Procol Harum

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Archives of the old discusson forum


 

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Re: Ok WELCOME! (Henri Lübke)
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 01:51:16 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I don't know if others' browsers are like mine, but from here at WebTV, I don't see all the posts by just accessing the Beanstalk from the menu.

I have to click on the button above that says "show outline of ALL messages" or something to that effect.

Hopefully a helpful hint

Best, Joan :-) Jem33@aol.com

Jem33@webtv.net

In searching like the Sycophants of Learning,

The Symmetry it calls to me...

The chandelier in Sinful Swing.

And the face of Alice Ghostly Turned a Wyatt Earp shade of pale...


Question: lyricsquestion

Re: Ok WELCOME! (Henri Lübke)
Keywords: truthlyrics
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 20:04:32 GMT
From: JAN WIFSTRAND <jan.wifstrand@sydsvenskan.se>
Hello PH-fans,

can anybody out there help with backgroundfacts about the lyrics in ”Nothing but the truth” I need info about purpose, morals, aimings and so on. Please answer to jan.wifstrand@sydsvenskan.se

Thanks!


Conquistador

Re: Ok WELCOME! (Henri Lübke)
Date: Thu, 13 May 1999 17:59:17 GMT
From: Dionysus <godbluff@westnet.com>
Hello,

Does anybody have a MIDI file of Conquistador? If not, does anybody know if sheet music of the song is in print?

Dionysus


Question: In Held Twas In I

Re: Ok WELCOME! (Henri Lübke)
Date: Thu, 06 Jan 2000 10:40:56 GMT
From: Peter Eitner <Peter.Eitner@swr-online.de>
Hello folks, who can tell an old PF fan from Germany what the hell "In Held Twas in I" means ? Thats one of my oldest questions of mankind. Thanks for helping cheers Peter

In Held Twas In I

Re: Question In Held Twas In I (Peter Eitner)
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000 00:59:57 GMT
From: <unknown>
Was entitled by choosing the first word of each verse.

Untitled

Re: Ok WELCOME! (Henri Lübke)
Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2000 17:43:40 GMT
From: <gayle@scheffelassociates.com>
Where can I buy the "Live in Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra" CD?

Feedback: All there to be sought

Re: Untitled
Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2000 18:27:40 GMT
From: <Roland>
Please read http://www.procolharum.com/BtP_FAQ.htm (first entry)

Denny Cordell's Excellent Taste

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 03:20:24 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
OK - here goes Nothing!

I'm not used to this Board and hope this Works.  BTW - who's
that Webmaster Henri, anyway? <g>

Jens and Roland have done a GREAT job revamping this Site
today, haven't they?

I just noticed a real Gem of a comment from Denny Cordell in
the History Section - from 2/14/69 - Bristol Evening Post -
the last sentence, describing AWSoP:

"..the instruments used were piano, organ, lead guitar, bass guitar and drums,  and it was the haunting sound produced on the organ which captured the ears of disc-buyers everywhere."

No matter what Denny's faults were as a producer - the man
sure knew musical Quality when he heard it!  :-)

  

The Webmaster

Re: Denny Cordell's Excellent Taste
Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 23:11:24 GMT
From: Jens Anders Ravnaas <proch01>
Henri is Henri Lubke at Swedish Connection. SC is kindly hosting this website for us, and Henri is the one making it all work. So Henri is webmaster at SC (not Beyond the Pale). he did the programming for the domaine name, this forum (and more to come), the guestbook etc. All in all, a man to be greatfull to. (He even likes procol harum!)

Shine On! jens


Note: URL for Denny's tasteful remarks

Re: Denny Cordell's Excellent Taste
Date: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 03:44:44 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
That article I mentioned, wherein Denny Cordell rightly singled out the sound of MF's Hammond as the most enchantng element of AWSoP, can be found at:

http://www.procolharum.com/epost.htm


Ok: GREAT Denny Cordell page!! Thanks, Larry :-) :-)

Re: Denny Cordell's Excellent Taste
Date: Sun, 22 Aug 1999 20:06:17 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Many thanks to Larry "Cerdes" Pennisi for the excellent photo and verbiage about Denny Cordell.

http://www.procolharum.com/procol_dc.htm

I had never seen what he looked like as a young man before - only recently having seen him shortly before his death, being interviewed in that Tom Petty "Behind the Music" on VH1.

I'll always love Denny for producing Procol's First, knowing that they sound best Live, with no frills!! It's just a damn shame he didn't get better sound engineers to do that job -- Is the dorky looking guy sitting next to him one of those incompetent engineers, by any chance? (BtW, Denny's the one in the foreground, let there be no confusion).

I also love him for his statement about what aspect of AWSoP caught the ears of all those millions --- see that quote repeated in the place of honor -- atop the Hammond Page here

http://www.procolharum.com/organlinks.htm

and for bringing in BJW to the Joe Cocker "Little Help Session."

I don't know any instance of his being a "n'er do well" and won't believe ill of him until and unless I see proof of any misdeeds. As far as I know he was a great asset to Procol and the world of music.

Thanks again, Larry!! Best, Joan :-)


Live and not Live

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 15:59:56 GMT
From: Jason M. Scruton <scruto19@potsdam.edu>
Here's a question that might be interesting to investigate: what songs did Procol never play live (in any of its incarnations)? I don't think the list would be too long, but it would be intersting nonetheless. Jason

Live and not live

Re: Live and not Live (Jason M. Scruton)
Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 18:50:45 GMT
From: <roland.roland@procolharum.com>
I take it you mean Procol Harum songs! But it's a fascinating question.

Untitled

Re: Live and not Live (Jason M. Scruton)
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 07:10:10 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Jason

I'd bet they never played the Fisher/Reid masterpiece
"Wreck of the Hesperus" LIVE.

Question: Live yet again

Re: Untitled
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 12:22:28 GMT
From: Jason M. Scruton <unknown>
What were the songs played at the stratford festival when procol first used an orchestra? It's a shame that no bootleg of siad show exists. Jason

Hesperus = MASTERPIECE!

Re: Untitled
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 20:11:52 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
I wanted to add a Title to my last message, which I neglected to do because I'm not used to this Board yet <g>

I also want to add that Hesperus is one of my Favorite PH tunes - Especially the Vocals - I can't imagine Gary or anyone else singing that song as beautifully - and also for that ethereal Piano, which I assume to be Fisher as well, although there's No official documentation of that, as far as I know.

This brings up another question -- the composer credits of the ASD album,  and also SOB -- both Very sketchy!

Can anyone officially confirm the Piano Credits on Wreck of the Hesperus?

Hesperus -- Correction

Re: Hesperus = MASTERPIECE!
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 20:19:23 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Whoops -- of course I meant to say in my last message that the
MUSICIAN credits of SOB AND ASD are sketchy, not the Composer
Credits.

The composer credits are only a little bit sketchy on SOB --
i.e.  who wrote the music for Each Section of In Held Twas In
I? That's been partially documented on the Repertoire Reissue
of SOB -- Fisher composed the Music of Grand Finale.. But the
other sections have not been delineated, as far as I can
remember....




Feedback: Who played Piano on Hesperus

Re: Hesperus = MASTERPIECE!
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 04:34:18 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
Piano on Hesperus:

I emailed MF about this, and he was kind enough to respond. He played it - of course we all guessed that, right? Apparently, actually, Brooker played the left hand, and MF the right. Problem is, as I noted on the SS CD... I cannot decifer exactly what the low-end, right hand part is...

However... all that bitchen high end stuff that we CAN hear is most definately MF - Just knew it, God love him - And congratualtions to him - It's absolutely fuckin' brilliant! Kills me over and over, even as the years roll by.

Ethan Reilly papa_abba@yahoo.com


Correction to Piano on Hesperus

Re: Feedback Who played Piano on Hesperus (Ethan Reilly)
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 16:25:52 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
Jens or Roland-
        I wrote this last nite in rather a blur, I fear.  What I meant to say was that MF emailed me that Brooker played the "low range" piano (which I mentioned I was barely able to decifer while programming SS) and MF played the obvious two handed "mid and high range" piano of which we are all familiar.  Clearly there are at least three hands on the "Hesperus" piano - probably four.  By the way, MF said that his and Gary's piano parts were not recorded simultaniously.

Ethan


"Still There'll Be More" (Corrections, that is...)

Re: Correction to Piano on Hesperus (Ethan Reilly)
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 03:56:41 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <unknown>
Dear Jens, Roland and All PH People-
	Goodness knows I hope someone cleans up all of my rubbish from the last 24 hours!  I should be rather embarrassed (I should be taken out and tarred and feathered!)  And yet, my dedication to accuracy supersedes even my own “cringing embarrassment”.
	As to the question of “who played piano on Hesperus”, well first of all:  I think that I somehow managed to allow my own musical understanding (or lack there of) to influence a remembrance of what MF had emailed me some 10 months ago on this matter, and want to be absolutely exact about it now.
	I actually feel somehow “inappropriate” passing on Fisher’s words on this, and yet, I think I will violate no one with this info (I HOPE!).	  
	These are MF’s exact words about the Hesperus piano part:

Q. Did you, or Gary Brooker play piano on “Wreck of The Hesperus”, and who is singing this one?

A - That’s me on piano and vocals. (Actually, I play the Right-Hand piano and Gary plays the Left-Hand - not at the same time - they were overdubs.)

	There: now you have the quote - straight from the horse’s mouth - and I hope that it has been “appropriate to reproduce”, and of service to all PH fans.
	Funny, really, all this discussion about this particular part, because I carried this very question (and, of course, many others!) around inside my head from the time that the “ASD” LP first came out in the 60’s, and only by way of email - and a great deal of patience (waiting for MF to very graciously find the time to get back to me) did I finally get this long awaited answer.
	I do have to say however, that having transcribed “Hesperus” for literally scores of wonderful, musical-unearthing hours, I am still, not exactly sure what Fisher meant by this statement.  Performing (what I perceive to be) the left and right hand parts to this song separately, seems somehow impossible.  To me, one hand literally relies upon the other - which is, I fear, what led me to guess that there must be still another “lower” part which Brooker had played.  But then, please remember, I am no keyboard player!
	Anyway, aside from all this, what can be said for sure is that this is Fisher’s tune.  As a musician, I (personally) believe that it is safe to say that the entire piano part - however exactly executed, was created by him.  And if you want my opinion - it - and the complete work - is NOTHING SHORT OF BRILLIANT.  		Indeed, I have hundreds of hours in the total reproduction of this masterpiece, and believe me, I could tell you of MANY MORE absolutely magnificent treasures I have uncovered within! 

Thanx again, everyone, for your patience with me!

Ethan Reilly


Feedback: More Fisher/Piano credits

Re: "Still There'll Be More" (Corrections, that is...) (Ethan Reilly)
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 07:59:58 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Thanks to Ethan for the Hesperus clarifications.

One reason that Matthew Fisher hasn't received his due credit for so much of his Procol work -- aside from the Big One, of course, his creation of the organ melody of A Whiter Shade of Pale -- is the very poor crediting on the liner notes of SOB and ASD. The former does not have a breakdown of who composed what parts of In Held 'Twas In I, and the latter's Musician credits are TERRIBLE -- with no breakdown by track of who played what instruments. (I was hoping the liner notes to the Westside Reissues would correct these oversights but so far they haven't, have they?)

Aside from than the main - Brilliant! - piano on Hesperus, other ways Fisher has been slighted by these inadequate notes:

His composition of the (imo) best parts of In Held 'Twas In I: In The Autumn of My Madness and Grand Finale, and his creation and playing of the lovely piano solo in the latter. The piano solo is still "hearsay" - the other 2 have been documented here at BtP and by Keith Reid (Repertoire Reissue, re Grand Finale).

And I just read an interview in the Shine On archives where Gary Brooker says that Matthew Fisher plays all the instruments on "Pilgrim's Progress" except bass and drums, so I guess that means he's the pianist on that track as well. Gary apparently did not play at all on Pilgrim's Progress.


re:piano on hesperus

Re: Feedback More Fisher/Piano credits (Joan)
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2000 17:02:20 GMT
From: <tc_geronimo@yahoo.com>
it is interesting to read that it took 4 hands to play that piano part on hesperus.IMO it should take but 1 hand, unless your're talking about overdubbing. they are triplets and nothing more. however the endurance required to maintain that pattern is quite high. I've been trying to play that part since I first heard it in 1969.I can last about 30 seconds and then I fall out.but I never spent that much time really sitting down and trying my best about it.I've been wondering for years who played that wonderful piano on hesperus, in fact I was just going to e-mail that very question until I read all about it on this wonderful website. full of info! I love it!ever wonder how they did the piano on Simple Sister? I think I know exactly how.

More: More Fisher/Piano Credits - again

Re: Hesperus = MASTERPIECE!
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:41:14 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
{I'm reposting this - correcting a typical (for me) typo = because the other copy doesn't show up on my browser unless I ask for "Outline all levels" at the top of the page. I guess I went one level too deep for maximum visibility -- If I make myself Clear....}

Thanks to Ethan for the Hesperus clarifications. One reason that Matthew Fisher hasn't received his due credit for so much of his Procol work -- aside from the Big One, of course, his creation of the organ melody of A Whiter Shade of Pale -- is the very poor crediting on the liner notes of SOB and ASD. The former does not have a breakdown of who composed what parts of In Held 'Twas In I, and the latter's Musician credits are TERRIBLE -- with no breakdown by track of who played what instruments. (I was hoping the liner notes to the Westside Reissues would correct these oversights but so far they haven't, have they?)

Aside from the main - Brilliant! - piano on Hesperus, other ways Fisher has been slighted by these inadequate notes:

His composition of the (imo) best parts of In Held 'Twas In I: In The Autumn of My Madness and Grand Finale, and his creation and playing of the lovely piano solo in the latter. The piano solo is still "hearsay" - the other 2 have been documented here at BtP and by Keith Reid (Repertoire Reissue, re Grand Finale).

And I just read an interview in the Shine On archives where Gary Brooker says that Matthew Fisher plays all the instruments on "Pilgrim's Progress" except bass and drums, so I guess that means he's the pianist on that track as well. Gary apparently did not play at all on Pilgrim's Progress.


THE “TREK” OF THE HESPERUS

Re: Hesperus = MASTERPIECE!
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 05:18:43 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <unknown>
  I guess I was 14 when ASD came out. The youngest of three boys, my older brothers moved musically elsewhere after the “PH” album. AWSoP had sold them on the first LP, but clearly, they never dug as deeply into PH as did I.
  I however, was to go on and spend countless, obsessive hours locked in my little bedroom, headphone clad, with the “Shine On Brightly” LP churning through my little Magnavox, in a seemingly endless loop...
  Indeed, I was “stuck” on PH, and so it should not, I guess, come as a surprise that years later I would invest the kind of “relentlessness” which I did, in my (truly) heartfelt little replication endeavour of “ASD” and “Wreck”.
  I should explain that I’ve done a bit of music programming through the last ten or twelve years. Not enough to call myself a “programmer” mind you - but enough to have learned a fair amount about transcribing. And of course, I entered this PH project with nothing short of the utmost love, respect, and dedication to the original recordings I sought to reproduce.
  Suffice it to say that the process was a joy, if a tedious one at that. And I guess I have well over 150 hours in my “Hesperus” replication efforts alone. I would love to be able to share the thrills and sheer delight that I experienced - those blessed and delicious moments, after hours of painstaking transcription trail and error, when I would finally - suddenly - realise “Oh God - THAT’S what he (Fisher) played! (on the piano)”. I cannot convey the unspeakable delight of recognizing that I had been caught on some passage, because his brilliance was, quite simply - that far ahead of me.

  Okay Ethan - “cut to the chase"... My point in all of this, is to tell you of something which I discovered while transcribing “Wreck”, which, for all the attention and praise it gets at this site, I have never heard anyone else speak of...
  May I ask you to please go to your stereo, and put on Hesperus right now.

  ... Did you ever notice the soprano voice in the solo section? I did - and only at the very last moment mind you - but she is there, and she is included in my sequence...

  Okay friends... I guess it’s safe to say that we’re all a smidge “daft” at this site anyway, but here’s my own personal take on “Wreck of the Hesperus”:

  The solo section to “Wreck of the Hesperus” IS the Hesperus SINKING!

  And, when I realised this - I was even more dumbfounded by Fisher’s astounding and absolutely luscious brilliance than ever - in 30 years before.
  
  Okay... I will not be so brazen as to profess to having the ability to decipher the "representation" of each and every instrument throughout the passage. I definitely do have my own ideas, but suffice it to say that “harmonious chaos” reigns throughout that entire wondrous section, and I won’t go so far out on a limb as to try to “pin it all down”.

  However! I will cough up this much: that soprano in the early part of the interlude, is a lone mermaid, and she is lamenting a sinking ship. And I’ll likewise stake my paltry reputation on this wee wily morsel: the surging, upwardly rolling strings which follow her, are the bubbles and white water, rising to the surface of a raging and merciless sea - whilst the ever descending trombones, are without a doubt, portraying the ill-fated Hesperus herself, sinking incrementally and fatally - right down to the very bottom of the goddamned sovereign sea!

  Listen to it one more time. That’s my take, and I’m standing by it, buckaroo!

Ethan

Note: but then you always were ahead... musically

Re: THE “TREK” OF THE HESPERUS (Ethan Reilly)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 04:09:56 GMT
From: david reilly <treehause@earthlink.net>
aw heck ethan, i liked "homburg" and a bunch of other procol stuff too. find myself playing "garden fence" and the one with the line "the skin crawls up an octave, your teeth have lost their gleam...". i even got to see them live once, opening for little feat, or was it vice versa, in white plains, new york, 1975, if memory serves.

Yes But Dave... Homburg Came First

Re: Note but then you always were ahead... musically (david reilly)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 21:55:40 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
Yes, but Dave, Homburg came before AWSoP, and actually the original PH album included it, and not even AWSoP in Britain - and Homburg (and then later AWSoP) was followed by "Garden Fence" on the LP until the A&M rerelease at the time of Conquistador's hit on "Live at Edmonton" in the early 70's. Then A&M mde the original studio version of Conquistador track number 2 on the LP.

So my only point was that your's and Josh's interest was strongest around the first LP - and mine carried on...

However, I am indeed grateful that you brought that "PH" LP home, so long ago... It's tough to say which PH LP is the best, but one thing is sure - none is better than that one.


THE “TREK” OF THE HESPERUS

Re: Hesperus = MASTERPIECE!
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 1998 05:19:31 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
  I guess I was 14 when ASD came out. The youngest of three boys, my older brothers moved musically elsewhere after the “PH” album. AWSoP had sold them on the first LP, but clearly, they never dug as deeply into PH as did I.
  I however, was to go on and spend countless, obsessive hours locked in my little bedroom, headphone clad, with the “Shine On Brightly” LP churning through my little Magnavox, in a seemingly endless loop...
  Indeed, I was “stuck” on PH, and so it should not, I guess, come as a surprise that years later I would invest the kind of “relentlessness” which I did, in my (truly) heartfelt little replication endeavour of “ASD” and “Wreck”.
  I should explain that I’ve done a bit of music programming through the last ten or twelve years. Not enough to call myself a “programmer” mind you - but enough to have learned a fair amount about transcribing. And of course, I entered this PH project with nothing short of the utmost love, respect, and dedication to the original recordings I sought to reproduce.
  Suffice it to say that the process was a joy, if a tedious one at that. And I guess I have well over 150 hours in my “Hesperus” replication efforts alone. I would love to be able to share the thrills and sheer delight that I experienced - those blessed and delicious moments, after hours of painstaking transcription trail and error, when I would finally - suddenly - realise “Oh God - THAT’S what he (Fisher) played! (on the piano)”. I cannot convey the unspeakable delight of recognizing that I had been caught on some passage, because his brilliance was, quite simply - that far ahead of me.

  Okay Ethan - “cut to the chase"... My point in all of this, is to tell you of something which I discovered while transcribing “Wreck”, which, for all the attention and praise it gets at this site, I have never heard anyone else speak of...
  May I ask you to please go to your stereo, and put on Hesperus right now.

  ... Did you ever notice the soprano voice in the solo section? I did - and only at the very last moment mind you - but she is there, and she is included in my sequence...

  Okay friends... I guess it’s safe to say that we’re all a smidge “daft” at this site anyway, but here’s my own personal take on “Wreck of the Hesperus”:

  The solo section to “Wreck of the Hesperus” IS the Hesperus SINKING!

  And, when I realised this - I was even more dumbfounded by Fisher’s astounding and absolutely luscious brilliance than ever - in 30 years before.
  
  Okay... I will not be so brazen as to profess to having the ability to decipher the "representation" of each and every instrument throughout the passage. I definitely do have my own ideas, but suffice it to say that “harmonious chaos” reigns throughout that entire wondrous section, and I won’t go so far out on a limb as to try to “pin it all down”.

  However! I will cough up this much: that soprano in the early part of the interlude, is a lone mermaid, and she is lamenting a sinking ship. And I’ll likewise stake my paltry reputation on this wee wily morsel: the surging, upwardly rolling strings which follow her, are the bubbles and white water, rising to the surface of a raging and merciless sea - whilst the ever descending trombones, are without a doubt, portraying the ill-fated Hesperus herself, sinking incrementally and fatally - right down to the very bottom of the goddamned sovereign sea!

  Listen to it one more time. That’s my take, and I’m standing by it, buckaroo!

Ethan

Note: live or not live? songs that PH did leave behind...

Re: Live and not Live (Jason M. Scruton)
Keywords: 'dead' not live
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 12:13:33 GMT
From: antonio c.b. <most@msoft.it>
Hi friends! I think that 'dead man's dream' did not perform live. antonio c.b. most@msoft.it

Question: stereo version conquistador in the third 3cd box set is not,IMO,an alternative version but a shape of ORIGINAL version!!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Copping remake of organ solo in Conquistador
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 19:50:54 GMT
From: antonio c.b. <most@msoft.it>
Hi, Friends! only yesterday I've found in my town Novara, in Italy, the 3 CD box set of PH. IMO, the so-called alternative stereo version of Conquistador is not so alternative! In fact, I had heard THAT version in mono in my first PH LP ( 1968 , italian label IL (RCA)) BUT.... In 1972 CUBE -I think - reissued the single 'Conquistador' after the success of the Edmonton album. IMO, Copping remade the solo , for make the solo similar to his own live version of Edmondton, and the mix was heavy altered (the accompaniment part of the Hammond of MF became very thin , and the sound of guitar and bass was increased). Maybe someone can ask the solution to this question to GB , or to someone at the CUBE record company.

Is Henry Scott-Irvine on line?

Thank for the ospitality

antonio costa barbe (most@msoft.it).


Feedback: In Held Twas In I and you, too:)

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 21:07:49 GMT
From: Jason M. Scruton <unknown>
From an interview (either on this site or others), I read that GB had done everything up to the "beanstalk" joke. From there, and wishing to do a big track, GB/KR asked Fisher what could go next-this the cool ascending thunderchords. As to the sitar melody, don't know. But I also have reason to believe that Fisher did the "autumn" section in that he once said he liked to sing the material he had written when there were words for it. Draw your own conclusions, Jason

Autumn... and Grand Finale = 2 More Masterpieces!

Re: Feedback In Held Twas In I and you, too:) (Jason M. Scruton)
Date: Sat, 01 Nov 1997 03:14:58 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Jason!

I think you're right abuut Fisher being the composer of the Autumn.. section of In Held Twas In I,  as well as Grand Finale.

Henry Scott-Irvine, in the liner notes for the Boxed Set, singled out Grand Finale for special praise, btw, calling it "classic Harum,"  but forgot to mention Fisher as the sole composer of its music.. Luckily,  Keith Reid (I think) did acknowledge that in the notes to the Repertoire Reissue of SOB..

But back to the subject of "In the Autumn of my Madness" - I'd like to see an Official acknowledgment from PH about its composership... too bad that opportunity was missed in the liner notes of the Boxed Set..


some say that i'm a wise man.some say that i'm a fool

Re: Feedback In Held Twas In I and you, too:) (Jason M. Scruton)
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 18:19:59 GMT
From: <unknown>
 

Feedback: Hesperus live

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 01 Nov 1997 18:27:40 GMT
From: Roland <RolandClare>
I think 'Wreck of the Hesperus' was one of the numbers the band played on their first orchestral outing at Stratford, Ontario.

I asked MF at Shepherds Bush (where a section of the audience hollered for it) whether Hepserus might ever be played on that tour. 'Well, there's nothing to it, really,' he replied.


Gary's Amusing AWSoP Fragment

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 1997 01:14:57 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Gary's 1969 interview about the lyrics to AWSoP is now up on this Site.

I had read this in an old issue of Shine On, and always wondered --- Shouldn't Gary have said:

"Hey MAN,  why ask ME??  I Didn't write those WORDS!!!"

I guess he just couldn't bring himself to admit that he didn't create the WHOLE THING..

