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A minute’s all it takes to find out what makes a great guitarist tick. Before he jumped into his limo for the airport we grabbed a quick chat with legendary guitarist from British prog band Camel, the great Andrew Latimer.

One of the most respected and admired prog guitarists, Andrew Latimer of Camel, speaks.

GT: Do you have a type of pick that you can’t live without?

AL: I long since used a Fender heavy pick. It’s a solid little pick.

GT: If you had to give up all your pedals but three, which ones would remain?

AL: As I don’t easily give up any of my equipment this is a tough question. Probably only one, a ProCo Rat distortion.

GT: Do you play another instrument well enough to be in a band, and have yyou done it?

AL: I wouldn’t consider myself good enough on any other instrument to play with another band. But maybe a drummer in a bad surf band for fun.

GT: If a music chart were put in front of you, could you read it?

AL: Not a chance. I could work it out given time but that would defeat the point.

GT: Do guitar cables actually make a difference? If so, what make are yours?

AL: Not for me. I’ve so many cables over the years I couldn’t tell what make they are.

GT: Is there anyone’s playing (past or present) that you’re slightly jealous of?

AL: I don’t feel jealousy towards other players. I respect and admire certain players and Jeff Beck comes immediately to mind.

GT: Your house or studio is burning down: which guitar do you salvage?

AL: It would depend entirely on the fire and danger. But I would go for my Gibson Les Paul. It was my first Les Paul. I still play it.

GT: What’s your favourite amp and how do you set it?

AL: My favourite amp will always be the original Vox AC30, and I set it on ‘loud’.

GT: What kind of action do you have on your guitars?

AL: I’ve always preferred a medium to low setting.

GT: What strings do you use?

AL: I primarily use Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings. I used to use 10s but due to arthritis in my hands I now use 9.5s

GT: Who was your first influence to play the guitar?

AL: Hank Marvin had a huge influence on me, and still does.

GT: What was the first guitar you really lusted after?

AL: A Gibson ES-335.

GT: What was the single best gig you ever did?

AL: I’ve had some great gigs during the 50 years I’ve been playing but unfortunately I tend to remember the far fewer gigs with the worst moments.

GT: Okay then, your worst playing nightmare?

AL: I think my worst nightmare is pretty standard. Forgetting the notes and the words.

GT: What’s the most important musical lesson you ever learnt?

AL: To be true to myself. It’s the only lesson of importance.

GT: Do you still practise?

AL: Yes. Every day. Sometimes focused and concentrated; sometimes just noodling.

GT: Do you have a pre-gig warm-up routine?

AL: Yes. I restring, exercise my fingers, practice my flute or recorder, organise my thoughts and get prepared for the show.

GT: If you could put together a fantasy band with you in it, who would the other players be (dead or alive)?

AL: That’s an unusual question and I’m a bit stumped. I think it’s a fantasy to still be going after all these years.

i wouldn ’t conside r myse lf good eno ugh on any ot her inst rument , but maybe a drummer in a surf band ?

GT: Who’s the greatest guitarist that’s ever lived?

AL: Gosh. Impossible to name just one as they are the best in different styles and techniques. I’d say Django, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.

GT: Is there a solo by any other guitarist that you really wish you had played?

AL: I think a guitar solo is unique to the character of a player. If there’s anything I wish I’d come up with, it’s a great riff like Layla or Purple Haze.

GT: What’s the guitar solo or song of your own of which you’re most proud?

AL: Ice ( from Camel’s I Can See Your House From Here - Ed).

GT: What would you most like to be remembered for?

AL: Being a kind person.

GT: What are you up to at the moment; for instance gigs, tours, projects, or albums?

AL: Presently, we’re on tour with Camel in Europe and in the early autumn we’re going out in Spain and the UK.

For more on Andrew and Camel, gigs, tours, info, merchandise and much more, please go to www.camelproductions.com