In the Land of Grey and Pink by Caravan

In the Land of Grey and Pink, Caravan's 1971 masterpiece and an essential album in any prog collection, is one of the most iconic works of the Canterbury scene. Indeed, I consider it the quintessential Canterbury progressive rock album and one of the best progressive albums of all time.

An immense album, the one that marked Caravan's artistic maturity, a leap forward from the already beautiful If I Could Do It All Over Again, I'd Do It All Over You.

It's important to remember that Richard Sinclair, Richard Coughlan, Pye Hastings, and Dave Sinclair were among other illustrious members of the Wilde Flowers, the Canterbury band that "created" the sound of the Canterbury scene.

The voices of Pye Hastings and Richard Sinclair are magnificent, and the horn solos by Pye's brother, Jimmy Hastings, give the album a dreamy, fairytale quality.

There's a beautiful contribution from Paul Beecham, who opens "Golf Girl" with his trombone, and from sound engineer Dave Grinstead, who plays a synthesizer that reproduces the sound of a cannon, a bell, and a wind instrument on "Nine Feet Underground."

"Golf Girl" and the title track were written by Richard Sinclair, ironic songs that would become essential for this band.
And then there's Caravan's masterpiece, the suite "Nine Feet Underground" written by David Sinclair, with a spectacular organ that always evokes different emotions and "plays" with the beautiful guitar of Pye Hastings, the bass of Richard Sinclair, and the great drums of Richard Coughlan, resulting in splendid jazz-rock.
David's piano solo on Winter Wine is beautiful.

This beautiful remastered version features five additional tracks.

"I Don't Know Its Name," a beautiful unreleased song with a splendid melody and a fantastic saxophone solo. It's a very emotional piece that culminates in an exceptional keyboard solo. A great composition.
"Disassociation/100% Proof," is an improved mix of the same songs that appear in the Nine Feet Underground suite. The keyboards are highlighted, perhaps too much so, and the song in this version has a less sunny and light-hearted feel. The balance between the instruments is still beautiful. These songs were and remain great even in this version.
"Aristocracy," is a song created during the original recording sessions and then included on the subsequent album, "Waterloo Lily." It's a beautiful, rhythmic piece with a sunny atmosphere and a nice overall groove. An impressively modern piece. The chorus, backing vocals, guitar solo, and performance are beautiful. A true hit.

The next two demos are: I like demos, you can see how the band was giving direction to a piece that didn't yet have a name or lyrics. I'm thrilled to listen as the song takes shape, as the solos define their fundamental parts, and the artists themselves in the dusty studios, between beers and coffees and discussions, create as they rehearse and invent something that, once refined and defined, will last forever. I've played a lot in the past, and the rehearsal room was life; the studio or concert was the technical part. The two things combined are music.

It's Likely to Have a Name Next Week is a beautiful demo of Winter Wine, a song sung with simple vocals, very atmospheric and played with a simplicity that doesn't sacrifice precision. Beautiful!
Group Girl is a beautiful demo of Golf Girl. In my opinion, it's played mainly to complete or give structure to the song, and lacks any virtuosity. The solos are sketchy and the breaks are very academic. However, it's still enjoyable and beautiful to listen to. The drums lay down predictable rolls. It sounds like a cover. But these musicians excelled even when they just needed to lay down a base without working on the finishing touches. Great.

After this album, David Sinclair left the group, joining Robert Wyatt's Matching Mole (another member of the Wilde Flowers), only to return and leave the band several times thereafter.

David Sinclair's keyboard solos give this album its prog, jazz, and psychedelic moments. Nine Feet Underground, with its 22 minutes and an epic, unparalleled track, is a 22-minute album.

Note that the production was entrusted to the same producer as Genesis, David Hitchcock.

"Long Story Short": a perfect album, a must-have for any collection.

Tracks

originals in this version
1. Golf Girl (5:05)
2. Winter Wine (7:46)
3. Love to Love You (and Tonight Pigs Will Fly) (3:06)
4. In the Land of Gray and Pink (4:51)
5. Nine Feet Underground (10.40pm) :
- Nigel Blows a Tune
- Love's a Friend
- Make It 76
- Dance of the Seven Paper Hankies
- Hold Grandad by the Nose
- Honest I Did!
- Disassociation
- 100% Proof
Duration 43:28

These are the additional tracks

I Don't Know Its Name (6:12) previously unreleased version

Disassociation / 100% Proof (new mix) (8:35)
Aristocracy (3:42) previously unreleased version
It's Likely to Have a Name Next Week (7:48) Instrumental version of "Winter Wine" previously unreleased
Group Girl (5:04) First version of "Golf Girl" with additional lyrics previously unreleased

The Lineup
- Pye Hastings - electric and acoustic guitar, vocals (3,5)
- David Sinclair - organ, piano, Mellotron, vocal harmonies
- Richard Sinclair - bass, acoustic guitar, vocals (1,2,4,5)
- Richard Coughlan - drums, percussion
Featuring:
- Jimmy Hastings - flute and piccolo, tenor saxophone
- John Beecham - trombone (uncredited)
- Dave Grinsted - sound effects, engineer