 

Idea: The whiter interview of pale

Re: Gary's Amusing AWSoP Fragment
Date: Mon, 03 Nov 1997 16:18:57 GMT
From: Jason M. Scruton <scruto19@potsdam.edu>
Gien the rather unenthusiastic tone of the interviewed party (GB), it seems he just wanted to get the thing over with and didn't really care too much about the consequences of his words. If was Gary at that time (and now quite possbily) I'd be completely bored by most interviews about the song in question: From other interviews and things I've read about them in the music busineess, they are for the most part rather repetitive and thoroughly unfun for the poor musician. Ah well, at least the snippet makes for good irony. Jason

Note: Date Correction and LINK to the Fragment

Re: Gary's Amusing AWSoP Fragment
Date: Sat, 06 Dec 1997 06:45:36 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
That brief interview with Gary was in 1967, not 1969.

Here's the LINK:

http://www.procolharum.com/awsopint.htm


Idea: ..and Gary's amusing 1995 cannibal quip

Re: Gary's Amusing AWSoP Fragment
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 21:17:29 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
At the very end of that great long PH/MF article in the 22 Sept. 95 issue of MOJO

http://www.procolharum.com/mojo95.htm

- writer Rob Chapman quotes "the old salty dog" - i.e. Gary - as offering the following "..less than politically-correct scenario: -

"I always imagine that if I ever get stuck in one of those cauldrons on the Ivory Coast and the cannibals are about to cook me, I'd just have to mention that I did A Whiter Shade of Pale and they'd let me go."

To which Chapman adds - to end his artcle: "Actually, knowing Procol's luck, they'd probably reply 'Sorry mate, we prefer Homburg."

Which makes absolutlely NO SENSE, because everyone knows that Gary is the sole composer of Homburg, so why wouldn't they have let him go anyway???

Of course what Chapman SHOULD have written was

".....'Sorry mate, we prefer Pilgrim's Prgress.'

 

Keeping BJ's Music ALIVE!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 04 Nov 1997 01:47:53 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
OK - Let's see how this works from Prodigy...

I really appreciate the tributes to BJ from his friends and bandmates, as posted here at this Site.  But those who knew him personally tend to focus on his tragic death, and how much they miss him.  This is very understandable.

As someone who didn't know him, but admires his music tremendously, I'd like to remember him by focusing on his amazing musicianship, which is something that can and should live forever.

Sadly, BJ is now virtually unknown among the world of drummers.  I found this out about a year ago, when my husband and I wrote to Modern Drummer Magazine about him, and was told that ours was the ONLY letter about BJ that they Ever received in their 20 years of publication!  BJ is Never mentioned by other drummers who are interviewed in this publication. Even Mark B. - the Cover Subject of their 2/92 issue - didn't mention him!!!

I think there are several reasons for BJ's anonymity among drummers - a major one being that he was never very well recorded on PH's studio albums.  His best recorded work so far is on the Edmonton album, and even there he's obscured by the orchestra unless one listens for him.  That's why I'm so interested in seeing some of PH's LIVE shows released on CD - in HiFi form.  I hear that Jens may start a Forum on requested LIVE shows that should be released on CD (the perfect cure for Bootlegging), and I hope this is done soon.

I'll close with a section of BJ's daughter Nicola's tribute to him - see the AOL postings - of 10/8/96, which moves me to tears almost every time I think of it:

"...I want the whole world to know how much he loved to play his drums for you, and just bring great music to your ears..."

I want more of the world to know about this as well.  BJ deserves no less.



Idea: The Problem of Recognition

Re: Keeping BJ's Music ALIVE!
Date: Tue, 04 Nov 1997 21:14:18 GMT
From: Jason M. Scruton <scruto19@potsdam.edu>
One reason the might be valid for the lack of acclaim on
BJ's behalf, and ye the group members in general, is that
the music they were playing from 1967-77 was not that of its
contemporaries--in other words focused (Focus was a great
 group, but that's another story) on the virtuosity of the
various performers.  Look at Trower in his post Barricades
era...the guitar just let loose a torrent of notes, much like
every other well known guitarist of the age. (in the case of
keyboards, look at Jon Lord,Keith Emerson,etc)  Procol didn't
do anything along the lines of verse-insert looooong solo passage here-verse-etc. With the exception of Power Failure
which blew me away in that BJ didn't get compositional credits
(Imagine a wet-behind-the-ear Procol fan listen to the tune and say, "Gosh! Brooker even wrote the drum solo! he's zany!")
The sheer group mentality of starting, playing then ending the
song that PH exhibited on vinyl kicks it to the side of
the public eye's field of vision.  So, all you hear of is:
AWSoP, Gary Brooker singing it, KR writing it and comments about RT's departure, w/ occasional talk about organs and somesuch, the end.  A shame really, but such is the way of
things.
Thought for food,
Jason

Ok: No Drum Solos needed - BJ was AWESOME in LIVE Performance

Re: Idea The Problem of Recognition (Jason M. Scruton)
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 03:17:04 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Jason!

Well the title of my post really says it all. BJ was OUT
THERE - you couldn't HELP but notice his magnificent playing
throughout a PH gig -- he didn't need to play drum solos.

Sadly, on the albums, you just don't get to hear BJ's true
sound, and it isn't obvious what a HUGE part he played in
making the band sound so Magnificent in concert. (I'm basing this on the gigs I saw during the HOME and GRAND HOTEL tours). None of the LIVE tapes I have really accomplish that either. That's why I hope that Somewhere there exist HiFi versions of the radio and TV shows PH recorded, and that Someone will release them, finally doing justice to BJ's work.

More: BJ and the big beat

Re: Ok No Drum Solos needed - BJ was AWESOME in LIVE Performance
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 19:18:37 GMT
From: Jason M. Scruton <unknown>
Hi, What you said about BJ's drumming is indeed correct: it was darn good in the way it expanded the range of the songs in width, as opposed to the time-keepery that other 70's (At an Aerosmith show I went to, the drummer had a smooth looking set up but as i watched him, all he played was the same bloody cymbal and side of the drum kit...except his "drum solo"...now that IS scary) groups thought constituted percussion. But let's not forget the progressive competition PRocol had to deal with drumwise--Bruford and Muir of King Crimson,Phil Collins, Albert Bouchard (of Blue Oyster Cult), Pierre van Der Linden (sp?) of Focus--they all could wail to the extent where they HAD to have solos, a far more liberal situation than Procol, where the group plays the song and that;s that. It is a shame though that they didn't unwinds and explore songs...the middle of skip softly could have been a lot more intricate and free form, just as the fade out endings that frequent _SOB_ could have been developed in a different light than just ending. Ah well. As I was saying, the soloing drummers of his age necessarily had attention drawn to them...the rather faceless nature of Procol Harum sadly obscured BJ's role and imaginative contributions to the genral drumming public. Jason

drum solo

Re: More BJ and the big beat (Jason M. Scruton)
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998 02:47:59 GMT
From: <ewood0760@aol.com>
Are there any Procol Harum songs that contain an extended drum or percussion solo?

ED


Feedback: One studio solo -- more LIVE

Re: drum solo
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1998 20:59:55 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi ED!

The only drum solo on an official PH album is on Broken Barricades -- "Power Failure." B.J. did that solo very differently each time he played it -- except I think the last few bars were the same going back into the song. There are several Live recordings of that solo that put the album version to Shame -- e.g. Texas radio show on KZEW in 1974; Rockpalast German TV show, 1976, WPLJ NYC radio show 1971 (this one with the mighty Trower as well), and others.

Another Live drum solo he did was in 1977 -- at the end of"The
Unquiet Zone."  The best performance of that I've heard --
with the best fidelity of any of the audience-taped shows --
was at Hofstra University -- 5/77 -- WLIR Radio, I think --
one of their last shows.  That awful Farfisa Synth really
mucked up Procol's sound during that gig, but it wasn't very
prominent on "The Unquiet Zone" thank goodness -- and this was
a real tour de force for Gary, Mick and B.J.!!!  Mick quit the
band soon after and then they all disbanded -- a shame because
 - except for that wretched {{synth}} replacing the
indispensable Hammond, those 3 musicians were at the top of
their form at that time..

I'm always hoping for the release of these great Live shows in high fidelity sound, emplasizing the Drums. Too bad Gary has decided to begin the Live releases with that Liquorice John set -- what PUTRID MATERIAL that is -- no PH tunes just trite rock 'n roll -- kinda like The fParamounts must've sounded before Matthew and Keith joined the others and moved them in more unique and glorious directions..


Note: Try "Pligrim's Progress"

Re: Ok No Drum Solos needed - BJ was AWESOME in LIVE Performance
Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 12:49:38 GMT
From: Matt Walsh <MoodyMattW@hotmail.com>
You might wanna get ahold of the "Pilgrim's Progress" audio/video cd (available at CDWorld for only $10.88.) It's a recording of a TV special PH did in 1971... the sound quality is excellent.

Agree: BJs drumming

Re: Keeping BJ's Music ALIVE!
Keywords: BJ Wilson, drumming, drum, As Stong As Sampson
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 1997 13:32:27 GMT
From: Jonas Söderström <jonas@xkom.se>
Although I have been a PH fan for decades;
although I always enjoyed and admired BJs drumming,
after having learned about BJs death and read all the letters on his drumming at the Shine on Brightly-site recently, I must admit that it was sort of a revelation to me.

I went back, listened to the old tracks again, and it really dawned upon me how important his drumming was to the PH sound.

I certainly had noticed this before, "sub-consciously" and emotionally, but now it suddenly became accessible for musical and intellectual analysis and reflection.

The word I would choose to describe his drumming style, I think, would be "sculptural". Those cascades, for example, at the beginning and middle of "As strong as Sampson", definitely has shape - a three-dimensional feeling in sound that goes way beyond simple time-keeping.

True, what a great and unusual drummer he was. What a loss.

Agree: YES!! :-) --> Listen For BJ and You WILL Be Rewarded!!!

Re: Agree BJs drumming (Jonas Söderström)
Keywords: BJ Wilson, drumming, drum, As Stong As Sampson
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 1997 22:37:46 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Jonas!

That's music to my ears (or eyes) that you went back and listened FOR BJ on the PH albums, based on fans' comments in the Shine On Brightly Guestbook!

Also check out - if you haven't already - the Page at This Site devoted to BJ -- especially Stephen Braitman's wonderful letter, and the Tributes from AOL. Go to the Features Menu --> The Musicians' Pages ---> BJ Wilson. When you get to the AOL link - click on the First part of that sentence (unless that glitch is fixed by now).

It's often sadly necessary to listen Actively for BJ's greatness on the albums, due to inadequate production of the Drums.. As I said before - I hope this situation can be corrected by the future release of LIVE PH in HiFi form.


Agree: BJ live

Re: Agree YES!! :-) --> Listen For BJ and You WILL Be Rewarded!!!
Keywords: BJ Wilson, drumming, Stockholm
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 1997 08:00:29 GMT
From: Jonas Söderström <jonas@xkom.se>
Yes, it was the thread from AOL and the other pages that i actually read. I agree with what's been said about the poor sound on the records. I had the opportunity to se PH once, in Stockholm - it must have been in the middle of the seventies or so - and I was absolutely stunned with BJs drumming style.

That "VOX" article!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 02:42:56 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Roland!

I assume that was YOU asking what I think of that "photo error" in the Vox Article? [See "What's New" - Nov.4]

My first question: What IS this VOX Anyway?
A well known music magazine? How does it compare in popularity to MOJO and Q?

BTW - I didn't find too many errors in the text. except errors of omission about the creation of AWSoP, of course.. I never heard of Halcyon Daze - IS that a new PH CD? ... I know PH didn't stop touring in 1992.... Did the mag put an extraneous "e" on Andy's name? I'm sure other fans will notice more errors.

But back to that Photo -- My initial reaction: THIS I GOTTA SEE!!!! So I hope your Scanner is fixed soon... Next, I thought... "Poetic Justice, eh wot?" ;-) And last but not least -- Maybe the author of the article Really thinks that Gary Must be the organist (Gary is often designated as "keyboardist" for PH in the press when AWSoP is discussed).. because - if Gary Weren't the organist, why would he always be taking credit for most of the song? It'd be interesting to ask the author about that, wouldn't it?

Regardless of all the mishaps, I did appreciate the article's obvious high regard for AWSoP.



Question: URL for ironic VOX article with photo blunder/and re AWSoP Video

Re: That "VOX" article!
Date: Sun, 08 Mar 1998 21:59:54 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Here's the URL for that VOX article:

http://www.procolharum.com/vox86.htm

I recently noticed that the photo of Fisher at the Hammond that they used (and labeled 'Gary Brooker, 1967' or something like that) was probably from the video shoot of AWSoP with Royer and Harrison in that old castle. I still don't have a complete copy of that and wish I did because it includes some nice performance footage... I've seen 2 versions - both incomplete -- one presented on MTV, 1986, cut off with RT commenting at the end; and the other with the complete song but interspersed with &^%^&** Vietnam War footage -- What a Bringdown!! - to coin a phrase from back then -- and certainly having NOTHING to do with AWSoP --- grrr.....

So if anyone has a complete unadulterated copy of that video please email me.


Question: Procol Harum Drummers

Re: That "VOX" article!
Date: Thu, 06 Jan 2000 00:24:16 GMT
From: Rick Juckes <rick.juckes@btconnect.com>
Last October, I met a guy in Cyprus named George Gibbs, who claims to have been a drummer with PH, then going on to be a drummer with Noel Redding after Hendrix had died. I can't find any info to back this claim up. Can anyone throw any light on George Gibbs, or did I (or he) dream up the whole thing!

Question: Who was the drummer in the original HOMBURG recording?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Homburg /the drummer
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 1997 20:33:58 GMT
From: antonio c.b. <most@msoft.it>
Novara, monday 17 1997

Hi friends! I'm think I'm not crazy, but.... I've listened carefully to the alternative 'naive' version of Homburg in the three CD box set: no doubt, is B.J on Drums: His style, His COLOR on drums, and His pulse of the bass drums, His breaks. Then I ve re-listened the original version of Homburg: am I crazy, or the style and the sound of the drummer are like-Bill-Eyden style???....?? what do you think about? best :-) antonio c.b. most@msoft.it


Homburg drummer

Re: Question Who was the drummer in the original HOMBURG recording? (antonio c.b.)
Keywords: Homburg /the drummer
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 1997 16:07:31 GMT
From: Jens Anders Ravnaas <jensan@online.no>
I have been listeing to the boxed set in the light of your theories. The credits on the boxed set says that the drummer on the original Homburg is Bobby Harrison. A statement I believe is true, altough the stereo AWSOP is theonly other recording by him. But then the credits says that the drummer on the stereo version is 'as per the lineup of the first three albums'. That is B.J.Wilson. Something I find hard to believe. I suggests that the stereo version of Homburg features the same drummer as the released single. And so for the 1997 mix of Homburg. The mixing might mislead the listener, but the drummer seems to be different from the other releases. The record sleeve suggests it's Bobby Harrison, and an earlier recording compared to the released. But i agree with Antonio, the drumming has a certain B.J feel about it. Maybe someone else can enlighten us?

More: Harrison / Homburg

Re: Homburg drummer (Jens Anders Ravnaas)
Keywords: Homburg /the drummer
Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 12:08:28 GMT
From: Roland Clare <RolandClare>
I had the opportunity of asking Bobby Harrison about 'Homburg'. He told me that he recorded the song with the band (so it must have been at a pretty early session) and that later BJ overdubbed the snare-drum. A fuller account of this and other Harrisonalia will appear at BtP in due course of time.

Note: Homburg / the dog

Re: More Harrison / Homburg (Roland Clare)
Keywords: Homburg /the drummer
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 16:57:15 GMT
From: Beverly <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>

     I named my dog Homburg 'cos he wouldn't answer to A Whiter Shade of Pale. ;-)

Question: Repertoire PH Reissues - APPROVED or UNAPPROVED???

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 1997 21:23:02 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
That new Shine On Line page is interesting - check it out - a
Text version of the Shine On Newsletter.

In the current issue - they mention which recent CD reissues
are Approved and Unapproved by the band. They list the 3CD
Box and Halcyon Daze as Unapproved, and the Repertoire
Reissues of Within Our House and No More Fear of Flying as
Approved.

First Questions: By "the band" - I assume they mean Gary and
Keith. Is this right?

Next Question: What about the Repertoire Reissues of the
first 4 PH albums? Approved or Unapproved?
  And -- If the Repertoire PH CD's are Approved, does that mean the interview material with Gary and Keith in their liner notes was done specifically for those CD's, or was it taken from old interviews? And if the latter - did Gary and Keith Approve the use of those interviews for the Liner Notes?

Third Question: On the 2 CD's we know were Approved - Gary's 2 solos - Did Gary Approve their Liner Notes or just their music?

IF...THEN....ELSE...etc..... questions...questions....

Inquiring Minds Want To Know!

Note: Repertoire Reissues = APPROVED

Re: Question Repertoire PH Reissues - APPROVED or UNAPPROVED???
Date: Sat, 06 Dec 1997 06:51:59 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
I re-read the Shine On and realized that it did say the Repertoire Reissues of the first 4 PH albums were Approved by the band.

I especially like their reissue of ASD because it includes Long Gone Geek - one of my fave PH tunes, and a NICE LEAN Production - just the way I like 'em!

I'd still like to know if the band approved the Liner Notes to all these Repertoire releases, or just the music.

 

Question: Does anyone know where to find sheet music for "Conquistador"?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 1997 13:58:10 GMT
From: David <hughesdw@geocities.com>
I've always found the violins and trumpet part of "Conquistador" to be rather haunting, and very attuned to the topic of that song. Does anyone know of an "orchestral" transcription?

Please send any information to hughesdw@geocities.com. Thanks!


Feedback: stereo 'conquistador'

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 1997 18:57:42 GMT
From: jay <jayvking@postmaster.co.uk>
in answer to the stereo Conquistador question,back in the early 1970's,PH re-recorded some songs from their first lp for EMI's Music for Pleasure label. i believe this was done at abbey road studios.MfP issued a greatest hits compilation which included THREE stereo versions of the earlier mono tracks.'conquistador','she wandered through the garden fence', and 'homburg'.i hope this sheds some light on the question.

Homburg drummer

Re: Feedback stereo 'conquistador' (jay)
Keywords: homburg, b.j.wilson
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 1997 23:17:02 GMT
From: Jens Anders Ravnaas <jensan@online.no>
If this is right, then the drummer on the stereo version of Homburg is B.J.Wilson, as stated on the credits on the 3CD anniversary boxed set. I will go and listen to it yet another time.

jens


Idea: triple cd

Re: Homburg drummer (Jens Anders Ravnaas)
Keywords: harrison,stereo
Date: Wed, 03 Dec 1997 00:23:38 GMT
From: <mikelee@eclipse.co.uk>
just bought the triple cd. Good job stereo version of
Whiter shade of pale was never released, would never have
been a hit - Bobby Harrison's drums were so poor!
He later found his true vocation as a vocalist - i have 3
SNAFU albums - at times they are incredible.
Like Gary said in Shine on they picked the best versions in
the first place!
Mike

Wonderful !

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 1997 20:33:23 GMT
From: Gene (nomortal) <nomortal@the-spa.com>
Great to see a discussion group revolving around PH.

http://www.the-spa.com/nomortal/page1.htm


Question: Fillmore Auditorium vs. Fillmore West

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 30 Nov 1997 21:11:15 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
The reviews of PH's 1995 gig at Fillmore West are mistaken as to the venue. The Fillmore West hasn't existed since the early 70's. PH's 1995 appearance was at the smaller Fillmore Auditorium, located at Fillmore and Geary Streets in San Francisco. This was Bill Graham's original venue, which he opened in 1966 and closed on 7/4/68 when he moved to the much larger Fillmore West. Bill Graham Presents re-opened the Fillmore Auditorium in the late 80's (approx).

The Fillmore West was located at Market and Van Ness Streets, and PH played there in the late 60's and early 70's. I was privileged to see them there in 1970, and it was the BEST SOUND I've EVER heard, with the possible exception of their 1973 gig at the even-larger Winterland Auditorium, also a Bill Graham venue.

If you want more info about the Fillmores - see my page in tribute to the late great Bill Graham at this Site:

http://www.procolharum.com/procolbg.htm

where there's a LINK to the Fillmore Page.

My Question: Did PH play at the Fillmore Auditorium in the 60's? It would have to have been between 1967 and 7/4/68.


Feedback: Fillmore errors corrected

Re: Question Fillmore Auditorium vs. Fillmore West
Date: Wed, 03 Dec 1997 00:14:53 GMT
From: Roland Clare <unknown>
Thanks to Joan for pointing out the Fillmore issue.

We consulted Robert Moselle, who sent us those items. He replied,

"I wasn't in SF in the '60's, so will defer to the historians on the respective names of venues where Procol Harum may or may not have performed. Go with whatever changes you wish. I just looked at the ad in the paper for the '95 concert, and it was for "The Fillmore." So there you have it. Not Fillmore West, not Fillmore Auditorium, not even Millard Fillmore (America's 13th president). Just "The Fillmore." Wherever it was, it was great!'

So we have amended the pieces on that basis.


A New Band Dawns

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 03 Dec 1997 00:10:45 GMT
From: <WRES2345@aol.com>
Is there any truth to the rumor that GB is writing new songs with jack Bruce and peter Frampton? Now add Matthew Fisher plus Graham Broad and you've got a '98 version of our beloved band. Did anyone say summer tour USA?

Question: Looking for "Procol Harum Live"

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Looking for "Procol Harum Live"
Date: Wed, 03 Dec 1997 11:43:09 GMT
From: Gerhard <Gerhard>
I'm looking for the album "Procol Harum Live".
Was it released as a CD?

Please e-mail me, if you can give me a hint where I can buy it.

Thanks, Gerhard

gerhard.hanzal@bmuk.gv.at


Question: Quite Rightly So

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Single, Quite rightly so
Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 00:13:34 GMT
From: <mikelee@eclipse.co.uk>
Having bought the triple cd I notice the versions of Quite
Rightly So as album track and single are quite different.
Lyrics towards end  of first verse are even different.
Was this the genuine single release.
Can't remember i was only 7 at the time!!
Mike

More: BBC Sessions and QRS

Re: Question Quite Rightly So
Keywords: Single, Quite rightly so
Date: Thu, 04 Dec 1997 16:13:35 GMT
From: Jason M. Scruton <scruto19@potsdam.edu>
I noticed on the "THrough the Garden Fence" boot
it does have an alternate end to the first verse:
"Though seldom meeting, I'm not conceding
 Seems to me there's no retreat (I think= that how it goes)
So there actually might have beebn two versions at the outset
I wonder what lead to the vers change?

Jason


Feedback: shine on brightly lyrics

Re: More BBC Sessions and QRS (Jason M. Scruton)
Keywords: Single, Quite rightly so
Date: Sun, 07 Dec 1997 00:30:09 GMT
From: <mikelee@eclipse.co.uk>
sounded to me like " i'm not repeating" not conceding
The album track sounds tons better to me
Mike

More: Quite Rightly So -- variant words

Re: More BBC Sessions and QRS (Jason M. Scruton)
Keywords: Single, Quite rightly so, variants
Date: Mon, 02 Mar 1998 10:47:02 GMT
From: <Roland>
For Keith Reid's 'take' on the variant-words issue in 'Quite Rightly So' among others, have a look at

http://www.procolharum.com/kr_variant.htm


Question: Welcome to - and a Question for - Dave Ball!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 1997 01:41:52 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Dave Ball has honored us with his greetings in the Guestbook, the FIRST member of PH to do so!! :-)

Dave - hopefully you're reading this. Thanks so much for your Guestbook entry!! On your page at this Site, it says you played uncredited on Grand Hotel. I'm a real stickler for giving credit where due (!) and am saddened when I read about "uncredited" performances. So -- Would you be willing to tell us what guitar parts you played on Grand Hotel?

  

Ok: Thanks, Dave!! :-)

Re: Question Welcome to - and a Question for - Dave Ball!
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 05:46:54 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Many thanks to Dave Ball for answering fans' questions. See his comments at:

http://www.procolharum.com/db_gh.htm


Question: The film "Separation"

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 02:13:08 GMT
From: <unknown>
Does anyone know anything about the film "Separation"? There's a little bit of info in the Internet Movie Database but not much.

"Salad Days" from the first album is described as being from "Separation," and there's a track on one of Matthew Fisher's solo albums that is also credited as being from the same film.

Does anyone know anything about the movie, and what the Procol connection was?


Question: films and Procol Harum

Re: Question The film "Separation"
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 06:26:16 GMT
From: John Sargent <MrEWorm@aol.com>
I also have wondered about "Separation", another question, is it a decent film? Is it out on video? What other movie connectionc are there to Procol Harum, such as, does anyone know why they were mentioned in the movie "Sling Blade", was the script writer a fan? Inquiring minds want to know.

Sincerely,

MrEWorm


More: more Separation anxiety

Re: Question films and Procol Harum (John Sargent)
Date: Thu, 02 Jul 1998 01:35:51 GMT
From: StillUnknown <unknown>
I still haven't found out anything about Procol involvement with the film "Separation," but I did cage the following facts about the film from the IMDB:

Separation (1968)

UK 1968 Color

Produced by: Bond Films

Language: English

Runtime: UK:93

Distributed by: London Independent Producers

Directed by Jack Bond

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Jane Arden (II) .... Jane

Joy Bang

Fay Brook

David De Keyser....Husband

Terrence De Marney....Old man

Ann Lynn....Woman

Iain Quarrier...Lover

Written by Jane Arden (II) (also story)

Cinematography by Aubrey Dewar, David Muir (I)

Film Editing by Michael Johns (I)

Produced by Jack Bond

               

Question: Gary Brooker on "All Things Must Pass" (George Harrison)

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 1997 23:04:25 GMT
From: Brian Niemi <vbniemi@megsinet.net>
I was leafing thru the "All Things Must Pass" CD enclosure and noticed that the keyboard players who appeared on this album are Gary Brooker, Billy Preston, Gary Wright and Bobby Whitlock. Does anybody know which tracks GB played on?

