1. Afrock


2. The Phantom Players


3. Spiral


4. Rain


5. Come And Fly


6. Toccata


7. And The Moon Be As Bright


8. Children


9. Feelings


10. The Jester


11. The Duel


12. Tri

The Concept of Concept

The name Canami was derived from the
star signs of Phil Nel (Cancer) and Claire Whittaker (Gemini).

Both Claire and Phil worked for EMI as
engineers Claire being a tape mastering engineer and Phil being a studio
engineer. Phil went on to become chief engineer of EMI (SA) and chief
engineer at Downtown studios (Gallo Africa).

Canimi Concept was inspired by Abby Road
(EMI) engineer Alan Parsons (Alan Parson Project) where studio musicians
were used instead of a dedicated band.

Although not originally part of the initial
concept Paul Woodley was asked to join the project because of he’s
jazz/rock influenced guitar playing as can be heard on the tracks Afrock,
Phantom Players, And the Moon Be As Bright. Claire’s vocal style was
very much influenced by Annie Haslam from the band Renaissance. Claire
also had very strong 70’s folk influence in her vocal style.Phil’s
forte’ was in programming synths such as the Synclavier, Fairlight,
Jupiter 4, Korg, Moog, RMI and the ARP.

Phil also has grade 8 classical piano
(Royal Schools of Music) and he’s major musical influence was Emerson,
Lake and Palmer, especially ELP’s LP release Tarkus as can be heard
on the Canimi Concept tracks Toccata and Tri. Phil’s other influences
were Rick Wakeman, Yes and King Crimson along with the Russian classical
composers such as Rimsky Korsakov, Mussorgsky and Khachaturian.

Tim Kensella, a long time friend of both
Phil and Claire was asked to do the vocals on the track Spiral. This
track also features the RMI synth. Short of one track to complete the
LP, Phil, Claire and Paul spent an entire night in EMI studios and wrote
the track Children, using just guitar, a Jupiter 4 synth and the Dr
Rhythm drum box.

Claire remembers: “In the bad old days
of the 80’s I was incredibly inspired by music – writing lyrics,
creating songs, my heroines were Annie Haslem and Kate Bush, I
believed that lyrics, like poetry, told a story, more lofty than that
of mere words. Music to me lifted me high above the normal realms of
thought into a place where colour and light merged, this is the picture
I aspired to create for the listeners of Canamii … Phillip
Nel, an incredibly accomplished keyboardist and I created many pieces
– only a select few – where chosen for the album.
He also taught me sound engineering and mastering of cassette tapes.
He and I worked for EMI in those days. Paul a super guitarist brought
a great sound to the mix and together, Canamii was born. Which
actually came from “Cancerian” Phillip’s star sign and Gemini
– which is my own star sign. Can-(a) – mi (i) I loved the studios
– the soft lights, ambiance, plush carpets and incredible reproduction
of sound. The control rooms were perfectly and scientifically
balanced. A place where the softest or loudest notes were played
back at you with clean clarity. I actually wished that I could
have a sound system in exact replica built in my lounge.”

“I loved the creation of the pieces
which used to start with a simple rift which would just take on a life
of it’s own, almost a personality, music made me come alive – I
was never the same after that.”

Paul recalls: “I met Philip through
Claire, my sister in law. Phil had a home recording studio and he and
Claire had formed an emotional and musical bond. Claire had mentioned
to Phil that I played guitar. Philip invited me around to listen to
their works. I was impressed and jumped at the opportunity to add my
musical flavour to their creation. Phil got a job as an engineer with
EMI in the Joburg city centre and was given free rein to record and
experiment in order to grow his knowledge. We started the whole Canamii
project from scratch in EMI’S Studio 1. We tackled the project with
enthusiasm and spent almost every night and weekend recording. It was
a great experience recording on a sophisticated desk and in a world
class studio. We had no time and cost restraints which was a pleasure.
The project took many months to complete. Several accomplished South
African musos were involved in the project, Ashley Kelly bassist, Tony
Moore drums, and a few more guys who’s names have slipped my mind.

We were delighted with the outcome of
the album which brought a new flavour to South African music. Unfortunately
we never got to perform live, but we all continued our musical careers
separately thereafter. It was a great experience that I will not forget,
my first recording which resulted in an incredible work of art.”

Musicians:

• Philip Nel - Keyboards


• Paul Woodley - Guitar


• Claire Whittaker - Vocals


• Mickey Woitynek - Guitar


• Ashley Kelly - Bass


• Herman Eugster, Kendall Kay, Tony Moore - Drums


• Tim Kensella - Vocals