Post Description

Studio Album, released in 1980, South Africa.

Enige album van dit Zuid Afrikaans Crossover Prog gezelschap.

Hailing from South Africa, CANAMII was a studio-based project assembled in a manner pretty much inspired by ALAN PARSONS PROJECT, where a few principal members recorded an entire album utilizing outside musicians as needed. The main members in this case were Phil Nel (keyboards) and Claire Whittaker (vocals), and soon after they started working on the project Paul Woodley (guitars) got heavily involved as well.
Due to Phil and Claire's full time job as studio engineers they were able to use the recording studios of EMI without cost - the label considered this project as good training - and whenever the studio wasn't booked and the threesome had spare time simultanously they used the opportunity to work on this project. Various musicians were brought in as needed, and in 1980 it was ready to be released.
A band name was constructed by assembling selected syllables from the star signs of Phil and Claire - Cancer and Gemini. The album was named Concept and issued in 1980, and turned out to be the sole production of this project.

This 1980 release from the South African band Canamii wasa one off. Whilst I pick up definite leanings to symphonic prog, the general consensus is that they are a better fit for crossover. Either way it is fantastic to see them here on prog archives. The music can be best described as a hybrid sound of RENAISSANCE and SANTANA but with some excellent classical influence. Claire Whittaker is a good vocalist, not in the same league as a certain Annie Haslam but she does her best on providing pleasant vocal overlays, " The Jester" is a fine example of her ability. There are three drummers credited to " Concept", hence the Afro/jazz rock feel and Santana references. Many similarities with latin American styles.

" Afrock" is agreat introduction to the Canamii sound as is the end instrumental " Tri". For other highlights check out the melancholic " Rain", " Children" and " Feelings" I remember when this was first released on vinyl in South Africa. It was like a breath of fresh air especially as prog as we knew it was waning. There again we did have Steely Dan's Gaucho released in 1980 too as well as Duke so from an overall prog perspective and on reflection a great year. Highly recommended album.




Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Afrock (3:17)
2. The Phantom Players (2:54)
3. Spiral (4:05)
4. Rain (3:57)
5. Come and Fly (4:57)
6. Toccata (1:28)
7. And the Moon Be As Bright (3:37)
8. Children (2:49)
9. Feelings (4:06)
10. The Jester (2:22)
11. The Duel (3:12)
12. Tri (3:45)

Total Time 40:29


Line-up / Musicians

- Philip Nel / keyboards
- Paul Woodley / guitars
- Claire Whittaker / vocals
- Mickey Woitynek / guitars
- Ashley Kelly / bass
- Herman Eugster / drums
- Kendall Kay / drums
- Tony Moore / drums
- Tim Kensella / vocals