And...I saw GB May 97 live with Ringo Starr, Jack Bruce and Peter Frampton and a real drummer whose name I forget. This performance was GREAT and better appear on CD and video. Bruce, Brooker and Frampton played like they have been a band for years! It turned me on to Brooker and I have been adding to my Brooker/Procol Harum collection ever since! (Where was Procol Harum all my life?)

Happy Holidays to all. And, Gary, how about dropping us a posting?


News: Brooker online

Re: Question Gary Brooker on "All Things Must Pass" (George Harrison) (Brian Niemi)
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 1997 20:54:19 GMT
From: Roland Clare <unknown>
Gary informs me that someone from Digital Village (Douglas Adams's company) who lives nearby is supposed to be coming to help him get online. As he already has a portable Mac with modem this might well happen soonish.

Meanwhile as you will see from our 'What's New' feature Gary sends his Christmas good wishes to the Online PH community.


Feedback: Guess

Re: Question Gary Brooker on "All Things Must Pass" (George Harrison) (Brian Niemi)
Keywords: "All Things Must Pass" inquiry
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 01:36:04 GMT
From: <MCLE@msn.com>
I have always felt that Gary was playing on "Hear Me Lord,"
Side 4, Track 4).  If not kudos to whomever it was.
When GB goes on line, I hope he can fill us in with
the answer.
RAM
Monterey, CA
www.cce-mcle.com

Feedback: Reply to GB on All Things Must Pass

Re: Question Gary Brooker on "All Things Must Pass" (George Harrison) (Brian Niemi)
Date: Sun, 01 Mar 1998 07:22:26 GMT
From: Marc <JA15FC@aol.com.>
In addition to Hear Me Lord, I have a strong intuition that Gary Brooker also plays the piano on the second version of Isn't It A Pity. I also had the pleasure to attend the Ringo All-Star Band show this past June at the Jones Beach Theater featuring Gary Brooker, Jack Bruce, Peter Frampton,and drummer that you couldn't think of -Simon Kirke from Free and Bad Company. The highlights of that show were The Devil Came From Kansas and Gary's solo midi keyboard version of A Salty Dog(with real gulls overhead!). By the way,back in 1986, Gary Brooker played Shine On Brightly live in Olympic Studios, I believe, along with Jack Bruce on the Howard Stern radio show,which was live in England for a week. If anyone has a tape of that, I'd love to hear it.

Note: Better (PH) late than never

Re: Question Gary Brooker on "All Things Must Pass" (George Harrison) (Brian Niemi)
Keywords: My Sweet Lord
Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 03:54:31 GMT
From: Beverly <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>
     Gary's contribution on All Thing's Must Pass
      can be found on the track of My Sweet Lord

Note: My Sweet Lord

Re: Note Better (PH) late than never (Beverly)
Keywords: My Sweet Lord
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 00:14:38 GMT
From: Beverly <unknown>
      From the Alex Bennett Radio Show 1970
  "A trained ear could hear it"... Gary Brooker

Ok: Merry Christmas and GREAT ANAGRAMS!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 1997 00:05:15 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Season's Greetings, Merry Christmas, Joyous Winter Solstice, Merry Axemas, to all Procolfiles etc...!

I'm not usually into gaming, but I must compliment Jens, Roland and/or Whomever for those GREAT Contest Anagrams!!! Be Barrie's and Rock, & Fisher's Turf INDEED!

They remind me of a very clever San Francisco crossword puzzle writer named Merl Reagle, who clued me in to the fact that you can rearrange the letters in "ERIC CLAPTON" to spell "NARCOLEPTIC" - LOL!!

But seriously folks, have Great Holidays!!

Best, Joan :-)


News: Procol Harum portraits

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 28 Dec 1997 04:14:00 GMT
From: Annabel Gill <grushenka@usa.net>
To anyone who is interested, I just set up a web site containing primarily my original drawings of members of Procol Harum. There aren't very many up yet, but one of the advantages of being in high school is that I have all this week off to work on it. The address is http://members.tripod.com/~AnnabelG/index.html

Enjoy, and happy holidays.

-Annabel Gill.


Chicago radio show need to speak with Gary Brooker or Matthew Fisher

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 07 Jan 1998 21:42:39 GMT
From: <unknown>
January 7, 1998

I am the producer of a radio show in Chicago named NeedleDrop,
hosted by a band named the Cleaning Ladys.  We have been on-air for 4 years.

I am having trouble finding out how to contact Gary or Matthew in order to conduct a phone interview for our show.

My name is Tina and my work # is 773-525-2101 if anyone
can assist me in this matter.  Thank you.

Chicago radio show need to speak with Gary Brooker or Matthew Fisher

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 07 Jan 1998 21:43:37 GMT
From: <unknown>
January 7, 1998

I am the producer of a radio show in Chicago named NeedleDrop,
hosted by a band named the Cleaning Ladys.  We have been on-air for 4 years.

I am having trouble finding out how to contact Gary or Matthew in order to conduct a phone interview for our show.

My name is Tina and my work # is 773-525-2101 if anyone
can assist me in this matter.  Thank you.

More: Radio show visitor ...

Re: Chicago radio show need to speak with Gary Brooker or Matthew Fisher
Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 00:17:53 GMT
From: <Roland>
Please post your e-mail address!

Ok: Matthew Fisher and Eric Bazilian in the Same Article!! :-)

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 21:43:54 GMT
From: Joan May <Jem33@aol.com>
Many thanks to Roland Clare for his great review of the recent No Stiletto Shoes gig, with special guest Matthew Fisher!

I was especially impressed that Roland correctly credited Eric Bazilian, one of my Favorite musicians, for composing (words and music) the Joan Osborne megahit "One of Us." Eric is often slighted by the press in this regard, and Joan erroneously credited for that song - sound familiar? ;-)

This was one great article, and I think my very Favorite part was:

"Matthew Fisher took his place eyeing the Korg keyboard without great enthusiasm..."


Note: LINK to the above review

Re: Ok Matthew Fisher and Eric Bazilian in the Same Article!! :-) (Joan May)
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 21:51:00 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
I always forget to get the URL of what I'm posting about until I've written the Whole Post!

Anyway -- here's the link to Roland's GREAT article about Matthew Fisher, Eric Bazilian, Gary Brooker et al

http://www.procolharum.com/chid_97.htm

Thanks again, Roiand!


Question: AWSoP Discussion in The Guardian?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 02:24:38 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
I tried to follow the instructions in that recent "What's New?" item about the Q&A re AWSoP in the British newspaper The Guardian - but my Web Browser won't allow me to use the Search engine at that Site - maybe I need to be Java enabled or something..

Anyway - I can't see the AWSoP discussion there, so can someone post the gist of it here?

[I imagine it can't be too profound, judging from the Questions and Answers that Are visible on that page -- e.g. the health benefits and risks of eating the contents of one's nose --- and someone actually posted an ANSWER to that one! LOL!!!!! ]


More: 'Guardian' AWSoP lore: not all complimentary ...

Re: Question AWSoP Discussion in The Guardian?
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 09:25:08 GMT
From: Roland Clare <RolandClare>
Joan: here you are. I imagine BtP visitors can mail 'The Guardian' with more illuminating responses than most of what has been published so far ...

*

"Can anyone explain the words from the song 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' by Procol Harum?"

THE WORDS are a psychedelic kaleidoscope of fragments; allusions to and images from a treasury of sources (some real, some imagined). Part of their purpose is not to be meaningful in any conventional sense, but to challenge the conventions of meaning. To begin to 'explain' the words, we must first recognise their evocative power - a sort of mystical melancholy. The words derive from the musical setting borrowed from Bach's Suite No. 3 in D Major. But crucial to an understanding of the words, it is necessary to place the song in the context of the 'Summer of Love' in 1967. Together with other examples of psychedelic pop - for instance, 'Sunshine Superman' (Donovan), 'Purple Haze' (Jimi Hendrix Experience) and 'Hole In My Shoe' (Traffic) - 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' attempts to articulate the retreat of 'reason' and the cleansing of the doors of perception ('She said there is no reason / And the truth is plain to see ...') in the mind-expanding experience of an acid trip.

John Storey, lecturer in Cultural Studies, University of Sunderland.

*

PROCOL HARUM was one of many groups in the late 1960s who succumbed to the influence of psychedelia and - lacking any other model - imitated Bob Dylan in an attempt to come up with something suitably outlandish. Dylan's razor-sharp, surrealistic images were transformed into a muddy soup of hallucinatory drivel. The Beatles themselves were not immune from this creeping disease - witness 'I Am The Walrus' or 'Strawberry Fields Forever'. Even the lyricist, Keith Reid, would have difficulty explaining away a line like 'One of sixteen vestal virgins were leaving for the coast,' even in simple grammatical terms [Of course if you trouble to quote Reid's line correctly this 'objection' fades away! RC]. These songs stand or fall entirely on their musical content. In this respect 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' has weathered rather better than others of its generation. Trying to analyse the lyrics may seriously damage your mental health.

Andrew Laycock, Tavistock, Devon.

*

'A WHITER Shade Of Pale' is a 1960s reading of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Miller's Tale et al.

Dave Lee, Kidsgrove, Stoke.

*

'A WHITER Shade Of Pale' is lyrically a pile of pretentious rubbish which makes the mistake of assuming the mantle of literature. Its chief problem is its lack of humour. 'I Am The Walrus' is a different kettle of custard. It is full of humour and, far from 'imitating Bob Dylan', its influences are Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll and Edgar Allen Poe - Lennon's favourite authors.

Paul Kennedy, London SE4.

*

THE LINES of the song have their origin in the same narcotic as inspired the title of the group, namely Latin lessons.

Tony Sudbery, Fulford, York


Ok: Thanks, Roland! :-)

Re: More 'Guardian' AWSoP lore: not all complimentary ... (Roland Clare)
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 1998 05:22:58 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Thanks for posting the AWSoP discussion in The Guardian. So it's just about the words! I don't get hot and bothered over the _Words_! ;-)

It's just nice to see all the interest in AWSoP after all these years.

Thanks also for posting that Swiss review of PS. FINALLY someone in the press has owned up about that Drumming!


Note: Two astute Prodigal Stranger reviews

Re: Ok Thanks, Roland! :-)
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 1998 01:43:27 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
The Swiss review I mentioned in my post above - which characterized that {{{drumming}} so well, is at:

http://www.procolharum.com/ps-review.htm

And now there's another excellent review of that CD by Simon Hinkler:

http://www.procolharum.com/ps-review2.htm

in which my favorite passage is as follows:

"....Matthew Fisher plays Hammond organ in preference to modern synthy noises."

I'm so sorry PH chose to use ANY synths at All - on the CD or in their LIVE shows! Their 90's lineup boasts a PERFECT sound with Gary's great piano and Matthew's magic touch on that Hammond -- any other keyboards just interfere with the perfection and wimp out the sound. The cold digital mix on Prodigal Stranger was a major disappointment to me, and Hinkler seemed to echo those sentiments in his review.

I'd love to hear a synth-less LIVE show from the 90's PH someday, in addition to their releasing some of their *Fantastic* Vintage ('60's and '70's -- WITH BJW) synthless LIVE shows remastered to do their sound justice - as Jimmy Page recently did for his band.

 

Question: Broken Barricades

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 19:10:51 GMT
From: Steve G. <griswol@hsd.utc.com>
Does anyone know where I can get a copy of (CD only) Broken Barricades? If so pls E-mail me at griswol@hsd.utc.com

Ok: Broken Barricades

Re: Question Broken Barricades (Steve G.)
Date: Mon, 02 Feb 1998 11:47:11 GMT
From: <wlaz@ursus.ar.lublin.pl>
I believe this title will soon be available since Mobile Fidelity has already made some steps to re-release it.

Best, Piotr Wlaz


Broken Barricades

Re: Ok Broken Barricades
Date: Mon, 02 Mar 1998 18:31:01 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
FYI, I contacted MFSL, and they claim they have no plans to reissue it.

Question: Broken barricades

Re: Broken Barricades (Steve G.)
Date: Fri, 04 Feb 2000 15:20:42 GMT
From: David <Starritt@bigfoot.com>
My 12" is on Chrysalis
Is this unusual?

Starritt@bigfoot.com

Ok: Philip K. Dick, Theodore Sturgeon and Procol Harum in the Same Article!! :-)

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 02 Feb 1998 05:49:02 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
I've only had time to skim that great new article at

http://www.procolharum.com/marcelo1.htm

but I'm totally IMPRESSED that my 2 favorite science fiction authors - P.K. Dick and Theodore Sturgeon - are featured!!! I always wondered if Keith Reid might be a P.K.Dick fan - I wouldn't be surprised!!

Another PKD/PH connection is that Paul Williams - the journalist, not the singer - who wrote the liner notes to SOB - was also the literary executor for PKD, and wrote a monumental article about PKD for Rolling Stone in the '70's.

Paul's magazine Crawdaddy is now being published as a mail order, and back issues are also available - including issue #12 which contained a rave review of Prool's First. I think Paul's Crawdaddy Site is at:

http://www.cdaddy.com

Anyway - Thanks to Roland and Marcello for that exciting new piece I'm looking forward to reading!!


Ok: COMPLETE Goldmine Review of Westside Box Set!!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 1998 00:50:47 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
We were right about that 1/98 review in Goldmine by Brad Bradberry -- see

http://www.procolharum.com/gold455.htm

It WAS cut off in the middle by accident!! Thanks to Editor Greg Loeshcher, the review in its ENTIRETY is printed in the 2/27 issue of Goldmine - #459 - Bill Wyman on the cover. The missing pieces include praises for HOME and Disc 3 -- all in all a GREAT review!! Many thanks, Brad, I hope you come visit us here at BtP someday!

Incidentally, Brad calls the instrumental AWSoP on Disc #3 a "dub version" - reggae lingo I believe.  I wonder if he's a reggae fan as I am.  If so he'd probably have enjoyed the reggae style revamping of Boredom that PH performed in the 90's..
 

Idea: Untitled

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 15 Feb 1998 16:32:32 GMT
From: <unknown>
why is it that where are some poeople in the free world that dose not unstand this very talent group. in order to understand them 1st you must be of clear mind and with the one that you love. with this you can truely become a fan of them

Question: EASTER ISLAND CD

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 15:26:53 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Does anyone have knowledge of this cD? I've spotted it in some online CD shops. I'ts supposedly live from a Fillmore show in 1969. I'd like to know the track listing, and the overall sound quality....also is it 1 or 2 discs? I had the thrill of seeing PH live in Provincetown about that time and they were KILLER. Saw them again in 1971 at URI (with Dave Ball) and it was a much tamer experience.

Feedback: Easter Island

Re: Question EASTER ISLAND CD (Steve G.)
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 17:39:32 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Well, I'll answer my own question, since I just got a copy two days ago. The track listing is Conquistador Chelsea's Tune Kaleidoscope Homburg Repent Walpurgis Shine On Brightly Going Down Slow Juicy John Pink Cerdes Skip Softly Crucifixion Lane Wishing Well Rambling On Whiter Shade of Pale. The sound quality is well above average for a bootleg (good balance, some hiss), and performance is HOT!

Feedback: "Chelsea's Tune" = Fisher's Stoke Poges

Re: Feedback Easter Island (Steve G.)
Date: Mon, 02 Mar 1998 02:05:29 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Steve! Glad you're enjoying Easter Island - wish PH would get ahold of a remastered state-of-the-art version and release it commercially! The balance on my copy is off - Gary and especially BJ aren't loud enough. There's some fantastic playing on it - esp. Fisher and Trower!

Wanted to let you know that what's called "Chelsea's Tune" on there -- isn't - I don't know Where they got that title. The piece is MF's beautiful instrumental "Stoke Poges" that for some reason was never released - I believe it was an out-take from ASD.. As with Long Gone Geek - I wish it had been on that album - instead of ...say Too Much Between Us and Crucifiction Lane if they had to make space..

If by any chance you paid someone for Easter Island - remember that PH get no royalties -- in a way that's their OWN FAULT for not releasing their LIVE material Themselves...grr..... but I suggest they be compensated by buying one of their commercially available CD's -- preferably one of the first 3 albums, which feature the same lineup as Easter Island.

BTW - another error on the liner notes to Easter Island is their listing of Chris Copping as being on those sessions - of course he wasn't - the lineup was: Brooker, Fisher, Wilson, Trower, and Knights.


Feedback: Easter Island

Re: Feedback "Chelsea's Tune" = Fisher's Stoke Poges
Date: Mon, 02 Mar 1998 18:29:23 GMT
From: <SteveG.>
Thanx for the insights.....I kind of figured out the lineup by 'ear'.........what a live disk this would be if it were properly mastered! It's really a shame there's nothing commercially available other than the "Live with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra". The band toured incessantly, and it's hard to believe they didn't do some sound board recording.

As far as buying legit CD's, the only one I don't have now is the first one, which I can't find anywhere. I was fortunate last month to acquire a virgin MFSL version of Broken Barricades, still in the long box.


Note: LIVE PH and where to buy their first album

Re: Feedback Easter Island
Date: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 03:56:23 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Steve! You are So Right about wanting PH to release professionally mastered LIVE shows from their Vintage years! Yes they did some great recording for radio and TV -- I'm sure at least some of those master tapes are still available. My faves so far = WPLJ/NY - 1971 -- a tour de force for Trower and Wilson -- 5 BB songs and Juicy John Pink - all putting the album versions to Shame; British Biscuit, London 1976 - Great versions of All This and More, and ASD (Gorgeous work by BJW, no strings attached and No fake bird sounds); Welcome to the Grand Hotel -French TV 1973 and Rockpalast, German TV, 1976. And YES -- that Fillmore EAST material on Easter Island would be KILLER if remastered! The BBC sessions sound more lackluster to me, sadly.. altho the AWSoP is beautiful..

As to buying PH's First album - try CDNOW online store:

http://www.cdnow.com

And there are also the recent reissues - from Repertoire and Westside - also available at CDNow, but the Westside Box Set can be had at a more reasonable price elsewhere, I think -- e.g. Thoughtscape Records


First Album

Re: Note LIVE PH and where to buy their first album
Date: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 15:42:09 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Well, I decided to break down and buy the 30th Anniversary set.

I went to CDNOW, and the price for the first two CD's totalled about $26, At CD Universe I found the 3 disk set on sale for $30. Can't wait for it to arrrive. My "Home" actually is real good sound quality-wise,, my "Salty Dog" stinks, so I'm pretty excited to get all the remastered material.


Idea: Another Ticket to the Water

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 22:03:51 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
That Phonogram press release for Gary's 1982 solo album "Lead Me to the Water -- at

http://www.procolharum.com/gb_ltw_pr

was a bit misleading when it said that Eric Clapton participated in the recording sessions for that album. In fact, 2 songs on Lead Me To The Water were outtakes from Clapton's 1980 album "Another Ticket" -- Home Lovin' and what became the title track to Gary's album. This is documented in Marc Roberty's book "Eric Clapton The Complete Recording Sessions, in which Lead Me To the Water was Not listed as a Clapton session and those 2 songs were listed as outtakes from Another Ticket. I read in the Clapton bio "Crossroads" that Clapton's record company didn't want any songs on Another Ticket that weren't sung by Clapton, and that those songs (written by Gary) didn't sound commercial enough.

In fact I LOVE the song Lead Me To the Water - GREAT REGGAE!!!
 Clapton plays monster reggae style guitar on it,  showing
that he definitely learned a thing or 2 about reggae since "I
Shot The Sheriff"!  <G>.  I wonder what would've happened if
Clapton instead of Gary had sung that song on Another Ticket -
would the "suits" have accepted it for Eric's album then?
Perhaps.  And it may have even been a hit, which would have
benefitted Gary (the song's composer) as well as Eric.. I
think Clapton may have even sounded better than Gary on that
song.... yes I definitely think so....or --- to paraphrase
something Keith said about a PH song on the liner notes to a
recent reissue:
Lead Me To The Water - a GREAT tune!!  I just wish ERIC CLAPTN
had sung it!!  ;-)
 

Note: Whoops - URL Correction

Re: Idea Another Ticket to the Water
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 22:07:26 GMT
From: <unknown>
The correct URL:

http://www.procolharum.com/gb_ltw_pr.htm


More: AARRGH!! Let's try that last part again...

Re: Idea Another Ticket to the Water
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 22:27:39 GMT
From: <jem33@aol.com>
....to paraphrase something Keith said about Gary and a PH song on the liner notes to a recent reissue:

Lead Me To The Water... a GREAT tune!! I just wish ERIC CLAPTON had sung it!


Question: sheet music for Quite rightly so

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: quite rightly so
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 19:00:48 GMT
From: ted lee fisher <august2@wwa.com>
i am looking for sheet music or tab for the music on SHINE ON BRIGHTLY especially "quite rightly so", any help would be greatly appreciated. ted lee fisher

Feedback: It's all there to be sought

Re: Question sheet music for Quite rightly so (ted lee fisher)
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 15:23:38 GMT
From: Roland, BtP <Roland>
There might be some help on

http://www.procolharum.com/andrews.htm

or

http://www.procolharum.com/note_paper.htm


Question: Mickey Jupp

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: jupp
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 20:02:03 GMT
From: Mikael Werkelin <mikael.werkelin@mbox301.swipnet.se>
Hi. I am about to write something for BtP regarding the excellent songwriter/singer/guitarist/pianist Mickey Jupp and all Procol's that has been involved in his carrere. Trower, Brooker, Fisher, Knights, Reid, Solley, Grabham, Wilson, Bronze & Copping has all contributed in some way or another. Mickey is also from Southend, and maybe that explain all these connections. Anyone who knows more about this?

Heresies - Dare We Speak Them?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 02:26:20 GMT
From: Jerry Sander <jsander1@juno.com>
I've been patiently -- and appreciatively -- receiving and reading postings from the online Procol group at procol@progrock.org (though I can't find a way to post this back to all); I hope you all get this somehow!
Before I commit my heresies, let me establish my being a member of the fold.  I've been hooked since age 14; I was dismayed to learn that not every song on A Salty Dog was like The Devil Came From Kansas.  Being a good 14 year old (into Jimi Hendrix, The Doors), I hated the album for a few years.  Then loved it.  Everything I didn't like about it I came to love.  A Salty Dog and Pilgrim's Progress most of all.  But then every song grew on me.  I was hooked.  I've since woven Procol into my life in a daily/weekly way, which -- at age 43 -- would, I think, qualify me as some sort of advanced fan, if not fanatic.  But what I'm about to say now NEEDS to be said, given the quasi-religious tone which so many mailings/postings/musings have struck me as full of....Again: there are few greater fans of the band.  I play A Salty Dog on the piano (yes, in the key of C#) several times a week, and I run through A Rum Tale to unwind a lot (even remembering the "middle transposed part" which Gary reportedly couldn't remember in Denmark during a TV performance/interview); I formed a group in college to perform many of their songs live for a winter project (The Oberlin Rock and Roll Consortium, 1977)(we did everything from A Rum Tale to In Held Twas In I and most of tje Grand Hotel album...even Beyond the Pale!).  I
tracked down Matthew's solo albums years ago and, of course, bought Gary's.  I was saddened by B.J.'s death and listen to
Joe Cocker's "Just Like a Woman" just to hear another Procol-cut.  So I think I qualify as a member of this group of fans.
	But here's what needs to be said:
	1) When this band clicked, they were sheer genius; they clicked a lot.
	2) When Procol "missed", they did so by such a wide margin that it became almost hard to believe they were the same people who could be so brilliant.  The variation in quality was stunning.
	3) Of course almost anything Gary turns out (with that voice!), featuring a Hammond organ in the background with some
thundering drums will "pass" as "a Procol song" for the next several decades, but this is unfortunately too-accomodating a standard.  Most of his solo material has been plodding, without-spark or inspiration, bleak-when-not-weighted-with-religiosity and....just not so much fun.  I felt like it was far far from his R & B roots and usually far far away from the
dramatic tensions that held every early Procol album so tightly to the mark.  In short: he needed Matthew (and whatever creative rivalries, competition, friendly or otherwise) more than he knew.
	4) The same applies for Robin Trower.  Of course any long-standing fan would listen to the albums and wonder just how long the "chemistry" could hold, because it was obvious this wasat least "two-bands-being-held-together-temporarily-as one"
given the way Robin was begging to cut loose.  The tension, once again, on the early albums, was strong and worked beautifully.  But you could hear that he had to leave the band.  If only he stayed....if only he could have.
	5) Gary consistently -- and historically -- does not "get" that Matthew Fisher was not a "major contributor" to the band, but WAS half the band.  This may be a willful point of view on GB's part, or maybe self-serving ignorance.  To the amazement of many fans Gary still relates to Matthew as if he were a "guest artist" sitting in "with the group", instead of "the other half of the group".  None of this is to leave out B.J., or RT.  I believe that Matthew, himself, may have come to accept this fundamental distortion as well.  Gary's typically British understatement re: this issue is polite, charming, funny and....false.  He can believe what he wants.  To me, most of the time when Procol "worked" it was with Matthew holding up the other end.  There have been lovely exceptions -- most of Grand Hotel --but Gary needs a "non-Gary" in the band much, much more than he knows..
SPECIFIC HERESIES:
	1) Lime Street Blues is -- and always was --atrocious.  It is embarassing to listen to and could have easily served as a background sound-track song for AUSTIN POWERS.  The only other song it matches in its level of insipid "grooviness", in the most dated of 60's fashion (dated, that is, by the time it was released) is "Kaleidoscope".  Try watching AUSTIN POWERS and turning down the sound and playing THAT song.  "Yeah, baby..."
	2) "Home" is one of the most depressing albums of the second half of the 20th century.  Some nice piano sounds, but...so what?  The worst of Brooker's self-indulgences added to the most depressed aspects of Matthew's personality (as a Producer) added to we-should-all-go-kill-ourselves lyrics from KR.  Thanks, Keith!  Where are the seagull-sounds when we need them?
    -- Again, REMINDER: I regard this band as having been capable of BRILLIANCE.  And even -- God forbid, for a British band of this gravity -- humor.  (Good Captain Clack, a lot of Exotic Birds...)

