Published on Jul 6, 2001
Chances are, you know the British rock group Procol Harum from
one of only two songs – “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” or the live,
orchestral version of “Conquistador”. Although the band, led by
pianist/vocalist Gary Brooker, enjoyed some level of success on
both sides of the pond in the late ’60s/early ’70s, their legacy
has not necessarily stood the test of time since then.
So one might rightfully wonder whether we should get excited
about the release of
BBC Live In Concert, the first non-orchestral live release
from the band. Interestingly enough, the answer to this disc is
“yes”… even though it takes a little too long for things to
really get rolling for the group.
Recorded in 1974, Procol Harum was at the twilight of their
first stint together. Two integral members from the original
lineup, guitarist Robin Trower and keyboardist Matthew Fisher, had
left the stable for some time. Procol Harum was about two years
removed from their final big hit, the version of “Conquistador”
recorded with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. And the audience,
while respectful, often sounds like they’re providing courtesy
applause for some of the tracks.
Early on, one can’t blame them. The version of “Conquistador”
which opens the disc doesn’t have the greatest sound (Brooker takes
some time before the levels for his vocals are set right), and the
song feels like the life has been sucked out of it. In a similar
vein, “Whaling Stories” just drags on for far too long, almost
boring the listener to tears.
Then, out of the blue, the magic kicks in, and the listener is
introduced to several strong selections they might not be as
familiar with… though they’ll undoubtedly wonder why this is so.
Tracks like “New Lamps For Old” and “As Strong As Samson” show
their power though their gentle, beautiful melodies that are driven
home by Brooker’s vocals. Likewise, tracks such as “Beyond The
Pale” and “The Idol” all quickly win over the listener. The disc’s
closers, “Butterfly Boys” (once seen as a slap in the face against
Chrysalis, the band’s label at the time) and “Nothing But The
Truth,” both do a great job in hammering Procol Harum’s influence
home.
Only one track, “Grand Hotel,” comes close to taking the wind
out of the band’s sails; though it has its moments, this track just
doesn’t seem to fit in with the atmosphere that Brooker and company
were creating during this concert.
Chances are that
BBC Live In Concert will really appeal mostly to the diehard
Procol Harum fans out there… but if you’re someone who wants to
learn more about the band than just the two songs played to death
on classic rock radio, this might just be the best place to turn to
learn about a band who have been neglected in music’s history.