Procol Harum

Country

England

Profile

Procol Harum is a British rock band. Formed in 1967, they contributed to the development of progressive rock, and by extension, symphonic rock. Their best-known recording is their 1967 single "A Whiter Shade of Pale." Although noted for its baroque and classical influence, Procol Harum's music also embraces the blues, R&B and soul. The band originally developed out of a group called The Paramounts, which featured Gary Brooker (piano, vocals), Robin Trower (guitar), Chris Copping (bass), and B.J.Wilson (drums). The Paramounts broke up after being unable to replicate the success of their first single, "Poison Ivy." Brooker teamed up with lyricist Keith Reid, Matthew Fisher (organ), Ray Royer (guitar), and David Knights (bass). This configuration recorded the single "A Whiter Shade of Pale" in 1967 with a session drummer, which was a big seller on both sides of the Atlantic. For the subsequent album sessions, Royer and the studio drummer were replaced by former Paramounts Trower and Wilson to form the first real version of Procol Harum. The twin keyboard arrangement, with Brooker on piano and Fisher on organ, became one of the band's dominant characteristics, and over the next few albums, they delved into more elaborate and progressive styles. Another former Paramount, Copping, later joined the fold, and many personnel changes followed, including the departures of both Fisher and Trower, with Brooker being the only constant — along with lyricist Reid. The band ceased activity from 1977 to 1991, when the first of many new versions got together, often including former members.

Website

http://procolharum.com

Related articles (8)

• Review: The Ed Palermo Big Band - The Adventures of Zodd Zundgren & Great Un-American Songbook I-II (Peter Thelen 2017-10-17)
• Recommendation: Was Procol Harum Past Their Peak in 1976? (Jon Davis 2016-03-03)
• Recommendation: Procol Harum Whiter Shade live in 2006 (Jon Davis 2014-06-18)
• Review: Transatlantic - The Whirlwind (Dan Marsh 2010-07-01)
• Review: Procol Harum - BBC Live in Concert (Jeff Melton 2000-10-01)
• Review: Procol Harum - 30th Anniversary Anthology (Jeff Melton 1998-02-01)
• Review: Various Artists - Supernatural Fairy Tales (Peter Thelen 1997-02-01)
• Feature: Before There Was a Label —
  Looking at the Beginnings of Progressive Rock (Peter Thelen 1994-08-01)

Releases on file (20)

	The Ed Palermo Big Band — The Great Un-American Songbook - Volumes I & II (Cuneiform Rune 435/436, 2017, 2CD)
	Procol Harum — Novum (Eagle Records ER416592, 2017, CD)
	Various Artists — Shine on Magic Hotel - Procol Harum Tribute (Mellow MMP534, 2014, CD)
	Procol Harum — The Well's on Fire (Eagle Records ER 20006-2, 2003, CD)
	Procol Harum — BBC Live in Concert (Fuel2000 302-061-055-2, 2000, CD)
	Claes Johansen — Procol Harum - Beyond the Pale (SAF ISBN 0-946719-28-4, 2000, BOOK)
	Various Artists — Supernatural Fairy Tales (Rhino Records R2 72451, 1996, 5CD)
	Procol Harum — The Prodigal Stranger (Zoo 61422-31011-2, 1991, CD)
	Procol Harum — Something Magic (SALVOCD029, 1977/2009, CD)
	Procol Harum — Procol's Ninth (SALVOCD028, 1975/2009, CD)
	Procol Harum — Exotic Birds and Fruit (SALVOCD027, 1974/2009, CD)
	Procol Harum — Grand Hotel (SALVOCD024, 1973/2009, CD)
	Procol Harum — Live - In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (SALVOCD023, 1972/2009, CD)
	Procol Harum — Broken Barricades (Repertoire REP 4980, 1971/2002, CD)
	Procol Harum — 30th Anniversary Anthology (Westside WESX 301, 1970/1997, 3CD)
	Liquorice John Death — Ain't Nothin' to Get Excited About (Repertoire REP 4982, 1970/2002, CD)
	Procol Harum — Home (SALVOCD021, 1970/2009, CD)
	Procol Harum — A Salty Dog (SALVOCD020, 1969/2009, CD)
	Procol Harum — Shine on Brightly (SALVOCD018, 1968/2009, CD)
	Procol Harum — Procol Harum (AKA A Whiter Shade of Pale) (Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 22497, 1967/2015, 2CD)