3) the "Worm & The Tree" epic: "somethings better left unsaid?" No comment. Not fair to take apart the band in the post-Procol-Procol period.

4)  I just listened to Prodigal Stranger again.  Folks, "Learn to Fly," is one of the stupidest songs I've come across since the "Rocky Theme Song".  It is unthinkable that this was from a band which produced AWSoP and ASD.  And the lyrics -- often a difficult point for many songs which used to work, somehow--
are over-the-edge in their 1980's "go-for-it!" inspirational-blah-de-blah nothingness.  Incredibly awful.  Consider this:
	"Learn to fly
     Where eagles only dare to try
     We're on the wing
	 We dare to win
     We see the future and
     We're going to make it..."

The only reason this song hasn't been picked up by the U.S. Air Force as a theme song for military recruitment is because the music is so bad.

So...there we go, folks. I feel better. Please consider this as an antidote to the religious overkill afforded Messrs. Brooker, Reid et.al....I would go anywhere to hear them as a band again, and I would be ecstatic if they would give Matthew the writing credit he deserved and generally evolve into wonderful people in this latter part of their lives.....to match the wonderful music they've shared with us....

But let us remember: they are human and their failures are as real and profound as any the rest of us make. I hope you have enough of a sense of humor to understand where this all is coming from.

No flaming, please? I come in friendship. And this is my wife's e-mail account. My name is Jerry Sander. I can be reached either here or at jsander1@juno.com.

Anyone who passes this on to Gary or the discussion group I can't seem to figure out how to post to will get bonus points.

Peace, love, understanding (and a critical ear and brain),

   Jerry

A lot of my message was botched by my computer...

Re: Heresies - Dare We Speak Them? (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 16:46:19 GMT
From: Jerry Sander <mbrowne@warwick.net>
I hate computers. But I use them. A lot of my message was abbreviated/cut off...out, missing. I'll try to retype them sometime...send them to the procol discussion group...frustrating these machines....hope you got the jist of all this.

Jerry


Ok: YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!

Re: Heresies - Dare We Speak Them? (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 19:17:52 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
FANTASTIC POST, JERRY!! I'll write more soon when I can collect my thoughts...

Best, Joan :-)


Disagree: home

Re: Heresies - Dare We Speak Them? (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 00:10:41 GMT
From: <mikelee@eclipse.co.uk>
Sure you could read Home as depressing. Alternatively you could think of it as positive - just think how lucky you are
and why are you feeling so damned sorry for yourself!!
Judging off the album cover it's probably not meant to be
taken too seriously!
just listen closely to Robin's guitar on Whaling Stories and
it's one of the most creative peaces of music ever.
Maybe in a way i thought Exotic Birds and Fruit better. That
was probably from having heard "Beyond the Pale" live.
Mike

Further Heresies

Re: Heresies - Dare We Speak Them? (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 02:39:30 GMT
From: Jerry Sander <mbrowne@warwick.net>
What had been omitted from my original posting: I discovered Procol at age 14, wanting every song on ASD to sound like The Devil Came From Kansas. I was disappointed to hear all the organ/piano/poetry stuff and put the album in the back of my collection and returned to my Jimi Hendrix, Doors and Steppenwolf albums. Later found my self irresistably drawn to the exact stuff I had previously hated. My favorites became A Salty Dog and Pilgrim's Progress. I now regularly play all these songs on the piano to unwind. I play A Rum's Tale pretty well (and DON'T accept that the middle-part of the song, the transposition, is for the "benefit" of the soloing; it is tricky, though, and Gary just probably forgot it in Denmark for that TV show...)

Anyway...I hunted down Matt's solo albums (even when my fiancee returned from London with a copy of "Wild Man Fisher's" recent album....I hated to disappoint her, and I appreciated the gesture. I still have the album. MF it is not.

What I said about "Lime Street Blues" is that it was so bad that it was INSTANTLY dated by the time it was released. The song could really be on the soundtrack to AUSTIN POWERS; watch the movie, turn down the sound and bring up "Lime Street". Ditto "Kaleidiscope". "Yeah, baby...". Groovy.

I also said that Broken Barricades may have been their peak and was generally not recognized as it should have been. Power Failure was brilliant.

And Prodigal Stranger was a very mixed bag. Some awful, dumb stuff mixed with authentically exciting stuff. "Learn to Fly" is the absolute pits, and it is hard to believe Keith Reid's lyrics have sunk this low. My comments re: the U.S. Air Force rejecting the song still stand.

I can't remember what else got jumbled by my computer. "Home" is an awfully depressing album; I think I hold KR most responsible for that, though the truly-depressed part of him must have interacted somehow with the truly-depressed side of Gary to form quite an intense little doom-and-gloom item which is about as exciting to listen to as the sound of your own hand getting slowly mangled by a coffee-bean grinder. "Whaling Stories" excepted. Which just proves my theory about genius alternating with embarassment.

Peace, Love, Understanding,

Jerry


Disagree: Re: Heresies

Re: Further Heresies (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker;
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 22:55:10 GMT
From: Annabel Gill <grushenka@usa.net>
I agree with you about Learn To Fly (I think there are about ten seconds of good music on that album) and some of your other points, but Broken Barricades Procol's peak? Ouch. I can't even listen to that album, it's terrible. I think Home, however, is by far one of their best. I think that a lot of people can't handle death and the like, so anything that actually deals with it directly depresses them or makes them uncomfortable. Despite Mr. Reid's partial incoherency on that point in regards to Home, he made a good point, that it's not meant to be depressing, it's just a reflection of the truth. You may not particularly enjoy the album, but don't dismiss it just because it's not all flowers and sunshine. The whole concept of death is something people need to work out for themselves in whatever way, and Home, it seems to me, was how Reid (and Brooker) did that.

-Annabel


Disagree: Lime Street Blues

Re: Further Heresies (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 17:47:56 GMT
From: Matt Walsh <MoodyMattW@hotmail.com>
I think you're taking Lime Street Blues a little too seriously. I think that it was meant to be a light and humorous alternative to the raw power of AWSoP. I happen to think that Lime Street is hilarious, and I find Gary's piano and especially the lyrics to be a lot of fun. I equate this song with other light, bluesy songs like Mabel and Juicy John Pink: PH going back to their R&B roots and just jamming and having a good time. I like these tracks because they're light-hearted fun and they add variety. I don't really understand your Austin Powers analogy... but if Lime St. could be used in its soundtrack that's a compliment to its comic effect, as far as I'm concerned.

As far as Kaleidoscope goes... I'm indifferent toward that one.


Disagree: Heresies?

Re: Heresies - Dare We Speak Them? (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 20:08:38 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
First, I'd like to add comment that while depressing in words, Home contains some of the rockingest and most soulful music PH has ever created (About to Die/Still There'll Be More/Whisky Train). Morbidity was in fact pretty rampant in 1970 what with Vietnam, unemployment, and the 'realities' of drug abuse in our faces. Much of the best music of the period may indeed be classified as depressing.

I happen to like Broken Barricades a lot, but to me it's a different band than before. I don't think I'd go so far as to call it their best, anymore than I'd consider Abbey Road the best Beatles album. The individual performances were probably the best ever, but as a group......I think not.


Ok: HOME and BB

Re: Disagree Heresies? (Steve G.)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 19:42:20 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Annabel, Jerry, Steve and all!

I'm still collecting my thoughts about Jerry's monumental post, but here are a few on those 2 albums:

I LOVE the HOME album for its soulful melodies, great guitar and BJ being noticeable for the first time on most of an album - though I think he was still too soft on WS. I never noticed the depressing lyrics much because I don't listen for conceptual meaning when enjoying music - rather I just like the lyrics to scan well, sound musical, not say really bigoted or trite things, and perhaps evoke some perceptual images. I've written elsewhere at BtP abuut why I think KR wrote so much death related material on HOME - because he felt the "death" of PH as he knew and loved it, due to MF's leaving. I'm really glad I don't listen for meaning in song lyrics - except for Journey's End and I'll Be There - I very much regret not understanding the extreme anguish in those songs until just a year or 2 ago...

BB? I never much cared for it but found out that was due to the production, not the songs. I LOVE the 5 BB tunes as presented on the WPLJ radio show of 4/71 - shortly before RT left. Those 5 plus Juicy John Pink on WPLJ put the album versions to Shame and are a tour de force for RT and BJW! This gig tops my list for remastering and release - perhaps as Bonus Trax to a BB reissue.

Annabel - which 10 seconds do you like on Prodigal Stranger? Could they include the gorgeous Hammond ending to King of Hearts? For awhile that was the only part of that CD I liked - then trained myself to like a bit more.... i.e. most of MF's organ lines - listen for them, ignore the drums and synths, and the number of enjoyable seconds on there may increase a bit..

Please excuse inevitable typos - due to a combination of sticky WebTV keyboard, tiny tv screen with blurry text, and imperfect wetware as well.

Best, Joan :-)


Agree: BB

Re: Ok HOME and BB
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 14:30:45 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
You're correct about BB production quality.......I was fortunate enough to come across a virgin MFSL copy recently, and it's light years beyond the LP in quality....makes a world of difference! I'm curious about the radio broadcast you mentioned, is it available anywhere (bootleg, etc)?

Shine on, Steve


Ok: BB, continued....

Re: Agree BB (Steve G.)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 05:57:37 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Steve!

I didn't care for all the orchestration on BB, nor the repetitious instrumental interlude in Simple Sister, so the improved fidelity wouldn't interest me much. I prefer the HOT RAW LIVE versions of the title track, Simple Sister, Luskus Delph, Memorial Drive and Power Failure on the WPLJ show...

I also loved Gary's inter-song comments, and the audience's frequent shouting of "B.J.!!" and "Repent." The latter undoubtedly meant "Bring Back Matthew Fisher!" But as I've realized recently, thanks to Axel and Peer from Denmark,

http://www.procolharum.com/tivoli75.htm

Matthew's "unseen touch" was still there - influencing Chris' organ playing and Gary's songwriting. In fact, right before Chris began the organ solo for SOB, Gary shouted "Matthew -->!"

Email me for more info about WPLJ...

Best, Joan :-)


Prodigal Stranger

Re: Ok HOME and BB
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 22:15:42 GMT
From: Annabel Gill <grushenka@usa.net>
The ten seconds I was referring to is in King of Hearts, but it's in the middle (3:20), where there's a really classically-Procolish little bit with organ and then the guitar comes in--it actually only lasts about five seconds. However, now that I listen to it, that organ ending is really nice too. Listening to this album again, I might have been a little harsh on it (but only a little)--King of Hearts and All Our Dream Are Sold are actually decent songs, except for those bloody echoey drums.

-Annabel


Ok: Prodigal Stranger Once Removed

Re: Prodigal Stranger (Annabel Gill)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 19:57:10 GMT
From: Jim Krapf <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
To answer the discussion about whether or not Prodigal Stranger was a good/pleasing effort to PH fans I think many of us needed to take a step back and remove ourselves from our great expectations about the re-union of PH in 1991. I know when I first put on the CD in a fit of hyper excitement I was let down a bit because the Procol edge was missing. There was a refinement of purpose and perhaps a maturity of form that lacked the excitement of the original group and the ever mysterious/mystical bent many of those songs evoked. BJ's drumming was also sorely missed as his counterpont and flips seemed to drive the Procol sound as much as anything. However, after about the fifth or sixth play I started to accept the songs for what they were - Brooker/Reid with Fisher/Trower in a consolidated solo effort using the name Procol Harum as means to get a record deal. Having said that, I still think there are a number of fine songs that last the measure of time - "You Can't Turn Back the Page", "Holding On" and the title cut to name 3. The only weak song is "Learn to Fly" as most seem to agree on that one. I thought perhaps the boys were looking to score a Michael Jordan theme song for the NBA, or land a contract with the Air Force. But, hey, no band ever produced a gem every time out. All in all I think Prodigal Stranger is a fine addition to their catalog but not in the same vein as their earlier work. Procol Harum was a band set in time that produced songs that will last forever. Don't expect that sound to ever emerge again. I just hope more material comes out from those days especially the European gigs that have not be released. By the way, I love the HOME album and also Broken Barricades. The only thing wrong with BB is that it was too short. Jim Krapf

Feedback: Re: PS

Re: Ok Prodigal Stranger Once Removed (Jim Krapf)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 20:47:11 GMT
From: Annabel Gill <grushenka@usa.net>
As far as my own opinions on Prodigal Stranger, I don't think they're clouded by any great expectations--I was eight or nine years old when it came out, and I got that album along with the rest of them a year or two ago, pretty much all at the same time. My opinion on it is that it is very dated--yes, seven years after it came out; it was dated two years ago too. For the most part it's slick, early-ninties pop. It is the very opposite of most of their other albums, which are timeless.

Annabel


Excuse me...

Re: Prodigal Stranger (Annabel Gill)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 05:14:01 GMT
From: ethan reilly <unknown>
Okay, okay... BJ is gone, and no one can ever replace him.

And, I do not know why they seemingly chose to "downplay" what I consider to be MF's quintescential component, but it does seem that they did. Maybe someone thought that Hammonds weren't "90's". I don't know.

Look, they average listener doesn't understand the wide array of choices that have to be made. Sorry. No one wanted more dripping, rolling, flowing, and bloody well brilliant hammond organ on that recording than I, but hell - it wasn't my decision.

I'm just glad as hell that they made it. It's absolutely a work of art - at a time when art is definitely at a premium. Brooker's voice kills. It bloody well KILLS. It IS Procol - and I love it.

Yeah... I really miss BJ - who wouldn't? But the rest of the team evidently selected Brzezicki and he sounds just fine.

Who are we to know better than those, of whose music we are so enamored - I'd really like to know???

ethan reilly papa@abba@yahoo.com


Excuse me...

Re: Prodigal Stranger (Annabel Gill)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 05:14:47 GMT
From: ethan reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
Okay, okay... BJ is gone, and no one can ever replace him.

And, I do not know why they seemingly chose to "downplay" what I consider to be MF's quintescential component, but it does seem that they did. Maybe someone thought that Hammonds weren't "90's". I don't know.

Look, they average listener doesn't understand the wide array of choices that have to be made. Sorry. No one wanted more dripping, rolling, flowing, and bloody well brilliant hammond organ on that recording than I, but hell - it wasn't my decision.

I'm just glad as hell that they made it. It's absolutely a work of art - at a time when art is definitely at a premium. Brooker's voice kills. It bloody well KILLS. It IS Procol - and I love it.

Yeah... I really miss BJ - who wouldn't? But the rest of the team evidently selected Brzezicki and he sounds just fine.

Who are we to know better than those, of whose music we are so enamored - I'd really like to know???

ethan reilly papa@abba@yahoo.com


You're excused, you're excused <g>

Re: Excuse me... (ethan reilly)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:50:31 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Ethan! You wrote:

>>>I really miss BJ - who wouldn't? But the rest of the team evidently selected Brzezicki and he sounds just fine. <<<

Well he sounds like a machine to me. I didn't realize this at first -- though I knew something was wrong. It was only when listening to the songs focusing most of my attention on the drums that I noticed how mechanical they were.

The album began as a set of demos recorded with a drum machine (I think this was Procol's first mistake), and Mark could have studied those, not realizing the rare and glorious kind of drummer BJ was and that BJ's drumming was such an important part of Procol's sound - and so he probably emulated the drum machine, thinking that was the right thing to do. I can only speculate about why the band members didn't notice this; being distraught about the loss of BJ may have had something to do with it.   Mark's drumming is one of the reasons that PS sounds more like a Gary Brooker solo work than a Procol album.

I've heard a rumor that one song on PS actually still has the drum machine, and I've also heard that Mark says he plays on all the songs.. But both stories could be true. Mark sounds so much like a machine anyway that even he could have been fooled and not realized that the producers left the machine on that track.

Yes BJ is gone but another drummer can play the tunes with artistry -- one way would be to study BJ's work, as I wish all drummers would do. Graham Broad, for instance, comported himself beautifully at Redhill. Bill Eyden has also proven himself with Procol. I'm sure there are others.

IMO, the good parts of the album are Gary's strong vocals, Robin's guitar and Matthew's organ lines. The weak links are the drumming, and the substandard songs. Keith's words are totally ordinary and boring and most of the music is melodically uninteresting. Unlike all the other Procol albums, Gary only wrote the music for one of the songs by himself and he used outsiders as co-composers for almost half the songs... Matthew played some lovely organ, but has not yet been inspired to compose songs in the Procol style again; I think he would be so inspired if and when that terrible crediting injustice is corrected. It would also help if his late lamented Hammond were finally replaced.

>>>Who are we to know better than those, of whose music we are so enamored - I'd really like to know??? <<

Well it would be none of our business if they made the album only for their own private enjoyment, but in fact it was made to sell to us -- the public -- and so every one of us has a right to pass judgment on it.


Feedback: "Your Own Choice" (to "excuse" the "Prodigal Stranger"...)

Re: You're excused, you're excused <g> (Joan)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 03:59:09 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
Dear Fellow PH Fan...
	I had a feeling I’d be hearing from you - I’m still not 100% sure who you are.  I believe you signed your correspondence “g”.  I assume that you are the one to whom I was responding in the first place, with my email, “Excuse Me”.  Well, again... excuse me.
	I quite enjoy your passion.  We could use a lot more of it down here in my neck of the woods...
	So, let’s see what I can agree with in your note - and perhaps - what I cannot.

You wrote (of Mark Brzezicki - Drummer on “Prodigal Stranger”): “Well he sounds like a machine to me. I didn't realize this at first -- though I knew something was wrong. It was only when listening to the songs focusing most of my attention on the drums that I noticed how mechanical they were.”

	Firstly, if you are comparing Mark’s drumming to BJ’s - I agree 100% - Mark is far more metronomic than BJ.  For the most part, the “evolution” (for lack of a less "euphemistic" term) of pop music has seen a greater and greater emphasis on technical perfection, and indeed, most often, this has been at the expense of what I would call, “soul”.  However, in the broadest picture, in spite of his technical proficiency, I did not find this to be the case with MB’s performance on PS.

You continued, “The album began as a set of demos recorded with a drum machine (I think this was Procol's first mistake), and Mark could have studied those, not realizing the rare and glorious kind of drummer BJ was and that BJ's drumming was such an important part of Procol's sound - and so he probably emulated the drum machine, thinking that was the right thing to do. I can only speculate about why the band members didn't notice this; being distraught about the loss of BJ may have had something to do with it. Mark's drumming is one of the reasons that PS sounds more like a Gary Brooker solo work than a Procol album.”

	You raise many points.  If the album was recorded with a drum machine which was later replaced by Mark’s live performances as you suggest (especially if there were no tempo changes programmed into the tracks) this would indeed account for the sense that Mark has perfect time.  However, my guess is that Mark just happens to have rather faithful time anyway.
	I should explain, that for me - the first thing I noticed when I originally discovered the “Prodigal Stranger” CD in that little music store in Frankfurt, was the extremely disheartening absence of BJ on the project - and then to my horror, the “ominous” dedication.  I just stood there in shock - not wishing to believe.
	But, because BJ’s drumming was - as you so accurately put it - “rare and glorious”; because his magnificent passion was unparalleled - because he was indeed pop music’s only “orchestral percussionist - rock drummer - all rapped up in one”, I myself, was very relieved when it became evident to me, in listening to PS, that Mark was either a big BJ fan, or had been well coached in the “PH tradition” by the others.
	And whether you agree with my aforementioned judgment or not, I must say that the very notion, that the likes of Brooker, Reid, Fisher, and Tower could have somehow “failed to notice” what the drums on PS were sounding like - or that they could possibly, after all these years of brilliance, in the face of their combined, timeless, musical wizardry, be in any way, musically naive enough to have made some sort of inadvertent, or unthinking choice in the selection of their drummer, falls completely outside of the realm of logic.  (Once again, excuse me).

“I've heard a rumor that one song on PS actually still has the drum machine, and I've also heard that Mark says he plays on all the songs.. But both stories could be true. Mark sounds so much like a machine anyway that even he could have been fooled and not realized that the producers left the machine on that track.”

	It seems as though the one and only possibility you don’t wish to address here, is that of Brooker, Reid, Fisher, and Tower having made a sober and deliberate choice in this matter; a choice arising from the talent for which we love them so much, and the direction in which they wished to take this project - a decision with which they themselves in hindsight, are most likely, thoroughly pleased.

“IMO, the good parts of the album are Gary's strong vocals, Robin's guitar and Matthew's organ lines. The weak links are the drumming, and the substandard songs.”

	Oh dear me.  Are you one of these people who sits around listening to Procol Harum albums 24 hours a day, eight days a week?  You think the songs on PS are substandard?  Listen to all the other PH albums.  With perhaps the one exception of the original “Procol Harum” LP, I would venture to say that they are all “miscued” with “substandard songs”.  And so are EVERYONE else’s albums.  Might I suggest that you simply get over it?
	They’re not gods you know - geniuses perhaps - but not gods.  They’re entitled to their humanness - just as you and I are.  And moreover, they are entitled to embark upon any journey to which their own musical hearts lead them.  They are not responsible to remain eternally shackled to some sentimental image of what you and I might think PH “should be”, simply for the sake of our own nostalgic preoccupations.  They’ve paid their dues to us.  My CD collection is a testimony to that fact.  And if we don’t like their new directions, we can always choose not to follow...

“Keith's words are totally ordinary and boring and most of the music is melodically uninteresting.”

	Might I please ask you to reread your own statement here?  Keith Reid’s words on PS are most definitely NOT “totally ordinary” and neither is "most of the music melodically uninteresting”.  Neither does the drumming lack passion, hearteningly reminiscent of BJ as it is.
	Did they “miss the mark” here and there?  YES.  Just as they did on all the other albums.  Just as Mozart did for goodness sake!
	My dear fellow PH fan, I seriously doubt that Mark Brzezicki will soon apologize to you for not “being” BJ Wilson.  He is after all, Mark Brzezicki.  He plays with power - he’s solid, he has a great “tight” touch - and YES, I do miss BJ - GOD KNOWS I REALLY DO.  But not because of Mark’s presence on “Prodigal Stranger”.
	In closing, I will simply say, that just as he always has (and perhaps even more so than ever) - Gary Brooker sings absolutely fuckin’ brilliantly on the PS CD - Congratulations to him for his interminable spirit!  What an absolutely delicious and wonderful treat for all of us PH fans, and how utterly grateful I am for it!  And I do agree with you, in wishing that MF had left a vastly more definitive mark on this project, and I hold the hope that we will soon see the fullness of his MATCHLESS IMAGINATION in a brand new PH project.
	But, after all these years, the PS lyrics and music - for the greatest part - succeed quite favourably, in conjuring that same old faithful, dark and light - and truly scrumptious “PH” spirit.   I would NOT be without “Prodigal Stranger” in my collection.  I listen to it often.  Right now, in fact!

Ethan Reilly

Regensburg, Germany papa_abba@yahoo.com

P.S. You know my friend.. there might actually not BE a Mark Brzezicki. Indeed, there are some very good drum programmers out there... hmmm?


"My Own Blunder" ...sorry Robin...

Re: Feedback "Your Own Choice" (to "excuse" the "Prodigal Stranger"...) (Ethan Reilly)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 1998 04:47:08 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
So now you know that I am neurotic too...
	One hopes ya'll will forgive my 2x typo on robin tRower's name.  So much hasty copying and pasting...

papa e


Feedback: Further Excuses..

Re: Excuse me... (ethan reilly)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 02:36:08 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Ethan!

  >>>>I believe you signed your correspondence "g". <<

No -- my name is Joan May (Jem33@aol.com) and the <g> was a "grin" denoting my little joke about your duplicate post. Or did you already know that? <g>

 >>> I assume that you are the one to whom I was responding in the first place, with my email   <<

Nope -- that was someone else, I believe.

