|
To Whom it May Concern
Never let it be said that the world has lacked for great music, but in 1967 a song burst on to the charts and is as fresh today as it was back then.
A Whiter Shade of Pale was that song and Procol Harum is the band. Most people never bothered to get past that one great song, but for the true die-hard fan, Procol Harum went on to write, produce and perform many other great songs that went unnoticed. Songs like A Salty Dog and Conquistador will forever be their tradmark; those who have not gone beyond, neglecting the likes of In Held 'Twas In I or Whaling Stories, can only be held guilty of missing the better half of this band.
It is a well-known fact that most bands don't and won't get recognition in their musical history unless they've sold daunting amounts of records. What a shame it would be if that were the only consideration given when inductions take place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Oddly enough, ten years past his death, Barrie James Wilson, the band's long-time drummer, has recently been voted The Best Rock Drummer at the Classic Rock Page Web Site. All one has to do is listen to the dynamic way he embraced each and every song to know it would be a mistake to not recognise this great musician.
The long-standing song-writing team of Gary Brooker and Keith Reid is second to none. Reid's artful play with words was and is a perfect match for Brooker's well-established and acclaimed musical intricacies, not to mention the heralded requests from his peers to enhance their present-day releases and tours: Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and Bill Wyman to name a few.
From the additional genius of Matthew Fisher, Chris Copping and Pete Solley to Robin Trower, Dave Ball, Mick Graham and Geoff Whitehorn, the list of musicians who have graced and contributed to this band is as instrumental as their sound, one of the first to combine the classics with rock and roll. Whether they perform with an orchestra and choir or in the raw, it is a sound that continues to mesmerise and haunt.
Notably the buzz for this band has been on thanks to www.procolharum.com who have rallied to bring their attention to the fore again. To further ignore their presence would be a sad shame and commentary on a prestigious institute such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the case of Procol Harum, whose stance couldn't be more deserving.
Please consider this group for induction in the year 2001!
Long live Procol Harum!
Thanks, Beverly Peyton |
