Canterbury’s own veteran prog rockers Caravan are coming home and as well as their classic hits, they will be performing tracks from their first new album for a decade, funded by fans. Band member Geoff Richardson chatted to Kathryn Tye about the project.

It has been more than four decades since four friends came together to create the unique fusion of rock and jazz that is Caravan.

The band’s line-up may have had a few changes since then and some of its members may now be collecting their pensions but Caravan are still on the road.

In addition to a hectic touring schedule, they have embraced the digital music revolution and are currently recording their first album in 10 years, funded by fans through an online site, www.pledgemusic.com

Band member Geoff Richardson said: “We heard about it from other bands and our singer Pye Hastings found the website.

“We gave them a fairly substantial target and I think we raised it in a month, so we were able to go to the studio and start.

“People didn’t just pay in advance for a copy of the album. They bid for instruments that we have played in the past, such as my original 1972 Caravan viola, which went for a good amount.

“They also pledged money to do things on the record. A chap called Brian, a chorister from Hampshire, pledged £500 to do backing vocals. He came last week and did them well.”

Funding the album themselves has given the band complete control of their work for the first time.

Geoff said: “There is no record company. There are no A&R men telling you what to do. We have the freedom to do whatever we want, which amazing.

“Although our fans have grown up with us and feel a great sense of ownership, we had lots of hints and tips as to what people wanted to hear on the album.”

Their 22nd album, it is expected to be released before the end of the year and will be called The Paradise Filter, a concept Geoff came up with while the band were on tour in northern Italy.

He said: “We were on the battlements of the castle in the middle of Trieste as the sun set and it was heavenly. We were all phoning home on our mobiles and trying not to sound too enthusiastic about what a beautiful place we are in, as we do get to some fab spots all over the world.

"I said what we need on our mobiles is a paradise filter which will introduce the sound of building sites or dischord or airport departure lounges and it will sound as though we are not having a great time for the benefit of our wives at home!”

Whitstable’s East Quay may not be quite as glamorous as Italy but the band are looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd.

Pye is originally from Canterbury, where Geoff still lives, while bassist Jim Leverton is a Whitstable resident.

Geoff said: “We haven’t played at the East Quay before and can’t wait. There’s always an extra warmth when we play Kent gigs. We will be playing new material from the album, along with old favourites as well.”

With a new album, complete creative freedom and a healthy fan-base, Caravan seem to be stronger than ever, yet Geoff and his bandmates remain humble.

He said: “When I joined in 1972, I had no idea I would still be playing with Caravan in 2013. Because we have never been really successful, we have nowhere to fall. We just quietly got on with it and are happy to carry on until we drop, or our fans drop.”

Caravan will be at the East Quay in Whitstable harbour at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 23. Support will be provided by Canterbury progressive rock revivalists the Boot Lagoon. Tickets £17.50. Visit whitlive.co.uk