Most of our disagreements are matters of taste. I don't care for most of the music -- as I said almost half of which was co-composed by people outside of Procol Harum (Noble, Thompson), and I much prefer Keith's Vintage inspired surrealistic madness and Gonzo "shock jock" sensibilities to the current crop of platitudes on this album. I don't like metronomic mechanical sounding drummers like Mark -- though I have expressed my appreciation for Procol drummers other than the great BJ - i.e. Bill Eyden and Graham Broad. Simon Phillips is another of my favorites and he was considered for PS but he never got to audition -- they chose Mark, the first and only drummer they tried! Coincidentally, around the time this album was being conceived, Simon Phillips had a solo album out called "Protocol" which, of course, is an anagram for "To Procol." <g>

But I mainly want to address the following with some factual clarifications:

>>>>>                 I must say that the very notion, that the likes of Brooker, Reid, Fisher, and Trower could have somehow "failed to notice" what the drums on PS were sounding like - or that they could possibly, after all these years of brilliance, in the face of their combined, timeless, musical wizardry, be in any way, musically naive enough to have made some sort of inadvertent, or unthinking choice in the selection of their drummer, falls completely outside of the realm of logic ..<<<

First of all, Robin Trower had absolutely nothing to do with the production of this album and after it came out, he did everything he could to distance himself from the project. Originally it was assumed that Robin would tour with the group but he adamantly refused to do so - joining Bryan Ferry's band as a sideman instead. When questioned by the press about this, he was very gracious but did indicate that he wasn't given enough space to play to keep him interested, and he also said (in Record Collector, 1995) that, though Gary sang well, the demos sounded better to him than the finished product.

Gary and Matthew probably wouldn't agree with your opinions about their musical infallibility. Both of them have admitted to major errors and regrets on former projects -- Gary regarding the inclusion of some songs on Procol's Ninth -- Eight Days a Week and The Final Thrust - and of course the Worm fiasco on Something Magic -- he's expressed great remorse about that, his attitude being best summed up as "What was I Thinking??" -- i.e. he admitted that he _failed to notice_ how awful that piece sounded with him speaking, rather than singing, those words.   And Matthew..... well --- take a look at his 1995 interview in MOJO magazine entitled "The Part Timer" -- the one containing the sentence "I cringe at every record I ever made."

http://www.procolharum.com/mojo95_mf.htm

And here's a recent opinion of his about Prodigal Stranger: From Marcelo Pereira's 1998 Interview with Matthew Fisher http://www.procolharum.com/marcelo_mf02.htm : ".... I was very involved, although I didn't see all the tracks from their inception. My feeling is not that I didn't feel like a member of a group as much as it just wasn't a group. If the album sounds a bit too 'produced' I expect I'm as much to blame as anyone for that. With the benefit of hindsight I wouldn't want to do another album that way. ..From a strictly musical point of view, I suppose I wouldn't mind working on another Procol album if it could be more like a 'real band' (the way it used to be). "

That mirrors something I've frequently said about this album -- that it was Concocted on a Computer and you can Tell.   Matthew's words are very encouraging to me -- perhaps there could actually Be a 'real band' Procol album in the future, especially if that terrible crediting injustice is finally corrected.

Best, Joan :-)


Feedback: Quite Rightly So...

Re: Feedback Further Excuses.. (Joan)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 04:07:59 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
Dear Joan!
	How nice to at last meet meet you personally!  (as it were)  Clearly you have your PH research down well, and indeed, you and I do share a great fondness for the Procol Harum.
	Interesting to learn of Trower’s “distancing” himself from the PS project, but not surprising.  Likewise with Fisher’s comments.  If you read my last communique, you’ll see that I felt his “distance” too on the project.
	I guess my main point is that I would really like to leave these reflections up to PH themselves.
	And again, if I myself were to comment (as I am prone to do) I would say that Reid’s words did still shine through faithfully on PS - and that Gary’s voice just cripples me.  And also, that everso thankfully, the PS project - in spite of the “shortcomings” expressed by Fisher and “tRower” - nevertheless, gives ME (if not yourself) “PROCOL HARUM ONCE MORE” (even in these seemingly musically barren ‘90’s).
	Anyway, I feel certain that you and I seek out many of the same kinds of musical objectives.  And while I for one, do not want to return to an era which has already been and gone - I nevertheless would be thrilled by a CD that reflects the hunger of those “60’s, splintered-bone-juting-through-raw-flesh-days”.
	I’ll tell you this: It can happen again.  Fisher is brilliant.  Brooker’s voice absolutely kills - incontrovertibly, even to this day - and it is a definitive tribute to one who indeed “pushes the limits” as he does.  Trower is as raw and bluesy as ever... and Keith Reid has probably got shit is his drawer, that would render all of us speechless...  which might, perhaps... not be such a bad consequence!

Ethan

P.S. Speaking of “mechanical” and “metronomic” components, I would love to send you a copy of my “fully computer generated” CD, “A SALTY SEQUENCE” PH Tribute. If you are interested, drop me a line at: papa_abba@yahoo.com


PH are everything to me

Re: Disagree Heresies? (Steve G.)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Thu, 25 Nov 1999 23:51:17 GMT
From: <unknown>
 

Disagree: Methinks you complain too much.

Re: Heresies - Dare We Speak Them? (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 1999 10:36:15 GMT
From: Paul <burtwebb@hotmail.com>
Yes, Procol Harum produced their share of less than inspired material, but to hark on about it as much as you did strikes me as a bit paltry, even allowing for your intention of using your posting as an antidote to any sycophancy that might have started to appear on this forum.  By the way, 'Broken Barricades' was produced by Chris Thomas and not by Matthew Fisher, someone you perhaps hold in too high regard.

Yours,
Paul

More: 'Home' not B.B.

Re: Heresies - Dare We Speak Them? (Jerry Sander)
Keywords: Procol Harum; Gary Brooker; Heresies
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 08:18:21 GMT
From: Paul <burtwebb@hotmail.com>
It was of course 'Home' and not 'Broken Barricades' in which you erroneously credited Matthew Fisher as the producer.

Paul

Question: Sheet Music

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 13:45:10 GMT
From: Chris Savage <sidsavage@aol.com>
I'm lloking to buy piano sheet music (not wsop unless album), if you know where I can get hold of this precious commodity I'd very much appreciate it.

Chris Savage (sidsavage@aol.com


More: It's all there to be sought

Re: Question Sheet Music (Chris Savage)
Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 09:18:34 GMT
From: <roland@procolharum.com>
There might be some help on

http://www.procolharum.com/note_paper.htm

or

http://www.procolharum.com/andrews.htm


Question: Pink Harum

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 02 Apr 1998 05:00:41 GMT
From: Mikael Werkelin <mikael.werkelin@mbox301.swipnet.se>
Hi! Just read in the Mojo magazine about Pink Floyd and "Dark Side Of The Moon". That reminded me of the track "The Great Gig In The Sky". Many years ago I listened to a bootleg of "Dark Side Of The Moon", recorded live before the release of the studio album. The song mentioned above then had some clear similarities to "Whaling Stories". Anyone out there who can explain this?

No More Fear

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 17:35:51 GMT
From: Jim Krapf <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Howdy Doody all ye Procol nuts. Just purchased No More Fear of Flying CD with two bonus tracks and had to declare to someone who might understand my thrill at hearing those wonderful songs again. I remember the first time I heard No More Fear of Flying I was living in Seattle and heard it played on a community radio station. The DJ came on after and said, "Hey that sounded pretty good, let's hear that again". And he played it a second time. The title track is good enough to have been on a PH album but GB is a class act as a balladier. His 3 solo albums all 3 years apart are all good but I think this one is the best. The bonus tracks are great with the SS Blues evidently his first foray into words and music since his days with The Paramounts. I'm out on a limb here. Can anyone shoot me down? By the way, I really loved GB's words on "Hear What You're Saying" from the Echoes in the Night album which was a collaboration with Mathiew Fisher and probably just as good if not better than NMFOF. Hope it comes out soon! Love and peace Jim Krapf email jk3343@iw.edwpub.com

Question: Dave Ball

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Dave Ball
Date: Tue, 07 Apr 1998 20:33:11 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
It was nice to see the notes from Dave. I had the pleasure of seeing the band with him at the University of RI in 1971 (right around the Edmonton Symphony recording...I think it was the same tour).

I've been trying for years to find a copy of the Bedlam LP. He played with them briefly after PH........with the (today, I'm sad to report) deceased Cozy Powell. Some of those tunes "Whiskey and Wine", "I don't Feel So Good" still stick in my mind after over 25 years. Anyone know if this material can be found?


Sad: Cozy Powell, admirer of B.J. Wilson, RIP :.-(

Re: Question Dave Ball (Steve G.)
Keywords: Dave Ball
Date: Wed, 08 Apr 1998 01:58:57 GMT
From: Joan <unknown>
Hi Steve!

I'm glad you mentioned Cozy Powell. I was so sorry to read of his death -- in alt.rock-n-roll.classic -- of an auto accident. Powell was a master drummmer, the only prominent drummmer to praise BJW in print SO FAR -- see the HISTORY ->Letters to Editors Section here at BtP.


Cozy

Re: Sad Cozy Powell, admirer of B.J. Wilson, RIP :.-( (Joan)
Keywords: Dave Ball
Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 11:27:51 GMT
From: Steve <unknown>
Joan, I couldn't find the note you referred to.

Feedback: Correct Cozy Powell/BJW LINK

Re: Cozy (Steve)
Keywords: Dave Ball
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 01:29:41 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Steve!

Yes that letter from Cozy in praise of BJ is in the History section on "artciles," rather than letters to editors"... the Octopus in the Hot Bath article to be exact.

Here's the URL:

http://www.procolharum.com/press3.htm

It's also LINKED to BJ's page --

http://www.procolharum.com/procolbj.htm

Best, Joan

RIP Cozy and B.J.


Question: Robin's Last Stand

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 18:37:28 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Is anyone familiar with a Japanese CD titled "Robin's Last Stand"? It purportedly is live 1971 material from the UK and Stockholm.

Feedback: Robin AND Dave - LIVE with PH in 1971

Re: Question Robin's Last Stand (Steve G.)
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 07:24:43 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
That's partly the great WPLJ, NYC, 4/12/71 - but only some of it - sadly Luskus Delph and Power Failure aren't there; neither is ASD but that performance is no great loss. The sound isn't too bad but there are skips and other flaws. The 2nd half of the CD is with Dave Ball - probably one of his first gigs with PH, probably Stockholm, 1971. Included is much of the Beat Workshop repertoire, including Autumn and Grand Finale - and it was good to hear GF without the orchestra and choir, even though it was Copping and not Fisher.

The liner notes and cover photos are full of errors. The photos are of the Fisher PH incarnation - sort of the opposite of the Easter Island error which pictured and named Copping by mistake. I LOVE the cover photo - the same one that's in the Westside Box, with Dave K. looking sleepy, Robin impish, and Matthew eyeing Gary with an...interesting expression on his face.

I think it's worth getting - but recommend compensating the band by also buying an extra copy of a legitimate PH CD.

And PH -- why not release a really Quality copy of most of WPLJ???


Question: Robin and Dave

Re: Feedback Robin AND Dave - LIVE with PH in 1971 (Joan)
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 14:23:55 GMT
From: <unknown>
Joan, Thanx for the input, I've ordered a copy...can you tell me the track listing (to whet my appetite whilst I await it's arrival)?

I'm not a real big fan of post-RT PH, but I did see them in 1971 with Dave Ball, and was quite impressed.


Feedback: Track List for Robin's Last (and Dave's First? <g>) Stand...

Re: Question Robin and Dave
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 02:07:37 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Firstly I goofed in my last message when I said it was good to hear Grand Finale wihout orchestra and choir. Of course I meant without just the CHOIR... Duh! The original GF with Fisher Had no orchestra, thank goodness...

As to that track list - the titles on the cover aren't quite accurate. I Think the following are:

Excerpts from WPLJ Radio/NYC/4/12/71: Memorial Drive, Still There'll Be More; Nothing That I Didn't Know; Shine On Brightly (listen for Gary's shout of "Matthew--->!" right before Chris plays Matthew's organ solo (and does Not sound the same..); Broken Barricades; Whaling Stories (with jazzy intro); JUICY JOHN PINK! (WoWWWWW);

Excerpts from show with Dave Ball - probably Stockholm, 1971: All This and More; Quite Rigtly So; Pilgrim's Progress; In the Autumn of my Madness; Look To Your Soul; Grand Finale. ----------------------

That's it. The missing tracks from WPLJ are GREAT versions of Luskus Delph and Power Failure; an OK Whisky Train, and an A Salty Dog where Gary sings horribly FLAT....


Feedback: Untitled

Re: Feedback Track List for Robin's Last (and Dave's First? <g>) Stand... (Joan)
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 14:12:28 GMT
From: <unknown>
Thanx!!! I'll let you know what I think of it next week.

Question: Time zone

Re: Feedback Track List for Robin's Last (and Dave's First? <g>) Stand... (Joan)
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 14:17:00 GMT
From: <unknown>
Hi again, just curious, where are you posting from (location)?

I just noticed your reply (thanx again) was posted today at 2:07 GMT.......heads a little fuzzy this morning, but I think that makes it about 9PM thursday here on the east coast.


Feedback: More tracks and info on Robin's Last (and Dave's First) Stand

Re: Feedback Track List for Robin's Last (and Dave's First? <g>) Stand... (Joan)
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 17:43:30 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I noticed I omitted a couple of tracks from my list in the previous post:

(RT/WPLJ section): Simple Sister -- great Lean and Powerful version without that (imo) dull and superfluous instrumental interlude. WoW -- does BJW play this one up a Storm!! Ditto RT!!!!

(Dave Ball section): Magdalene (My Regal Zonophone).

There's a review of this CD in the 8/98 issue of Discoveries Magazine by the great Brad Bradberry who has written so many complimentary articles about PH for Goldmine magazine. (Jeff Tamarkin - another PH fan and expert - used to be the Editor of Goldmine but now works for Discoveries).


Question: WHO is this CHRISTIAN KABITZ anyway.....??? and WHY did he arrange the Sympnonic RW??

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 02 May 1998 21:04:53 GMT
From: Joan <jem33@aol.com>
I just noticed in the Symphonic liner notes that Repent
Walpurgis was arranged by one Christian Kabitz (not to be
confused with Lenny Kravitz? <G>) and that said Kabitz only
arranged that One song.  That makes me wonder -- who is that
Kabitz guy, and Why was HE chosen to do the arrangement???
 Why not the Composer Himself - MF of course - who's done many
orchestral arrangements -- and if not MF, why not Gary or
Maestro Dodd??  
Of course I don't think the symphonic RW would've been much
better no matter who arranged the orchestra because -- as
someone pointed out on the PH email list -- the church organ
was invented as a Substitute for an orchestra and both
together are redundant - one always interferes with the other.
 Have there been any 'concertos for church organ and
orchestra'?  I don't think so.  The best one could hope for -
if an orchestra MUST be added to RW  (WhY?....  WHY????)  -
would be if it just Shut UP during all the organ parts and
came in to play the Ave Maria during the piano interlude...

But I digress... I think a symphonic RW -- if one must be recorded -- should, out of respect for the Composer, have been arranged by him -- or he should've been given 'first crack' at doing so. Can someone ask Gary why this wasn't done? And why Kabitz was chosen?

And.....just who IS this Christian Kabitz, ANYWAY???? Any info on him would be appreciated.


More: More on Kabitz

Re: Question WHO is this CHRISTIAN KABITZ anyway.....??? and WHY did he arrange the Sympnonic RW?? (Joan)
Keywords: Kabitz, Walpurgis
Date: Sun, 03 May 1998 16:15:59 GMT
From: Roland <Roland>
>Just who IS this Christian Kabitz, ANYWAY???? Any info on him would be appreciated.

See http://www.procolharum.com/barbicprog.htm

>someone pointed out on the PH email list -- the church organ was invented as a Substitute for an orchestra

Though some might not agree ...

>If an orchestra MUST be added to RW ... to play the Ave Maria during the piano interlude

I'd be happier never again to hear that Gounod kitsch slopped over the top of Bach's prelude.

>Can someone ask Gary why this wasn't done? And why Kabitz was chosen?

We might speculate that part of the reason for the Kabitz arrangement's being used on the Symphonic recording was that it existed already, so nobody had to be paid to do it!


College Student Kabitz arranged RW for his University Thesis in Germany

Re: More More on Kabitz (Roland)
Keywords: Kabitz, Walpurgis
Date: Sun, 03 May 1998 18:03:39 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
The Barbican pages tell us that Kabitz arranged RW for a university thesis. The quesion remains -- why was this college student's arrangement used for the Symphonic album?

It may have only been a question of money, but "you gets what you pays for" as they say. And all the other songs on the album were arranged by the composer (Gary) or the orchestral conductor (Maestro Dodd or Darryl Way).

I still think - barring further explanatory information - that MF should have at least been Asked to do the arrangement. It's an insult to the song and the composer if the only reason that an amateur's arrangement was used - on that song and no other on the album - was because of the money.


Note: Orchestral Repent

Re: College Student Kabitz arranged RW for his University Thesis in Germany (Joan)
Keywords: Kabitz, Repent Walpurgis, Matthew Fisher
Date: Tue, 05 May 1998 20:25:42 GMT
From: Annabel Gill <aggill@yahoo.com>
Beyond the fact that Mr. Fisher didn't arrange this version of his masterpiece (and I agree that's weird and he should have done it), I think the Orchestral version is suberb. It isn't quite up there with the original, but it really is a piece of work. I think Mr. Kabitz did a fine job within the parametres of it being orchestrated, the violins and church organ being especially lovely touches. The only real fault I can find on his part is the Bach interlude not being played on the piano. The only other problems I see with it are the damn drummer, who could have learned a lot from listening to BJ Wilson's playing on the original, and Robin Trower, who could have learned a lot from listening to Robin Trower's playing on the original. Also, as far as I'm concerned that's really the only decent track on the album, which suggests that it was beneficial to have an "amateur" arrange it as opposed to Gary or Mr. Dodd. That was probably inflammatory, as I'm sure there are people reading this who liked the other stuff on the Orchestral album, but that's just my personal opinion.

Feedback: More to Repent About..

Re: Note Orchestral Repent (Annabel Gill)
Keywords: Kabitz, Repent Walpurgis, Matthew Fisher
Date: Wed, 06 May 1998 00:26:33 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Annabel!

I agree with much of what you said -- RW is the only track on that album that I can stand to listen to -- mainly for the organ, and RT's solos - which I agree aren't as great as his originals but, imo, lightyears better than Whitehorn's. I don't like that orchestration - I Cringed when it first came in on top of the beautiful organ, drowning it out - and my favorite parts are where the orchestra quiets down to let the original instrumentalists take over. And I sure do agree with you about that Drumming!! And I'm not sure I'd like any other orchestral arrangement any better. But the reason I posted as I did was because I was shocked and saddened to learn that Matthew Fisher totally dislikes the arrangement -- see the article at:

http://www.procolharum.com/rw_roland.htm

He said that the orchestra should sound disturbing and angst ridden but just sounds pompous instead, and that he wishes he had been given the opportunity to arrange RW because he 'couldn't have done a worse job.' But he was not given this opportunity - not even asked what he thought about that arrangement of HIS piece -- but rather called in at the last minute, not even by the producer but by the producer's Manager (Kellogs) to play over the already completed orchestral arrangement -- LIKE SOME SIDEMAN OFF THE STREET!

And when I discovered that RW wasn't even arranged by someone highly respected or prominent in the field - like ALL THE OTHER SONGS ON THE ALBUM WERE -- but by some college student ... well, IMO, that just compounds the thoughtlessness and violation of a great artist's work.


Feedback: Still There'll Be More about Kabitz

Re: Feedback More to Repent About.. (Joan)
Keywords: Kabitz, Repent Walpurgis, Matthew Fisher
Date: Tue, 09 Jun 1998 17:28:46 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I see that the information that was on the Barbican Page about Christian Kabitz was incomplete and misleading, and has recently been excised from that Page -- probably a good thing.

It turns out that Kabitz isn't only a college student but also a professional conductor of some sort who worked with Gary prior to the Symphonic album - on "rock meets classics" tours. For further info see:

http://www.procolharum.com/gb_rpc.htm

I'm glad RW wasn't arranged by a total amateur after all! But it's still flabbergasting to me that Gary brought this arrangement into the Symphonic Project without it's EVER ONCE occurring to him to ask Matthew Fisher what he thought of it!

I've nicknamed Gary "His Highness" because of his regal bearing and his self-references as Commanders, Deities and such. But now I think a more appropriate moniker for him might be:

THE INNOCENT SOLIPSIST.

 

Angry: I OBJECT!

Re: Feedback Still There'll Be More about Kabitz (Joan)
Keywords: Kabitz, Repent Walpurgis, Matthew Fisher
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 19:41:08 GMT
From: Richard <procolhrum@aol.com>
Joan,
  I was stunned to read this, although I really shouldn't have been. It directly contradicts your assertion (elsewhere) that you respect and acknowledge Gary's formidable talents and leadership. And it also reaffirms my own opinion that you resent Gary and have precious little love for the man. Why you have chosen this battle is beyond my comprehension. Some of your opinions, assertions, and speculation in this matter are based upon prejudices and presumptions far exceeding the existing evidence, which is entirely circumstantial.
   
  The fact that Matthew was not consulted and that he hated the arrangement of his composition does not signify an insulting lack of respect for him, but merely underscores one of the realities of the recording industry. Just a glance at the long list of PH cover versions and it becomes clear that there is nothing more to say on this topic.
  
  MF has had ample opportunity to re-orchestrate RW but has simply chosen not to, due to lack of interest or for whatever his reason. To rake Gary over the coals for using the Kabitz arrangement, instead of composing his own, is unfair. Having finally heard it recently on the studio version and also from the Barbican performance, I think that it probably struck Gary as being consistent with any approach that HE might have taken in orchestrating the piece. Also, your opinion minimizes the Herculean effort that it takes to actually produce a written orchestral score. Taking into account the high production costs of a project as involved as The Orchestral Music of Procol Harum, using an existing arrangement is a practical and possibly necessary choice, which in this particular case just might have made possible the inclusion of RW on that album.
  
  What is most appalling is your PERSONAL attack upon Gary's casual nature and good humor.

 To extrapolate Gary's references to "Commander, Guberanator, Rear Admiral, etc." is to miss the whole point of what he is about. (And will you please show me where Mr. Brooker has been referred to as a deity?) Some of these monikers have origins that go all the way back to his active days with PH. Your criticism dismisses the fact that for ALL of those years he struggled and worked very hard to make Procol Harum's music a successful enterprise. He was a manager, music director, composer, and God only knows what else. The success or failure of the entire band rested almost entirely upon his shoulders. So where in the hell was Matthew Fisher for all those years? Well, he certainly wasn't working on orchestrations for RW, now was he??

  Matthew Fisher has received ample praise for his work with Procol Harum. Beyond that, whatever accolades he has or has not received for his other musical endeavors should not be on (or under) the table for discussion in regard to Gary Brooker. I think that MF has an enormous talent for composing, orchestrating and arranging music, and I am a great admirer of much of his work. I would love nothing more than to hear his own arrangement for Repent Walpurgis. Who can doubt that if he presented one tomorrow that we will have heard the last of the Kabitz orchestrations?
   Joan, this is not your fight. It must be said that you are merely expressing you opinions. But if you must soldier on, you might do well to poll the jury from time to time.
   
Richard
  

Feedback: reply

Re: Angry I OBJECT! (Richard)
Keywords: Kabitz, Repent Walpurgis, Matthew Fisher
Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 02:39:50 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
<<<<

And it also reaffirms my own opinion that you resent Gary and have precious little love for the man <<<

I have the utmost respect for Gary as a musician and the guiding force in Procol Harum. As I don't know him personally it would make no sense for me to either love or resent him. I'm sorry if I gave that latter impression but it's not how I feel. I do feel that some of his behavior has been thoughtless vis a vis Matthew -- not just this instance but the credit refusal of 1967, the loss of Matthew's Hammond in the early 70's and not replacing it, and the 1991 Kate Bush recording gig that was rightfully Matthew's -- but I don't think any of these things was intentional. We can all be thoughtless at times and can benefit from this being pointed out to us -- as I was thoughtless in writing in such a way as I could be misinterpreted as hostile when my intention was to be helpful. <<<< The fact that Matthew was not consulted and that he hated the arrangement of his composition does not signify an insulting lack of respect for him<<<

I think it signifies thoughtlessness, not purposeful disrespect. (That's why I used the word "Innocent"). I know Gary has great respect for Matthew and if he realized his thoughlessness he'd want to make amends for it. This can only be beneficial to Procol's future.

<<<< but merely underscores one of the realities of the recording industry. Just a glance at the long list of PH cover versions and it becomes clear that there is nothing more to say on this topic.<<<

Well I have more to say <g>... This wasn't a case of some impersonal record company playing fast and loose with Matthew's composition, but rather a production by Gary, who was working closely with Matthew (in Procol) at the time this album was created.   Matthew could very easily have been consulted about that arrangement and then given the choice of modifying it to suit his taste, writing a new arrangement if he could do that within the alloted time frame, or deciding that Repent shouldn't be on the Symphonic album.

