"Caravan" is the debut album by the British progressive rock band Caravan, released in January 1969 on the Verve Forecast label. It marked the beginning of Caravan's career and their exploration into the Canterbury scene, a distinctive subgenre of progressive rock known for its jazz influences and whimsical lyrical themes.
The album features a blend of psychedelic rock, jazz, and folk elements, characteristic of the Canterbury sound. Tracks like "Place of My Own" and "Love Song with Flute" showcase the band's melodic sensibilities and intricate instrumentation, including flute and organ solos. The album also includes longer compositions such as "Magic Man" and "Where but for Caravan Would I?", which highlight the band's improvisational skills and penchant for complex song structures.
Despite its initial commercial reception, "Caravan" laid the foundation for the band's subsequent albums and their enduring influence on the progressive rock genre. It remains a significant release in the Canterbury scene and a testament to Caravan's musical creativity and experimental spirit during the late 1960s.
