live disc, but it is also quite different from "Coming Of Age". The addition of Guy Leblanc on keyboards completely changes the focus of the material. Leblanc seems to be in the spotlight as much as Latimer on this one and rips off one killer keyboard solo after another. Latmier and the rest of the band are also in fine form. The majority of the material is taken from older albums with only "Sahara" being represented from "Rajaz". Every song is a highlight with a 15 minute version of "Lady Fantasy" closing up the live portion of the album. There is also a bonus track of an acoustic studio version of "Slow Yourself Down". The only minor issue with the album is that the vocals are not nearly as strong as on "Coming Of Age" as apparently Andy was suffering from an illness at the time of the recording which was a contributing factor. All in all this is another great live album from Camel."