<<<< What is most appalling is your PERSONAL attack upon Gary's casual nature and good humor. To extrapolate Gary's references to "Commander, Guberanator, Rear Admiral, etc." is to miss the whole point of what he is about. <<

That wasn't meant to be a PERSONAL attack but was rather MY little attempt at humor which apparently you didn't perceive as such for which I'm sorry.

<<<<< (And will you please show me where Mr. Brooker has been referred to as a deity?)<<<

I had to use the Search Engine to find this Link and it Worked!! Here it is:

From GB's 1995 tour diary, Shine On, Winter '95 "....Procol open and should be in for an early night but I sit through the Kansas set and Alan Parsons so I can sing Limelight with Al. The crowd love it and dressed all in white standing out front, a glow of white light enveloping me, Whitehorn remarks I appear as some sort of deity...... ...the world is our oyster! We played at the same venue in 1993 with Jethro and did great. Lets dress in white and play God again! By halfway through the set most of the crowd have gone home ....There is a post-mortem. It's incomprehensible ...., alone in a ghastly unpredictable world. It was a mistake to wear the white He's angry!   Alone and unloved in the bar, our hero the Commander ponders life....."

The URL is

http://www.procolharum.com/gb_heavenhell.htm


Feedback: reply

Re: Angry I OBJECT! (Richard)
Keywords: Kabitz, Repent Walpurgis, Matthew Fisher
Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 02:41:49 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
<<<<

And it also reaffirms my own opinion that you resent Gary and have precious little love for the man <<<

I have the utmost respect for Gary as a musician and the guiding force in Procol Harum. As I don't know him personally it would make no sense for me to either love or resent him. I'm sorry if I gave that latter impression but it's not how I feel. I do feel that some of his behavior has been thoughtless vis a vis Matthew -- not just this instance but the credit refusal of 1967, the loss of Matthew's Hammond in the early 70's and not replacing it, and the 1991 Kate Bush recording gig that was rightfully Matthew's -- but I don't think any of these things was intentional. We can all be thoughtless at times and can benefit from this being pointed out to us -- as I was thoughtless in writing in such a way as I could be misinterpreted as hostile when my intention was to be helpful.

<<<< The fact that Matthew was not consulted and that he hated the arrangement of his composition does not signify an insulting lack of respect for him<<<

I think it signifies thoughtlessness, not purposeful disrespect. (That's why I used the word "Innocent"). I know Gary has great respect for Matthew and if he realized his thoughlessness he'd want to make amends for it. This can only be beneficial to Procol's future.

<<<< but merely underscores one of the realities of the recording industry. Just a glance at the long list of PH cover versions and it becomes clear that there is nothing more to say on this topic.<<<

Well I have more to say <g>... This wasn't a case of some impersonal record company playing fast and loose with Matthew's composition, but rather a production by Gary, who was working closely with Matthew (in Procol) at the time this album was created.   Matthew could very easily have been consulted about that arrangement and then given the choice of modifying it to suit his taste, writing a new arrangement if he could do that within the alloted time frame, or deciding that Repent shouldn't be on the Symphonic album.

<<<< What is most appalling is your PERSONAL attack upon Gary's casual nature and good humor. To extrapolate Gary's references to "Commander, Guberanator, Rear Admiral, etc." is to miss the whole point of what he is about. <<

That wasn't meant to be a PERSONAL attack but was rather MY little attempt at humor which apparently you didn't perceive as such for which I'm sorry.

<<<<< (And will you please show me where Mr. Brooker has been referred to as a deity?)<<<

I had to use the Search Engine to find this Link and it Worked!! Here it is:

From GB's 1995 tour diary, Shine On, Winter '95 "....Procol open and should be in for an early night but I sit through the Kansas set and Alan Parsons so I can sing Limelight with Al. The crowd love it and dressed all in white standing out front, a glow of white light enveloping me, Whitehorn remarks I appear as some sort of deity...... ...the world is our oyster! We played at the same venue in 1993 with Jethro and did great. Lets dress in white and play God again! By halfway through the set most of the crowd have gone home ....There is a post-mortem. It's incomprehensible ...., alone in a ghastly unpredictable world. It was a mistake to wear the white He's angry!   Alone and unloved in the bar, our hero the Commander ponders life....."

The URL is

http://www.procolharum.com/gb_heavenhell.htm


my review of Robin's Last Stand

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Robin's Last Stand
Date: Sun, 10 May 1998 00:07:25 GMT
From: <unknown>
Subject: New Procol CDs

ALL HANDS ON DECK:

      Two new PROCOL HARUM CDs, both on the TENDOLAR label, have recently made their appearancesin the usual places: PROCOL HARUM:/ ROBIN'S LAST STAND [TDR-015] and ROBIN TROWER, EAGLE NOT THE DOVE [TDR-002]. Pictures on the front and back of the former show the line-up that last played together in 1969, but this is the least of several serious misrepresentations.
      The first part of ROBIN'S LAST STAND consists of seven tracks identified incorrectly as UK 1971. They are in fact from the familiar WPLJ-FM (N. Y.) radio broadcast of April 1971, material that has surfaced over the years under various titles such as "THE ELUSIVE PROCOL HARUM" and "SHINE ON LIVE". Although the insert describes the material as "stereo soundboard recordings", it is obvious that the source is a less than pristine LP of the
aforementioned. (Original open-reel sources of this broadcast, in vastly superior sound, include WHISKEY TRAIN and POWER FAILURE which are not on the LP versions of this show.)
      The latter part of ROBIN'S LAST STAND is comprised of several tracks from the less familiar (Folketts) Stockholm concert recorded in October of 1971, several months after Robin left the group. A splendid PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, sung by Gary, is the highlight. Other sources of this show contain material that did not make it onto this CD. Moreover, some two weeks later, PROCOL recorded much of the same material for German TV. A CD from this session
appears on a rare CD as BEAT-CLUB. The far better sounding BEAT-CLUB recording contains all of the material on this disc.
      The Robin Trower CD, EAGLE NOT THE DOVE, has nine post-PROCOL tracks about which I offer no comment. Six PROCOL tracks conclude the disc, carelessly edited. Only two of these tracks should be of interest to those reading this board: POISON IVY and EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES, both purportedly from "Aborted Rock'n Roll Studio Sessions", as described by the unreliable insert.

Evan

Question: Open Reel Sources? PULLEEZE Do Tell...!!!!

Re: my review of Robin's Last Stand
Keywords: Robin's Last Stand
Date: Sun, 10 May 1998 01:10:18 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Evan!

I'm intrigued by your comment about open reel sources of the WPLJ material. Are those the "acetates" whereby someone could remaster a really GREAT edition and release it on CD? I've been hoping that could be done - perhaps as BONUSes to a reissue of BB -- not all of WPLJ of course -- just the 5 BB tracks and JUICY JOHN PINK - that latter being by far my favorite song on there!

I like all the BB material on that radio show MUCH better than the overproduced album versions -- Memorial Drive, Power Failure, BB, Simple Sister (WoWWWWW) and Luskus Delph.

Ditto for the WPLJ/Juicy John Pink -- Lightyears better than that BJ-less, horrific-harmonica-ridden, handclapping and footstomping infested version on the ASD album!


Question: Eagler Not Dove

Re: my review of Robin's Last Stand
Keywords: Robin's Last Stand
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 16:54:39 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
I would be grateful to hear some more detail re: subject disk.

The 1973 RT performances in particular, sound quality, etc. From the two PH tracks you mentioned it leads me to believe that maybe those are Paramounts tracks, or Liquorice John??

Anyhow, I'm thinking of buying it...is it worth it?

I really have enjoyed the Robin's Last Stand CD.....at least the first part.


Eagle not Dove

Re: my review of Robin's Last Stand
Keywords: Robin's Last Stand
Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 17:55:15 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
You were kind in saying the tracks were 'carelessly edited", I'd say they wer shamefully edited. The two hilights are indeed Poison Ivy and Everything I do is Wrong, both unexplicably truncated about halfway through the songs. This was my first taste of the legendary Liquorice John sessions, and both the production and musicianship are extraordinary. Needless to say I am very disappointed (as is often the case with boots), but my appetite is truly whetted for more of these recordings.

I can't imagine why they are not legitimately released...how about it guys!!

Other items of note on the CD are the 9 RT tracks from 1973, pretty darn good, they have the feel of a club performance, with a lot of RT intros, a few people clapping, and pretty loose, but hot performances. I'm also curious about the outtake track from Prodigal Stranger.....I think it would have been one of the best on the album!


Question: Whose sister was at Redhill?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 03:23:07 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I thoroughly enjoyed the charming Redhill report from Poland

http://www.procolharum.com/redhill_tylko.htm

...especially the exchange with Chris Copping after the gig ---- very gracious, Chris!! :-)

...but I wonder at the report that Keith Reid's sister was there. I hadn't heard that. Could they have mistaken Matthew Fisher's sister (who I know Was there) for Keith's?


A question of sisters

Re: Question Whose sister was at Redhill? (Joan)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 22:16:31 GMT
From: Jens A Ravnaas <jensan@online.no>
To my knowledge, both Matthew's sister and Keith's sister were at Redhill. I had a long chat with Mathhews sister. A very nice girl. I didn't see Keith's sister myself, but several sources confirms that she was present at Redhill.

Idea: Liquorice John Death -- a full set-list?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 12:36:16 GMT
From: Roland <roland@procolharum.com>
Can you help us?

Please read http://www.procolharum.com/liqj2.htm (and the various pages that are linked from there) and mail us if you know the titles of any songs from the Liquorice John Death sessions that are not listed already at 'Beyond the Pale'.

Thanks!


Ok: Nice Sound Sample and photo on "Shine On Brightly" Page

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 24 May 1998 21:40:46 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
On the Page directing people from Jens' former Site to this one -

http://home.sn.no/~jensan/Procol.htm

there's a great (mirror image?) photo of the band, from the cover of the Westside Boxed set, I believe, or at least from that same photo shoot, and if you click on that photo you can hear a few bars of Grand Finale.

I guess that piece was put there to signify the Finale of the former Site, and the birth of this one.

Could that lovely audio/visual Page be LINKED from here?

Thanks! Joan :-)


Agree: Link added

Re: Ok Nice Sound Sample and photo on "Shine On Brightly" Page (Joan)
Date: Sun, 24 May 1998 23:10:36 GMT
From: Jens A Ravnaas <jensan@online.no>
As you suggested, I have added a link to it from http://www.procolharum.com/jar+rpc2.htm

Btw. That picture is edited by Mattias Gidløf, whose father works at Sedish Connection and helped us reigsiter our URL and so on. It was designed well before the Westside box was released (but I guess it must be the same picture).


grandos momentos

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 03:38:34 GMT
From: <unknown>
All Hands On Deck! Welcome to the breeze. Spending a wonderful time in Southern Florida. The Angler has searched the waves. The Fish has won.

Looking forward to a splendid uncharted celebration of the end of World War II. "The bangs are over, a child is born".

Thank you and good-night.

Signed,

G.B.


Note: "uno momento por favor"

Re: grandos momentos
Keywords: The Lure..."Lead Me to the Water"
Date: Sat, 01 May 1999 01:20:10 GMT
From: Beverly <unknown>
     Anglin's Pier in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea had a few
Spanish mackeral, pompano,and the occasional tarpon.
Deerfield Pier had mangrove snappers,tarpon,African pompano
and a couple of permit.Pompano Pier had a few Spanish
mackeral,snook and triggerfish. Down at Bud N Mary's in
Islamorada there are reports of tarpon, dolphin up to 30
pounds, blackfin tuna, yellowtail snapper and kingfish.
(http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports)

Regards from South Florida,
B.P.    

Idea: Help locate a Procol Harum film

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: film, Procol, wanted
Date: Sat, 30 May 1998 22:32:33 GMT
From: Roland <roland@procolharum.com>
Wanted: any information about a film Procol Harum appeared in.

It's called either Last Stop Greenwich Village, or Some Time Greenwich Village: made in 1969 by Peter Geissner at a New York venue, perhaps the Fillmore East or somewhere on Long Island, it shows Procol Harum performing 'against a psychedelic backdrop'.

If you have a copy of this film or know the whereabouts of one, please mail us at 'Beyond the Pale'


Question: I need A WHITER SHADE OF PALE piano sheet music. PLEASE HELP ME GET IT!!! THANX!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: A whiter shade of pale piano sheet music
Date: Wed, 03 Jun 1998 00:06:26 GMT
From: Jenelle <jcrocker@nf.sympatico.ca>
Im looking for the piano sheet music for: "A WHITER SHADE OF PALE" If anyone has this or knows somewhere that i can get this please e-mail me. My e-mail address is jcrocker@nf.sympatico.ca I need this by friday (June 5 1998) at the latest Thanx!

Question: Thru Garden Fence

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 09 Jun 1998 17:38:23 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Is anyone familiar with this disc? It's touted as BBC sessions + Robin Trower outtakes.

Feedback: Early BBC performances with loud annoying DJ

Re: Question Thru Garden Fence (Steve G.)
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 17:17:38 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Steve!

I don't care for the sound of those BBC cuts and can't imagine their ever being "tweakable" to do justice to Procol's True LIVE sound. A couple of them are with Royer/Harrison rather than Trower/Wilson -- actually I do like one of those- NOT because of Royer/Harrison (!): AWSoP. While the original single is by far the BEST version, imo, because of the ethereal Tone of that M102, (and thank Goodness they had the sense to eliminate those awful 3rd and 4th verses), the version on the BBC also sports a beautiful Organ Melody - the counterpoint parts to the vocal a bit different from the single. Matthew plays a measure or so from his organ *solo* in concert with Gary's voice - a very nice touch, not on the single - and the organ melody is a bit more seamlessly Classical than the original. It doesn't contain the 6 note ascending scale in the "playing cards" section - the most R&B part of the organ melody, and not coincidentally, the section that Joe Cocker's totally "de-classified" (non-classical) R&B version of the song features so prominently (sung by his backing vocalists). Anyway -- I think that disk is worth getting just for the AWSoP.

I'm sorry to hear that Westside is planning on releasing the BBC sessions as LIVE CD's - and if they do I hope they At Least eliminate that horrible DJ who introduces some of the songs!! Aarrgh!! If only BJ's DRUMS had been that loud in the Mix!! And there are other Live tapes that sound so much better -- Fillmore EAst, Easter, 1969; WPLJ Radio, NYC, 4/12/71 (w/RT); British Biscuit, London 1976 - the best ASD I've Ever heard (no strings attached), and even some of the 5/77 Hofstra WLIR/FM performaces -- an excellent Unstrung version of Something Magic, and an Unquiet Zone with a Killer drum solo by the incomparable unsung drum hero B.J.Wilson.

Best, Joan :-)


DJ

Re: Feedback Early BBC performances with loud annoying DJ (Joan)
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 17:32:25 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Must be the same idiot who's on the Yardbirds BBC disc. Why they didn't delete this obnoxious verbage is beyond me; I don't know much about editing but the voice goes over the music, so it's probably a real expensive proposition.

Question: Peter & The Wolf

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 09:09:04 GMT
From: Jon Gould <jgould@icanect.net>
Hi folks

First time here, so if I screw it up, let me apologize in advance. I have just recently become aware of a recording of Peter & The Wolf with Viv Stanshall, Gary Brooker, John Hiseman etc. I haven't been able to track it down anywhere. One of the folks on the Bonzos list suggested I ask here. I would be interested in any format, with CD being preferred, if such a thing exists. Can anyone help?

                      thanks,
                        Jon
                         jgould@icanect.net

Peter & the Wolf

Re: Question Peter & The Wolf (Jon Gould)
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 1998 17:03:08 GMT
From: Fritz <deca@tcmnet.go.germany-online.de>
Hi,

oh yes, I have this record. It's from 1975, vinyl, and Gary plays the bird at the synthesizer. You can find also Manfred Mann, Phil Collins, Eno, John Hiseman, Jack Lancaster and some other guys. I do not know if there is any CD available.

Fritz, Germany


More: CD Version and Comments about German Vinyl Version

Re: Peter & the Wolf (Fritz )
Keywords: Peter & The Wolf
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 19:08:57 GMT
From: Dietmar Schlötel <Dietmar.Schloetel@gmx.net>
Hallo,

it really exists on CD by Castle Communications CSC 7091

It is released in Germany by Castle Communications Deutschland Gmbh.On CD it is narrated by Viv Stanshall. I own the German Vinyl version too, this is spoken by Wilcken F. Dincklage (RIP) , aka Willem.

bye Dietmar


Question: EXCITE and WebCrawler can't find BtP! ???

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 00:16:03 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I've tried typing "Procol Harum" or "Procol" into the 2 popular Search Engines -- Excite! and WebCrawler -- and Neither comes up with this WebSite!!

The PH Digiplex Page (John Ferrari's) comes up, as does Matthew Fisher's Page and Annabel's Art Page -- but NO BtP!!!

This is not good, is it? Can the situation be fixed?? Maybe Annabel can help here?

Thanks! Joan


Feedback: Excite & WebCrawler

Re: Question EXCITE and WebCrawler can't find BtP! ??? (Joan)
Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 03:28:44 GMT
From: Annabel Gill <aggill@yahoo.com>
Generally a website has to be specifically registered with a given search engine for it to appear on that search engine. There are also places that will submit your site to a number of popular search engines at once, something like 16 engines for free and 100 for a fee, or similar deals. Anyway, I submitted BtP to WebCrawler, but it'll take up to two weeks for it to show up. If it doesn't show up then, it can be resubmitted and that ought to do it. I don't know how to submit it individually to Excite. Gee, it looks like I was slightly *too* successful in promoting my website. My name shows up on that "select words to add to your site" thing on Excite. Oops. Oh well, at least I'm linked to BtP, twice. I got this info from sitesubmission.com (which is decidedly not free):

"Multiple page submissions are important. If you have 10 pages making up your website, all 10 URLs can be submitted to search engines and directories. This increases the relevancy rating at most directories, which in turn increases the chance that your website address will appear on the first two pages of returned search queries at most search engines and directories... It's also important to perform repeat submissions whenever making changes to your site. This ensures that search engines are kept up-to-date with vital information regarding your website, plus, it gives your listing a boost toward the front of the line after inevitably being shoved to the rear by the thousands of other new listings. "

That's probably more info than you cared about, just take whatever's useful. I apologise to anybody who doesn't give a dry fig about this stuff.

-Annabel


Ok: Thanks, Annabel, and EXCITE's All Right after all!

Re: Feedback Excite & WebCrawler (Annabel Gill)
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 03:58:54 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Annabel!

Thanks for submitting BtP to WebCrawler!!

I found out that BtP pages Do come up on EXCITE after all -- I had been using a local search engine on WebTV which I mistook for EXCITE.

It was the *real* EXCITE that recently led me to that great tribute to BJW by Bob Siebenberg, the drummer for Supertramp.

Best, Joan :-)


Ok: NOW Webcrawler GETS IT! Thanks Again, Annabel!!! Yippeeee :-)

Re: Ok Thanks, Annabel, and EXCITE's All Right after all! (Joan)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 1998 17:01:44 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I just got here via Webcrawler, which until very recently did not come up with BtP when asked for "Procol" etc.. And interestingly -- the Links come up in rank order of percent agreement or something -- and BtP (Home Page) was SECOND in line at 60 percent --- and guess who was first? Annabel's Portrait Page at 64 percent!!!! Is this because Annabel was the one who registered BtP with Webcrawler? <G>

Anyway -- many thanks, Annabel for clue-ing in the WebCrawler!!

Now ---- can you help us find the Fisher/Dewar CD????

Best, Joan


Idea: Procol Harum MIDI Files

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 00:19:20 GMT
From: Guillermo Miyares <gmiyares@iamnet.com>
I think it would be very nice if Beyond the Pale creates a midi files section where we could find and download midi files of Procol Harum songs, created by fans (some of them are musicians) or by Gary, Matthew or Pete themselves

Note: AWSOP Midi file available

Re: Idea Procol Harum MIDI Files (Guillermo Miyares)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 13:47:35 GMT
From: Richard <ProcolHrum@aol.com>
Great idea. And there is currently a midi file of AWSOP available at Pete Solly Productions Website. I believe there is a link to that site from BtP's Solley page. You can preview that file at Solley's website. Richard

Re: Idea Procol Harum MIDI Files (Guillermo Miyares)
Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 00:10:11 GMT
From: <unknown>
 

"Westside" "Procol Harum...Plus" CD

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 19:13:17 GMT
From: Phil Cohen <PhilCohen@msn.com>
After receiving,and listening to the new "Westside" expanded reissue of Procol Harum's debut album,I have come to the inescapable conclusion,that excepting the unfaded ending,and the absence of the overdubbed tambourine(which B.J. likely played live during mixdown,directly into the stereo mix heard on the "Shine On Brightly" album),that the alternate version of "Quite Rightly So" heard on the new "Westside" CD is otherwise the same take heard on the "shine On Brightly" album. On the subject of "bouncing"(reduction mixing) common during the 1960's era,I'd like to point out that whether a reduction mix involved losing the original individual tracks which were bounced,depends on which(of 2) reduction mix techniques were utilised by the studio in question.If the two 4-track machines,and they reduced the original 4 tracks down to one track on a second 4-track machine,then the 4 original tracks are not lost(though they're on a separate tape).If the studio had only one 4-track machine,and the "bounce" was accomplished internally(within one tape machine),and three were reduced onto the one empty track(and the 3 original tracks were subsequently wiped,and replaced by subsequent overdubs),then the original parts(pre-bouncing) are indeed lost.In instances where parts were bounced between two machines,the two multitracks can be re-synchronised(as in EMI's recent stereo remix of The Beach Boys'"Pet Sounds" album,where 3 & 4-track instrumental tapes were re-synchronised with subsequent 8-track vocal multitracks) I hope that Gary & Matthew resign themselves to the reality that "Westside" & "Cube" cannot legally be stopped issuing outtakes.Gary may find them distasteful,but at least,if he got involved in Westside's future reissues,he could help them identify genuine alternate takes and original masters,so that the next time Westside claims that they're issuing unreleased material,we'll be getting the real thing! PhilCohen@msn.com

Problem with new "Westside" CD

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 19:20:04 GMT
From: Phil Cohen <PhilCohen@msn.com>
I think that the people at "Beyond The Pale",and Procol Harum fans everywhere,must impress on Mr.Rounce and the folks at "Westside",the importance of recalling and reissuing the "Procol Harum...Plus" CD,so that it will actually contain all 6 of the unreleased selections(as promised by both the liner notes and Westside's publicity materials).If the folks from "Westside"ever read this Website,I'd like to point out to them,that this is the 4th time that I've boought the debut album on CD:first I bought the UK "Cube Records" CD,then the German "Repertoire" CD,then I bought the album as part of the "30th Anniversary Anthology"...and now this newest release(which should be arriving here next week...I'm in the U.S.A.).After buying the album this many times(and,oh yes,I had the album on vinyl in the 1960's on a "Deram" L.P....wish I hadn't gotten rid of it.I miss the poster!).At this point,we fans have a right to expect(no,DEMAND) a definitive edition from "Westside"...one that delivers exactly what's been promised.By the way,if you're a fan of so-called "classic rock",you might want to keep up with the latest reissue scene info by reading "ICE Magazine"(previously "ICE Newsletter").Had to mention it,since I'm one of the contributing writers."Westside" might reply by saying that I don't understand the complexities of creating a CD reissue,but actually I'm quite aware of them,since I was the compiler of four CD box sets myself(I did the "Yardbirds-Train Kept A-Rollin",and the 3 "Immediate Years" boxes,I.E. "Small Faces","Humble Pie" & "The Nice",all of them issued in the UK or Germany by "Charly")The mistakes made by "Westside" on the "Procol Harum...plus" Cd must be corrected.Tell Tony Rouce that Westside's credibility is on the line.Why should we believe "Westside" the next time that they claim that some(future) CD will contain a certain previously unreleased selection?And this is not Westside's first screw-up.You may recall that "Record Collector" magazine claimed that the 2 stereo remixes on Westside's 3-CD set "The Move-Movements" were actually not stereo,and Tony Rounce replied(in a later issue of RC) that they were.Well,the folks at "record Collector" were 50% correct:a mastering fault causes Westside's new "stereo" remix of the 1967 version of "Cherry Blossom Clinic" to actually be rendered in mono on the CD.Maybe the folks at Beyond The Pale could re-print my comments,and forward them to "Westside" & Tony Rounce.I know that I speak for thousands of disappointed people!

Question: How to get our "collective voice" to Tony Rounce/Westside???

Re: Problem with new "Westside" CD (Phil Cohen)
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 1998 18:58:42 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Tony Rounce of Westside Records graciously said he'd continue to listen to BtP's "collective voice" in all matters Procol

see the article:

http://www.procolharum.com/phalbum1_plus_ln2b.htm

..and I want to write him about the upcoming liner notes to SOB---PLUS and ASD -- PLUS - if they're anything like what's on the 3CD box then some major revisions are in order --- but I find there is no email address for Mr. Rounce. I guess I could write to him via snail mail but that's so much less fun!

Actually there is no such thing as a "collective voice" of course -- and I hope he meant he'd listen to all the opinions of the avid fans who contribute to this Site.

I tried to access the Web Address listed on Procol...PLUS but just got an "address unknown" message.. has anyone else been able to get to the Westside WebPage? And more importantly can someone please provide an email address for Tony Rounce???

Thanks, Joan :-)


Sad: BROKEN BARRICADES / LIVE WITH THE EDMONTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CDS

Re: Question How to get our "collective voice" to Tony Rounce/Westside??? (Joan)
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2000 18:23:58 GMT
From: MICHAEL EARNHARDT <unknown>
please reissue the procol harum cd "BROKEN BARRICADES". it was originally released on MOBILE FIDELITY SOUND LABS,but they went out of business( and even then, they had already discontinued it.) the only way you can get a copy now is to either pay a ridiculous amount for it on E-BAY or hope you can find it used at a cd store ( same with LIVE WITH THE EDMONTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.)

More Harum Histor

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 19:33:36 GMT
From: Phil Cohen <unknown>
The recent interview with Matthew Fisher(on your Website) has clarified several things concerning 1967 Procol Harum recording personel,as well as producing further questions.Upon listening closely to the stereo mix of "Homburg"(which debuted on the early 1970's Uk L.P. "Flyback:The Best of Procol Harum",and now presented as Disc 3,track 13 in the Westside 3-CD set),it is quite apparent,that though prematurely faded,that it is indeed the same Harrison/Royer take as on the single version,albeit without B.J. Wilson's subsequent drum overdud.If that overdub was performed directly into the mono single mix,it therefore would not be present on the original 4-track tape,hence a stereo mix would only have Bobby Harrison's original drumming. But still more musician credits(as stated by Westside) are to be questioned.While it is undoubtedly true that Ray Royer and Bobby Harrison departed from the group simultaneously,it is now quite apparent that Robin Trower & B.J.Wilson did not join the group simultaneously,and that the group did several regular recording sessions(and at least one BBC radio session) as a guitarless 4-piece band.It would seem likely that any guitarless 1967 Procol Harum recordings feature B.J.Wilson.Remember,that several tracks on the debut album("She Wandered Through The Garden Fence" & "Salad Days") are guitarless(as is the just-issued early version of "Shine On Brightly"),and these 3 selections undoubtedly feature B.J. Then,in light of that,the previously unreleased(and recently mixed-down) takes of "Homburg" & "A Whiter Shade of Pale"(which debuted as Disc 3,tracks 11 &14) are probably not Royer/Harrison takes(they feature no guitarist).In light of the fact that we now know some guitarless recordings were made after B.J. joined the group,it would tend to imply that B.J. was drummer on the the afformentioned new versions of "Homburg" and "A Whiter Shade of Pale".Interestingly,the BBC session version of "A whiter Shade of Pale"(from the various artists CD "21 Years of Alternative Radio One" is also guitarless,and features drumming similar in style to Westside's recently released stereo take. And to further comment on the matter of whether the group's reduction mixing of Olympic Studios takes(for subsequent overdubbing)at Advision Studios meant the loss of the individual pre-bounce tracks,I should point out that Advision,while originally known for Advertising Jingles and film/T.V. soundtrack "voice-over" work had been recording rock music since 19659when "The Yardbirds" taped several hits there,most notably "Heart Full of Soul"),and sensing that they would be doing more rock music work,Advision equiped themselves with 4-track machines in early 1966(the first stereo recordings to come out of the studio were made in March 1966).The studio had been equiped with 4-track for approximately 18 months when Procol Harum used the studio.Note,that the basic version of "Mabel"(as heard on the recent Westside "Procol Harum...plus" CD) features the same basic instrumental tracks as the released version,and that the 4-track tape for this basic version exists,so clearly,the reduction mix(whether accomplished by 4-track to 4-track dubbing) or by taking a mono mix from Olympic,and dubbing it to one track of a 4-track machine at another studio(for subsequent overdubbing),clearly did not involve the destruction/erasing of the individual basic tracks.If the second 4-track tape(in the song's production) still existed(and I don't know if it does),then it would be theoretically possible to re-synchronise the parts from the two 4-track tapes,to produce a stereo mix of the regular released version.(the second 4-track would contain the background vocals,overdubbed percussion etc.) But in closing let me say(not an original phrase I know),that Westside's musician credits are still far from correct

Feedback: More Westside Credit Errors

Re: More Harum Histor (Phil Cohen)
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 1998 19:46:02 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I just noticed that the notes on Lime Street Blues on Procol Harum...PLUS list Bill Eyden as drummer. I'm Sure Bobby Harrison played on that track, not Eyden! Isn't that right?

And at the end of the notes it says all music was by Brooker except QRS by Brooker/Fisher. NO mention that Repent Walpurgis was by Fisher alone!!! (and Bach if you wanna get technical....)... The composer credits on the back of the booklet are correct in this regard (but not about Lime Street/Harrison) -- but the LINER NOTES SHOULD AGree with the credits on the back!!!!!

The most egregious error MUSICALLY was attributing Cerdes to Royer/Harrison!! Sheesh!!!!! Henry Scott-Irvine tried to make a bunch of excuses about that in Roland's article -- I was waiting for him to conclude "....and besides, the Dog ate my Homework!"..... saying he hadn't heard the track that ended up on the album, but Tony Rounce insisted that Henry certainly Had..

 BTW -- I get the impression that Rounce thinks fans want to have more Royer/Harrison tracks unearthed and released... I can't imagine Why,  unless they're songs that Robin and BJW never recorded... I'd much rather that Westside expends their energy finding, remastering and releasing the great LIVE material of the Vintage PH -- beginning with the Fisher/Wilson/Trower incarnation of course.

Sad: ....and huge oversights

Re: Feedback More Westside Credit Errors (Joan)
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 1998 20:40:24 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Speaking of Fisher/Wilson/Trower -- I notice that in the introductory historical remarks in the PROCOL HARUM...PLUS booklet, ONLY Brooker/Reid are mentioned -- along with Elton John and other non-members of PH. I think this is disrespectful of the phenomenal musicians whose contributions helped MAKE PH the great band that it is -- specifically:

B.J.Wilson Matthew Fisher and Robin Trower

Similarly, in the discussion of the creation of AWSoP -- there's again NO mention of Matthew Fisher, whose organ melody was so integral to the success of that song.

So the liner notes are woefully incomplete and misleading, as well as full of errors.

I do hope Westside will be issuing a corrected and expanded booklet for PH...PLUS, as Tony Rounce has suggested, and that they will rethink the notes on the next 2 ....PLUS releases (if they're planning to include the same notes as on the 3CD Box, which also contain errors and oversights).


Question: How about some reviews of the Redhill Glossy Souvenir book?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 1998 15:40:24 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
To those who already have this book: can you post your reviews? Details, Details...PULEEZE!

Thanks! Joan :-)


Ok: Glossy Review

Re: Question How about some reviews of the Redhill Glossy Souvenir book? (Joan)
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 1998 16:58:45 GMT
From: Jens R <webmaster@procolharum.com>
Hi Joan (and all) Watch out on this website tomorrow (28. june) for a review of the Redhill Anniversary Glossy

Ok: Great Q article is Pending! :-)

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 23:08:49 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I'm delighted to see on the PH PRESS page that Tom Hibbert's article from the 2/92 issue of Q will be posted at this Site!!! It includes an interview with Gary, Keith and Matthew right before they went on Letterman's Late Show (before he moved to CBS and an earlier time slot) - in 1991.

I know some think this is a silly article -- but the silliness mainly came from Gary and Keith's very Goofy statements -- LOL!!!!!! -- and I can't fault Tom Hibbert for that! Matthew managed to keep His dignity until <<ALMOST>> the very end!!! ;-o

But read some of Hibbert's comments -- he Reveres BJW and realizes that the most enchanting part of AWSoP is Matthew's ethereal Hammond melody -- I can't fault a guy who has that kind of good taste!!

And anyway, the interview is a total HOOT, imo!!!

Great photos too -- one of which is already Linked to MF's page.

Question: Fisher/Dewar CD -- WHAT HAPPENED?????

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 19:56:11 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Can someone Please Help find the Fisher/Dewar CD described in :

http://www.procolharum.com/dewar.htm

I fear MF has been victimized yet again by the poor business judgments of those around him -- and this time I can't blame Keith Reid...

I first got a sinking feeling about this when reading the extensive blurb on the Page mentioned above -- and noticed there was NO INFORMATION included on where and when the CD was/would be available....Uh...Oh....

Then I heard it was released in England in 5/98. But NO ONE can find it Anywhere as far as I can tell -- in England, the USA, the Internet -- ANYWHERE!

One place LINKED to gemm.com said they got ONE COPY in 5/98 which they sold the same month, and didn't know if they could get any more.

Then I tried to find Chrysalis Recods... They Used to have a webPage and a NYC address --- but no more..

So my sad interim conclusion thus far -- and hope I'm wrong -- is that :

Chrysalis released a handful of these CD's in 5/98 and then went out of business.

PLEASE someone -- tell me I'm Wrong about this!!!

Has the Fisher/Dewar CD become an Instant Rarity in 3 months' time??

HELP!!!!

Thanks, Joan


Ok: Source for FisherDewar FOUND!!! :-) :-) :-)

Re: Question Fisher/Dewar CD -- WHAT HAPPENED????? (Joan)
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1998 05:36:02 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Thanks to those who advised me about getting the Fisher/Dewar CD -- but I ended up finding a source myself! <G>

CeeDee Mail -- a reliable mail order source from the UK says they have as many copies as they can sell!!! With their permission, I'm reprinting their email. Just email them at the following address.

>>>> From: 113115.115@compuserve.com (Peter Purnell) Date: Tue, Jul 21, 1998, 2:52pm (PDT+3) To: jem33@webtv.net (joan may) Subject: New James Dewar/Matthew Fisher CD!

Dear Joan,

The James Dewar CD is available at £9.99 delivered UK or £11.99 delivered outside of the UK.

If you require a copy please advise.

Regards

Peter CeeDee Mail <<<<<<

Thanks, Peter!!! :-)


CD Dewar/Fisher Found

Re: Ok Source for FisherDewar FOUND!!! :-) :-) :-) (Joan)
Keywords: CD Found & ordered.
Date: Sun, 02 May 1999 05:52:33 GMT
From: <unknown>
Correct! I've ordered my copy from Peter Purnell and I live in the states.  Peter was extreamly helpful.
                                            Thanks Peter
                                             Mike C.

Ok: Fisher/Dewar CD is FINALLY at amazon.com! :-) :-) :-)

Re: Question Fisher/Dewar CD -- WHAT HAPPENED????? (Joan)
Date: Sat, 07 Aug 1999 23:44:51 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Great News!!

Well it "only" took about a YEAR, but Stumbledown Romancer is now being offered at amazon.com!!! I submitted a fan review and I suggest others do the same. Right now there's no descriptive information on amazon's page.

I'm grateful to Peter Purnell of CeeDee Mail in the UK for continuing to carry this CD since its release.

Best, Joan :-)


All Starr Band, the Skanderborg gig (9th Aug 1998)

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 12:00:31 GMT
From: <snenmo@ft.dk>
Dear PH-fans,

My sources at the Skanderborg Festival report that the All Starr Band played 'Whisky Train' and 'AWSOP' yesterday in Jutland, Denmark. Further news about this event will be forwarded to Roland as soon as I have read all the papers. Shine On!


Broken Barricades MFSL CD for sale

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1998 17:12:08 GMT
From: Patrick <pdenny@mediaone.net>
Hey folks. I have a copy of this rare item and I'm taking bids through Aug. 31. Private email only.

markt rock leuven belgium

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1998 20:59:38 GMT
From: engels jean pierre <becc2557@ibl.net>
hi there i am lucky to say that i saw brooker and the all stars and ringo(sic) in leuven belgium on 16.08.98. gary was doing whiskey train and wsop buth,sorry folks not the highlight of this concert.why not do here in this atmosphere with mostly drum and guitar his masterpieces-not so much performed as there are:grand hotel,homburg or even prodigal stranger stuff.and why not try somewhere that underestimated saga off the worm and the tree-maybe sing some bit off it?? or some willies or john liquorice songs or rock ,pop buth sorry no symphonic material.it also can be that frampton and bruce ware to much imposing.sorry gary,keep it up and surprice us with something new,ther must be something to look forward to.bye j.p.engels belgium

Question: Untitled

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1998 23:24:36 GMT
From: <pekkel@usa.net>
A friend asked me to see whether a cd was made of the album of 1980 called "Matthew Fisher" by Matthew Fisher. If anybody knows the answer, preferably with an address where he could buy the CD, please let me know via pekkel@usa.net

If anybody knows anything else about the record and/or the CD please let me know also.


Feedback: Untitled

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: GRAND HOTEL
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 04:27:35 GMT
From: <tex315@webtv.net>
although my forst encounter with PH was AWSOP ireally never bought any of their music until i heard a song called "the night they drove old dixie down" whom i thought was PH. well, although i was disappointed, i picked up their HOME album and was immediately hooked. i also bought their first second and third albums in rapid fire and the rest was history. i was a PH fanatic. i think it was garys vocals as well as his unusual chord changes which hooked me. now in reading all of these postings i have not seen anyone so much as praise GRAND HOTEL which i think is PH at their epitome. talk about melody, WOW. i would likee to get other peoples opinion about this much underated album which i think was one of the best endeavors.

Agree: About the Grand Hotel album...

Re: Feedback Untitled
Keywords: GRAND HOTEL
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 15:08:24 GMT
From: Bert Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>
'Grand Hotel' has long been one of my favorite PH albums. I agree that the melodic quality of the songs on this album are without compare. I'll always remember hearing this album being played in a record store in Manhatten, while I was on an errand. I was transfixed. I was still in mourning over the fact that David Ball was the guitarist on the live LP and was beginning to wonder if the 'old spark' could ever be recovered - then I heard the title cut ...wow. 'Bacon' ...double 'wow!' 'A Rum Tale" ...I'm in awe! As I think about the songs - 'Toujours L'amour,' 'Fires,' ...and the whole album - this has got to be one of the band's finest hours! Procol Harum was back with a vengence! The playing, in my opinion, is as good as it's ever been before or since; and, yes, the melodies ...the songs- these are tunes that you can't get out of your head, but have you ever tried to sing them?! This is complex, beautiful stuff! I could go on and on but...I start to sigh when I dwell too long on this album. 'Know what I mean? Bert - bertsaraco@hotmail.com

Agree: Imagine how great seeing Grand Hotel LIVE was!!

Re: Agree About the Grand Hotel album... (Bert Saraco)
Keywords: Imagine seeing Grand Hotel played LIVE!! Awesome!
Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999 14:05:38 GMT
From: Rick <ricardoh@earthlink.net>
  After Procol Harum released Grand Hotel in 1973, I was
lucky enough to see them perform in Dallas (from about the
6th row or so).  I had not heard this music before the
concert, but as is often the case, afterwards I bought the
album, bought the sheet music book (since I love to "hack" on
the keyboards a bit myself), bought the next album when it
came out (Exotic Birds and Fruit), and saw them the next year
also!
  But Grand Hotel was not just any ordinary album.  This music combined the best of rock organ and guitar with the incomperable musical compostions of Brooker's piano.  Like the finest hotel, this was the finest music.  Like the finest
wine (like the glass of wine on the album cover) this was not
just fine rock music, this was great music!
  How do words descibe music?  Not easily.  How do mere words
describe a feeling, a love of music, the enjoyment of
something played countless times over and over and loved
since the first time?  In this case, near impossible.
  No, hearing all of the songs on Grand Hotel for the first
time played LIVE by the group itself was awesome.  I have
vivid memories of B.J. jumping from drum to drum on "Bacon".
I can still clearly see Copping on organ, driving with
intensity, like on "Fires (Which Burnt Brightly)";  and the
impression of Mick Grabham on guitar - in the background
behind piano and organ until those incredible flashes of
guitar when this long red-haired rocker whould capture sole
attention of the entire audience, like on "Toujours L'amour"
and "T.V. Caesar".
   But the leader of this group was clearly the piano
player.  I was somewhat new to this group.  Sure I had heard
"Salty Dog" and "Whiter Shade of Pale".  But seeing the piano
at the *foreground* of the stage was something I never
expected.  And I was on about the 6th row on the floor,
directly in front of all of it!!  It was an image every
Procol Harum fan can imagine as if we could see it today.
Gary Brooker playing, pounding, moving, singing, sometimes
frantically if not forcefully, with passion and with
purpose.  This music was so new and so different, it was
transforming.
  So if I had never them live, would I still hold Grand Hotel
and Exotic Birds and Fruit among my all-time favorite albums,
which I still listen to and love with as much pure enjoyment
as ever?  Who knows and I care not to rationalize why I love
these 2 albums as much as I do.  I only know that I always
have and always will!

Agree: Probably the best album ever.

Re: Feedback Untitled
Keywords: GRAND HOTEL
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 20:04:45 GMT
From: <PerGustafsson>
I agree with you 100%. I was surprised when I found this URL. We love the same band, but not the same records! I just cant see the greatness in the first album campared to Grand Hotel and the following Exotic Birds and Fruits, escpecially the first side. To me these records represents the pure essence of what is PH. Offcourse I like the other records but I really cant see how anything else than A Salty Dog, Whaling Stories, In Held Twas in I, (ok ok AWSoP) can qualify for top ten. The rest of the list being occupied with tracks from GH and EBAF.

Idea: Untitled

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: WHALING STORIES
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 01:12:30 GMT
From: <tex315@webtv.net>
regarding the song WHALING STORIES does anyone think that the line "sack the town and rob the tower and steal the alphabet" is KEITH REIDS own tongue in cheek joke about ROBIN TROWERS discontent. rob the tower sure is close to robin trower. its just a thought.

Ok: Grand Hotel

Re: Idea Untitled
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 18:17:01 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I really like GH too, especially for Mick's great guitar and BJ's phenomenal drumming which is more audible on this album than on most of their other studio works. But I do think they took a wrong turn with some of the arrangements -- see Bud Scoppa's Rolling Stone Review -- URL below. The title track, TV Caesar and Fires (Which Burnt Brightly) were all over-encumbered with orchestration or extraneous vocals from outsiders. I think they used orchestration because PH probably mistook that for the reason the Edmonton album was so successful. In my opinion I think Edmonton succeeded In Sptie Of, rather than because of the orchestration -- its strength being the fantastic sound engineering by Wally Heider, capturing -- for the first time - some of the band's LIVE POWER -- esp. due to BJW!! Previous and subsequent studio attempts at orchestration were not successful (commercially nor, imo, artistically).

KR astutely mentioned in an interview that it was too bad they named the album after the title track because that probably led to their getting bad press about the entire album's being pompous and overblown, when in fact only a few tracks fit that description. Thereafter PH didn't name their albums after individual songs.

Best, Joan

Scoppa Review: http://www.procolharum.com/gh-rev_scoppa.htm


Yadda-yadda-yadda

Re: Ok Grand Hotel (Joan)
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 13:48:21 GMT
From: <unknown>
JEM33 said: <<Thereafter PH didn't name their albums after individual songs.>>

What about "Something Magic"?


Agree: Yadda-Yadda-OOF!

Re: Yadda-yadda-yadda
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 19:50:21 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Yikes! "Something Magic" of course-- I stand corrected!! I try not to think about that album very much so it slipped my mind.

I got the impression from KR's comments about Grand Hotel that he thought it was a mistake to name an entire album after one of its songs, and he/they weren't planning to do that again. But of course they did, just one more time....


Question: GH superb!

Re: Agree Yadda-Yadda-OOF! (Joan)
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 16:13:00 GMT
From: <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
What's all this furor over Grand Hotel being named Grand Hotel? Excellent choice and a perfect album in every way. The album name goes with the package so well, the fact that the song is perfectly regal only adds to the class. Don't listen to the critics, they would rather be listening to Lynard Synard or some such crap. PH was never understood in the zines and that is just as well. I can be critical of some later albums and the way they were produced but think GH a pure gem. The Swingle voice on Fires was wonderful, of course I am a big fan of that group as well. Can anyone shed some light on a rumor I heard about 20 years ago, that the Swingle Singers recorded a French album of Procol Harum songs. Any truth? It would surely be something magic.

More: Keith's words about the above

Re: Agree Yadda-Yadda-OOF! (Joan)
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 18:12:22 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
The article where KR discussed not wanting title tracks on future albums was just posted at BtP -- URL below. They did go with this decision on their next 2 consecutive albums -- the first time 2 in a row had no title track, I think.. They must have forgotten about that on Something Magic -- apparently they forgot several things on that album -- to put a vocal melody on "Worm" for instance, or preferably to read those words again, realize how idiotic they were and scrap that piece altogether.. Anyway, here are some very wise words from Keith:

>>>>> Due to this album's title cut, though, the band began to resent their new image. Explained Keith Reid, 'Not to put Grand Hotel down, but because of all the orchestration, that single song was given far more importance than the rest of the album, which is a shame because there was so much more to the album than just that one song. Therefore, this time around, we're not going to jeopardize the whole album by allowing people to listen only to the title cut.'

Trackless title-painting:

This time there is no title cut. Exotic Birds and Fruit is named after the cover of the album, a reproduction of a famous English oil painting. 'We named it after the painting because we liked it and we hate the idea of naming any more albums after one of the cuts on it. ' <<<<<<

Included Page: Circus Raves' on 'Exotic Birds and Fruit'

http://www.procolharum.com/raves_ebaf.htm


Feedback: Grand Hotel vs. Studio recordings

Re: Ok Grand Hotel (Joan)
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 21:22:22 GMT
From: jay <jay_kuhn@yahoo.com>
I agree with Joan. I think the song versions on the live album are just more powerful. I heard the Edmonton album before I heard most of the early albums and I liked the 'power' of the Edmonton album versions over most of the originals -- the first time i heard them.

jk


Feedback: Untitled

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: KING OF HEARTS
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 04:06:17 GMT
From: <tex315@webtv.net>
pardon me if you think im overzealous in adding KING of
HEARTS from PRODIGAL STRANGER to my top 10 list. to me it
ranks up there with many of there classics. what i find
most procolish about the song is garys chord changes
remeniscent from the GRAND HOTEL album. i would most
definatley welcome more songs like this from gary and co.
on future recordings.

Feedback: the "grand hotel" style and other things

Re: Feedback Untitled
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 16:33:12 GMT
From: Jason M. Scruton <unknown>
Hi, its been a while but I'm back on the less beaten path. Thoughts: 1. The Grand Hotel sound is strong in that it feels like the fulfillment of wha they were aiming at on _SOB/parts of the 1st LP. And interestingly enough, the words on GH were the least opaque when comapred to the other 2 LPs. What I always wondered was what would happen if PH developed the experimentalist side present on ASD with untraditional instrumentation(sure you could argue that a symphony orch. is nontrad accompanyment, but its been done a lot in Beatles, other pop groups to be fairly comfortable. Alas, things are never what they could be given any set of expectations. At least when they did sound "unHammondish" they were strong pieces, as opposed to lamentable filler. Then again, I might be wrong. Remember though, the songs fit the words. So... a lot of Reid's personal rhythm in verbiage does subtly dominate the way the songs came out. Advantages and critques are possible, but unnecessary.

Glad to be back, Jason M. Scruton


Untitled

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: u.s record deal
Date: Thu, 03 Sep 1998 03:12:39 GMT
From: <tex315@webtv.net>
if procol harum decide to realse any new material and need a u.s. distributor deal, maybe they could contact TVT records. they just reecently inked another very underated band XTC

Disagree: Untitled

Re: Untitled
Keywords: procol a prog rock band?
Date: Sun, 25 Oct 1998 00:14:28 GMT
From: <tex315@webtv.net>
im writing in response to quite a few letters ive seen lately dumping PH into the progressive rock category. i NEVER bought in to the idea that procol was nothing more than a very talanted ahead of their time R & B outfit who could easily jump from one genre to another just like the beatles, and like the beatles thier roots stemmed from R & B. if one must categorize procol, mention them alongside BOB DYLAN, THE BAND, TRAFFIC, THE BEATLES, and others im sure, but to dump them in with the likes of ELP, YES, GENESIS, and other prog rockers, NO WAY. NOT in a million years. long like PH and their music.

Agree: Yes and Genesis???

Re: Disagree Untitled
Keywords: procol a prog rock band?
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 13:52:17 GMT
From: Matthew Cottrell <matthew_cottrell@appsig.com>
Amen!!! Lumping PH into any category that includes Yes and Genesis is ludicrous, imho. Yes was fortunate early on to have a pretty talented "keyboardist" (God, what an ugly word) in Rick Wakeman, but that was about their only redeeming feature. Genesis, on the other hand, had (has?) to be the worst excuse for a rock group (progressive or otherwise) that ever made it big. They simply had nothing to say.

Yes, I know that all of you Genesis (and Phil Collins) fans will be enraged, and will call me all sorts of unkind and unprintable names, but I stand by my opinion. You can't convince me that there is a single Yes or Genesis composition or performance that compares to AWSoP, Repent Walpurgis, ASD, or half-a-dozen other PH works. This is especially true of the Genesis dreck that made it to Top Forty radio.

Comments invited--but be nice!!!


Question: Salty Dog

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: lyrics
Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 20:14:20 GMT
From: <noreen.mcquinn@boeing.com>
Does anyone have the last verse of Salty Dog?

Question: So when do we get to hear what the reunion sounded like?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 04:45:33 GMT
From: Bert Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>
OK, so when do we get to hear what the reunion sounded like?! We couldn't all be there but you know that any 'real' PH fan started drooling like one of Dr. P's dogs ever since the 30th anniversary concert took place. Surely someone must've had the foresight to audio and/or videotape the show! Yes, I know that Gary wanted to keep it as more of an intimate (!) event than a recording session, but ...come on! We're out here in pain! So what's the scoop? Is there any chance of any documentation ( aside from the wonderful 'tour book' that can be purchased from BtP ) seeing the light of day? PS - buy any and all Gazza product! Let's encourage The Commander! - Bert Saraco - bertsaraco@hotmail.com

More: There's the evidence...

Re: Question So when do we get to hear what the reunion sounded like? (Bert Saraco)
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1998 15:26:17 GMT
From: Matthew Cottrell <unknown>
OK--Roland Clare says it right there in his interview with Mick Grabham:

"Have you heard the recording of Redhill?

I have, yes. It's all right."

So: who has it? How do we get it? Let's see some postings here demanding it!!!


Question: 3 CD Box Set

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 04:36:11 GMT
From: <atalade@vegas.infi.net>
Did someone say there is a Procol Harum 3-CD box set?  Please tell me how to get it!  Thanks!

Feedback: Box Info

Re: Question 3 CD Box Set
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 09:32:06 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
You can order the Box Set (Westside Records, UK, 1997) from amazon.com, CDNow.com and probably many other places.

Here's the Page with a bunch of articles/reviews, etc. about the Box:

http://www.procolharum.com/boxrev.htm

Best, Joan :-)

http://www.procolharum.com/awsopcomp.htm


Idea: Let's get Procol Harum and/or Gary into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 05:24:05 GMT
From: Bert Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>
Procol and / or Gary belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!! Yeah, I know they've almost got too much class to care about it, but they certainly deserve the recognition, if only for producing one of the most well-known rock classics of all time. AWOP has become part of the collective unconscious of several generations! All of this plus the fact that they're one of the few bands that managed to keep their integrity and not follow every musical trend that came along - the music has aged well without sounding 'dated' or nostalgic. Gary's still going strong, sounds better than ever, and is in constant demand as a 'band-master' for some of the biggest names in rock royalty! They've got all this (and more!) going for them. I think that this is the type of thing that will cause all kinds of people to smack their hands onto their foreheads and say, "of course! Procol Harum! They belong in the Hall!" My guess is that industry insiders will all agree - but, ah...do they ever think about our boys?! No! - that's why we need to remind them!
  I've already submitted my suggestion, now let's all get behind the idea. Unfortunately, The Hall no longer invites suggestions via e-mail. Here's what they want you to do:
"...For further questions about inductions or to suggest inductees:
All aspects of the induction process are handled by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, located in New York City. To suggest inductees, or if you have further questions regarding the induction process that aren't answered here, please contact the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104. Please do not write to the e-mail addresses below with your induction suggestions. ..."
Let's get 'em in, gang!

More: A humble suggestion (as long as your writing to R&R H/F)

Re: Idea Let's get Procol Harum and/or Gary into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame! (Bert Saraco)
Keywords: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Trio
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 22:04:37 GMT
From: <omaniv@aol.com>
I certainly don't want to detract from a strong message on behalf of P/H, nor do I want to start an avalanche of "add-ons", but might I suggest adding "Johnny Burnette & the Rock & Roll Trio" to your letter, for the simple reason that Johnny & Dorsey are both dead, and Paul Burlingson is getting up there, and ill, as I understand. "Train Kept a Rollin'" while not their original, could be the primordial rock record of all time, and was the staple band song of the sixties; "Rip It Up", Honey Hush" all were the basis of even more sixties groups including the Beatles. Check out the Definitive CD on Bear Family, and PLAY IT LOUD!!!!!!!!. John O

Agree: Man With A Mission

Re: Idea Let's get Procol Harum and/or Gary into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame! (Bert Saraco)
Keywords: I sat me down
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 02:08:44 GMT
From: Beverly Peyton <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>
Thanks for asking.I've been waiting for backup.The letter is in the mail. 

Sad: Wish I Could

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 1998 02:50:14 GMT
From: James <whiddon@worldnetla.net>
Yes, I'm a bloody American who doesn't get to see Gary, unless he plans a trip here.

I thought I was the only one who loved this band, or even knew about it. I should have known you Brits stick together.

Really I WISH I could see him in concert, when Procul Harum was still together I was only an infant sadly.


Feedback: We're not all Brits!

Re: Sad Wish I Could (James)
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 1998 20:45:00 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
>>>>>I thought I was the only one who loved this band, or even knew about it. I should have known you Brits stick together. <<<<

Hey, who you callin' a Brit? <g>. I think we Americans constitute the majority of the visitors to this Site-- click on the CONTACTS menu and see all the fans who've admitted to visiting these wonderful Pages (I'm sure there are many more who lurk here as well) -- from all over the world and especially the good ole US of A!

>>>Really I WISH I could see him in concert, when Procul Harum was still together I was only an infant sadly. <<<<

I was older during their Vintage years and was privileged to see them in 1970 and 73 and they Killed both times -- the BEST sound I've ever heard in my LIFE and sadly the worst reproduced on record. But they can still be seen in their Vintage performances -- via the TV concerts and performance clips from 1967-76 ---- thus far only bootlegs with terrible sound quality but the visuals are quite good, thankfully. I bet those vids can be tweaked up sound wise too and someday legitimately released. Then people who weren't even Born during Procol's Vintage years --- and those who are not yet born even now -- can continue to enjoy this magnificent band in all its glory.

Best,

Joan http://www.procolharum.com/awsopcomp.htm


Agree: V-v-video? Live footage? ...source material?

Re: Feedback We're not all Brits! (Joan)
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 01:36:41 GMT
From: Bert Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>
     Help me. I'm drooling at the thought of live concert video of the band in its prime. Source material ...cleaned up ...sounding great, looking fantastic. Color. Sound. Procol Harum live. B.J. Wilson - how does he play that cow bell? Swirling colors. I'm - I'm slipping into another dimension! *gack!* Help! I need those videos! Gazza! Gazza! Help me!
     I really think I'm Losing it.

Question: V-v-video footage of live performances

Re: Agree V-v-video? Live footage? ...source material? (Bert Saraco)
Date: Thu, 03 Dec 1998 23:35:17 GMT
From: Paul D. Kreisinger <pkreisin@ix.netcom.com>
I've been listening to Procol Harum since the first record came out in 1967, and I saw them many times when they were in NYC between 1967 and 1970. However, I've never had a chance to see any video clips.

I can't believe that there are no video or kinescope tapes of live club performances from 1967-68, with material from the first three albums.

Does anyone know of where such material might be? And how we can get copies?


Agree: vrooom-v-video

Re: Question V-v-video footage of live performances (Paul D. Kreisinger)
Keywords: Procol film
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 1998 18:48:57 GMT
From: Jim Krapf <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
I'm assuming you guys have not purchased the Robin Copping film entitled, "The Procol Harum" shot during the "Home" days. It can be found advertised on this web site. I just received my copy and found it most interesting. There is not a lot of live performance but two segments stand out - Robin Trower surging through "Whiskey Train" whilst standing a few feet from a roaring locomotive and a classic rendition of "Piggy Pig Pig" peformed outside in the cold. While some might not like the effects used on portions that pre-date the modern music videos, I found most of the spots pleasant and although I imagine Gary and Keith might be a bit embarrassed now if they viewed the film, the responses (the questions are not heard) to the spontaneous sounding interview are real and pure and not slick and polished. There are a few hems and haws and "you knows" but overall there are some intriguing insights into the band we all love. Keith Reid does quite a lot of talking and some of the scenes of his motley self back in those days is stunningly reminiscent of my own youthful, brooding days in and out of University when I listened to his lyrics and seemed able to identify with his mood. Another video that must exist somewhere is of the PH appearance on the TV show, "Midnight Special" during their "Grand Hotel days inwhich they played the rare "Drunk Again". What about all the Dutch TV shows they've played? Why doesn't Rhino Records put out a PH video? Let's see if we can start a movement. We want film footage or else!!

Feedback: Lets not forget "Johnny Carson"...

Re: Agree vrooom-v-video (Jim Krapf)
Keywords: Procol film, TV, live performance
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 21:20:50 GMT
From: Bryan Adkins <gtrkins@home.com>
I can remember, some years ago, lying in bed, nearly asleep. This was mere months before Johnny Carson retired as host of the Tonight Show. I had not been paying attention and had no idea who was scheduled to appear on the show that night. He began introducing a musical act and I looked up and started listening.
I had been a huge fan since hearing ASD in high school and had purchased everything I could find up until they disbanded. I bought the three GB solo albums as well - but remember that this was a time when information about Procol and Gary was hard to come by (God bless the Internet!). I hadn't heard any music or even any news about them in years. When Carson announced the band as, "Procol Harum", I jumped out of bed fast enough to wake up my wife.
As I recall, they did two numbers that night - "The Truth Won't Fade Away" and "As Strong As Samson". It wasn't often a recording act did more than one number on the Tonight Show. Unfortunately, not having known about it beforehand, I have no recording of the event.
Perhaps someone should contact NBC and see if anything could be done...

Disagree: Joan's "Synthophobia" Rebuttal

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 03:43:14 GMT
From: Ethan Reilly <papa_abba@yahoo.com>
Dear Joan-

(American Heritage)

"pho-bi-a" - n.

1. A persistent, abnormal, or irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid the feared stimulus.
2. A strong fear, dislike, or aversion.


  I don't know about you, Joan - but as for me, "fear" is not an emotion which I would choose as "kindling" for creativity. I vastly prefer the concept of "possibility".
  Did you know that Andre Segovia likewise postulated music's demise upon the advent of the ELECTRIC GUITAR? - now please, if you will - tell THAT to Robin Trower.
  It would seem unwise to fear that which you do not understand.. A true artist knows, and appreciates the unique advantages of every available tool...

Ethan

P.S. Speaking just for myself - I quite like Hammond organs.

Procol Harum live w/ Jethro Tull, Sept. 18, 1991

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 21:08:25 GMT
From: MCTardif <unknown>
The following are excerpts from a review of a concert that featured Jethro Tull and Procol Harum. I personally attended this concert on Sat. Sept. 18, 1993 at the Irvine Meadows Amph.. The review, by Mike Boehm(Times staff writer) appeared in The Los angeles Times, Orange County edition on Mon. Sept. 20. The headline reads "Tull Still Has the Moves If Not the Voice" w/ the sub-headline "The British band puts on a dynamic and dramatic show...But leader Ian Anderson's vocals have considerably diminished with the passage of time.". At the end of Boehm's review of Tull's portion of the concert he says
    "As another balding Brit, Pete Townshend, sang when he was still a whipper-snapper in his mid 30's,'Can't pretend that growing older never hurts.'
   "It doesn't always (Ital.) hurt. In any case, it hasn't hurt Procol Harum's Gary Brooker, whose voice was buzzing through rock fans' heads a year before anybody had heard of Jethro Tull. Fronting the reconstituted Procol Harum during its opening set, Brookers rich, expansive, soulful voice sounded as glorious as ever.
   The acid test was 'A Whiter Shade of Pale,' the vocally demanding recasting of a Bach composition that launched the band in 1967. Brooker aced that one, and gave thrilling performances two other high-drama, voice stretching nuggets from the bands peak period, 'A Salty Dog' and 'Conquistador.' With his broad, craggy face and his whitening hair swept back in a ponytail, Brooker looked a bit like Marlon Brando circa 'Last Tango in Paris.' Of course, Procol Harum prefers to dance the light fandango.
   "It also preferred not to be anchored solely in the past. Of the nine songs in its 55-minute sets, three were from 'The Prodigal Stranger', the album that marked the band's comeback in 1991 after a 14 year hiatus. A fourth was an as-yet unrecorded piece.
   "The 'Stranger' stuff is to prosaic, lacking the sense of mystery and the swirling combination of musical elements that marked Procol at its peak...However, the current line up is potent and played both old and new stuff beautifully.
   "Organist Matthew Fisher, the only other holdover from the bands glory days, may have looked as solemn as a church organist but he managed some wailing, R&B inspired licks along with the stately classical passages (Procol Harum always was a band with one ear on Bach and the other tuned to Marvin Gaye).
   "Ian Wallace, a veteran session drummer, and bassist Mathew Pegg, the long-haired sonof a hairless Tull member, were a hard-hitting foundation that kept those stately numbers from slogging. Newcomer Jeff Whitehorn, supplied razory guitar lines that only occasionally veered a tad too close to Eddie Van Halen-inspired shrieky intonations.
   On "The Prodigal Stranger' album, Procol Harum sometimes seems to be trying to copy the polished current styles of Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, old contemporaries who had managed to sustain success into the late '80s and the early 90s. The shows new composition, 'The Last train to Niagara,' pointed in a better direction. Though not as striking as the classics played in a very well-recieved set, it had that old sense of a band exploring mysteries and taking a journey into the unknown.
   "As far as performance goes, age really does have nothing to do with it in Procol Harum's case. Whether the band has a future depends on its ability to further rekindle the songwriting spark that carried it in the late '60s and the early '70s."
   The review was 3/4 of a page with a picture of Ian Anderson playing his flute and another of GB with one arm raised in the midst of some intense lyric or other. The song list for the concert, as I remember was; Simple Sister, Queen of Hearts, The Truth Won't Fade Away, Salty Dog, Last Train to Niagara, Conquistador, WSoP,and Strong As Samson.

Ok: Thanks for this review of the September 18, *1993* gig!!

Re: Procol Harum live w/ Jethro Tull, Sept. 18, 1991 (MCTardif)
Date: Fri, 27 Nov 1998 01:21:20 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Thanks for posting this review. I had seen it in LA Times online and should have sent it to BtP long ago but was negligent.

When I saw the "1991" in your title I wondered where Ian Wallace and young Matt Pegg came from <g> but then I realized about the typo -- as I should know, being the self proclaimed Typo Queen of the Internet and all, most of my worst typos coming when I'm trying to make a point, or during the punchline of a joke. It's frustrating that we're unable to edit our posts...but at least we're all in this together. :-)

I like Mike Boehm's descriptions and agree with his musical tastes about the songs, and _Geoff_ (Boehm's error) Whitehorn's Van Halenesque excesses (which I think are more excessive than Boehm does).

Yes, I'm sure Matthew Fisher looked as solemn as a church organist and there are historical reasons for that.

I hope your transcription will be posted in the "On Stage" section of this Site -- along with any other reminiscences you might have.

Thanks again!

Best, Joan

http://www.procolharum.com/awsopcomp.htm

    

Ok: Matthew Fisher, Little Richard and Jon Carroll

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 08 Dec 1998 09:26:02 GMT
From: <Jem33@aol.com>
On Novermber 15, 1998, Matthew Fisher added the following opinion to his WebPage:

>>>>> The Greatest Record Ever Made?

Some say A Whiter Shade of  Pale, others say Stairway to Heaven.  Both answers are wrong.  The correct answer is, of course, Good Golly Miss Molly by Little Richard. <<<<

While I don't agree with him - I think it IS AWSoP - perhaps Jon Carroll of the San Francisco Chronicle does. Just over 3 weeks after Matthew posted the above, Carroll expressed very similar sentiments in his December 7th column:  

>>>>>  Little Richard and The Great Dame

Saw Aunt Mary coming and he jumped back into the Theatre on the Square

JON CARROLL  

Monday, December 7, 1998

IT IS ABOUT time that someone said out loud while he is still alive that Little Richard is one of the great Americans of the 20th century. His devotion to anarchy is both uncompromising and cheerful, an almost impossible combination. His fashion sense is so peccable that it achieves impeccability by coming in the back door. He can still do a falsetto scream at will. Plus, he rocks.

Here is what there is too much of in popular music today: dour people. Dour young women depressed about something, dour young men strangling on their rage. Dour is OK, but there is life beyond dour. There is Little Richard.

Little Richard likes sex. That's sort of a radical message these days, a straightforward ``sex is fun´´ kind of thing. Little Richard believes that sex is Christian. If you asked Little Richard, What would Jesus do?, he would respond: ``She´s got everything that Uncle John needs,´´ which would be confusing out of context but still -- you´d understand the message.

Greil Marcus wrote a wonderful essay about Little Richard on the Dick Cavett show in the early '70s. Also on the show were Erich Segal, author of the now-almost-forgotten ``Love Story,´´ and John Simon, the critic who has made a career of being acerbic about everything. Simon did not like Segal´s book, and the two of them were debating furiously. Little Richard watched. He seemed to think that the conversation was insufficiently focused. He suddenly levitated from his seat, causing the others to shrink back noticeably. He fixed them with a gaze. They were unable to meet it. He said: ``WHY, IN WHOLE HISTORY OF AAAAART! THAT´S RIGHT! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! WHAT DO YOU KNOW, MR. CRITIC? WHY WHEN CREEDENCE CLEARWATER PUT OUT WITH THEIR `TRAVELING BAND´ EVERYBODY SAY WHEEE-OOOOO! BUT I KNOW IT ´CAUSE THEY ONLY DOING `LONG TALL SALLY´ LIKE THE BEATLES AND THE STONES AND TOM JONES AND ELVIS BECAUSE -- I AM ALL OF IT, LITTLE RICHARD HIMSELF, VERY TRULY THE GREATEST, THE PRETTIEST, AND NOW TO YOU (he looks at Segal) AND YOU (to Simon). ``I HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK MYSELF. I AM A WRITER. I HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK AND IT´S CALLED, HE GOT WHAT HE WANTED BUT HE LOST WHAT HE HAD! THAT´S IT! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! HE GOT WHAT HE WANTED BUT HE LOST WHAT HE HAD! THE STORY OF MY LIFE! CAN YOU DIG IT? THAT´S MY BOY LITTLE RICHARD, SURE IS. OO MAH SOUL.´´

And it was suddenly clear who the actual artist onstage was, who the real visionary was, who was reviewing the assumptions of art and making selections as though from a menu. Little Richard, in performance, taking on the world with one hand tied behind his back and WINNING. God bless him.

IT IS MY belief that every night at the Theatre on the Square, one of the spiritual heirs to Little Richard is on full public view. His/her name is Dame Edna Everage, although it's also Barry Humphries. [what follows is a blurb on Dame Edna -- for the complete column, see

http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/carroll/ ]

Why did Constantinople get the works? That's nobody's business but jrc@sfgate.com.

  ©1998 San Francisco Chronicle  Page E8 <<<<< 


Ok: Gary Brooker and Little Richard

Re: Ok Matthew Fisher, Little Richard and Jon Carroll
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 18:23:17 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
In their 10/98 issue, MOJO magazine presented the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" as voted by a panel of 175 vocalists. Two of my favorite singers didn't make the list of winners but were chosen as judges, and each got to provide a quote in honor of one of the winners:

Ray Charles (#3), "The high priest, the genius, the Michael Jordan of soul. Ageless" ---- Al Kooper   <<<<

and

Little Richard (#21) "Total attack - yet effortless. He invented rock 'n' roll." ---- Gary Brooker, Procol Harum <<<<


Question: Request to a musician better than I

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Still There'll Be More
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 04:45:57 GMT
From: Peter <psosna@ix.netcom.com>
I'm an ok guitarist, but one thing I can't do is figure out the chords for songs. I can play most anything if I have the music in front of me, but when I try to figure something out I just get lost. For a long time I have wanted to play Still There'll Be More, but clod that I am, I can't figure it out. Are there any musicians out there who could post or send me the chords?

Question: Shine On Brightly Sound Quality

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 04 Jan 1999 18:15:44 GMT
From: Ross <v667@hotmail.com>
Does anyone have an opinion on which Shine On Brightly CD sounds best? There's a few out there and I'll take sound quality over bonus tracks. Thanks.

Shine on Brightly sound

Re: Question Shine On Brightly Sound Quality (Ross)
Date: Mon, 04 Jan 1999 18:30:05 GMT
From: Jens R <webmaster@procolharum.com>
You should absolutely go for one of the Westside releases: Shine On Brightly Pluss or the 30 Year Anniversary boxset. They are in my opinion the best in sound quality.

Untitled

Re: Shine on Brightly sound (Jens R)
Date: Thu, 14 Jan 1999 14:50:43 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
I'll second that! I've had two other CD releases that sounded terrible............this was a pretty poor recording even on LP. The Westside disk(s) at least make it sound like 20th century technology!

NY POST mentions Gary's Starr performance.

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 06 Jan 1999 03:28:13 GMT
From: Evan <regalzonophone@yahoo.com>
The folowing item appeared in the New York Post,Tuesday, January 5, 1999

A Starr in his own right

MAYBE someone laughed when Ringo Starr first got up to play on his own, but it's the former Beatle who has been chuckling ever since. To mark the 1Oth anniversary of his All Starr Band, the old drummer next month will be in the metropolitan area, where he's already sold out at the Beacon Theatre and Westbury Music Fair. Second shows have been added. It's all part of a world tour for the All Starrs, who include stellar talent such as Joe Walsh, Todd Rundgren, Gary Brooker, Jack Bruce and Simon Kirke. They start at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on Feb. 12, and play South Africa in March.

 

Idea: Glimpses of Nirvana through DON A. CARRELL: was it only a dream of mine?....

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Nirvana, Homburg/humbug, Don A. Carrell
Date: Sat, 09 Jan 1999 20:14:32 GMT
From: antonio costa barbe' <most@msoft.it>
Mentre leggevo le riflessioni di questo eccellente Autore, apprezzavo la lieve, calibrata fatica cui mi sottoponevo per tradurre dall'inglese all'italiano un testo tanto denso di bagliori del Nirvana post-natalizio.
E  cosi', quando mi sono addormentato improvvisamente, giunto proprio alla parola 'Homburg', al mio risveglio ho avuto la folgorante illuminazione! Perche' anni addietro avevo fortunatamente letto in lingua originale, con la stessa dolce fatica, 'A Christmas Carol', e IMROVVISAMENTE mi sono  ricordato cio' che Scrooge amava ripetere: "bah, humbug!..."
Adesso non ho piu' alcun dubbio: in quest'ambito letterario l'amico Don A. Carrel  e' il mio scrittore preferito, assieme a Lewis Carroll.
			antonio costa barbe'
(I hope someone will be translate in English my reflections above).

Translation of the above Glimpses

Re: Idea Glimpses of Nirvana through DON A. CARRELL: was it only a dream of mine?.... (antonio costa barbe')
Keywords: Nirvana, Homburg / humbug, Don A. Carrell, translation
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 00:57:52 GMT
From: Martin Clare <MartinClare>
Translation of Antonio's Italian message ...

'While I was reading the reflections of this excellent author, I began to feel the light, measured fatigue brought about by translating from English into Italian a text so rich in gleams of post-Christmas Nirvana.  And so, having fallen asleep unexpectedly, right at the word "Homburg", on my reawakening illumination came to me like lightning!  Because years previously I had luckily read in the original language, with the same pleasurable fatigue, "A Christmas Carol", and SUDDENLY I remembered what Scrooge was fond of repeating: "bah, humbug!..."

Now I no longer have any doubt: in this particular literary world my friend Don A. Carrell is my favourite writer, alongside Lewis Carroll.'

http://www.procolharum.com/scrooge.htm


Question: Who Published "A Whiter Shade of Pale"?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Song, publisher, clearance
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 06:54:44 GMT
From: Michael Kac <kac@cs.umn.edu>
I am trying to find out the publisher of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and whether the song was cleared by ASCAP or BMI. If anyone out there can tell me, you have my undying gratitude.

Michael Kac


Feedback: I'll take a stab at this but I could be wrong....

Re: Question Who Published "A Whiter Shade of Pale"? (Michael Kac)
Keywords: Song, publisher, clearance
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1999 21:48:00 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I don't know about the ASCAP/BMI question, nor what is meant by "cleared" -- can you enlighten about that? I'm sure it's not that Scientology concept <G>...

I think the original publisher was Essex Music, but the song has changed hands since then and is now published by Buck's Music -- a Simon Platz Company...

As I said -- just a guess. I hope someone more authoritative than this humble admirer will come forward with the precise information.

Best,

Joan May

http://www.procolharum.com/awsopcomp.htm


Ok: Gary Brooker Live on Swedish TV

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 03 Feb 1999 05:42:19 GMT
From: Per <pagon@telia.com>
As Jonas noted elsewhere on BtP, Gary Brooker would play live on Swedish TV. Well, now he has... And it was wonderful!

Toghether with swedish musicians he performed Conquistador, A Salty Dog and A Whiter Shade of Pale.

I enjoyed every millisecond of it!


BROOKER IN NY w/RINGO TIX - FACE VALUE

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Brooker Tix for sale
Date: Wed, 03 Feb 1999 15:30:11 GMT
From: <fischfry@aol.com>
Have 4 tickets at face value available for Gary Brooker in concert with Ringo Starr. Beacon theater in New York City, Tuesday Feb. 16. Excellent seats. Email privatly if interested; fischfry@aol.com. Thanks.

Question: Recordings of Blue Danube

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 13:43:09 GMT
From: Matthew Cottrell <mjc@appsig.com>
Gee, pretty quiet here lately...

Thanks to Joan and Hermann, I've become hooked on the British Biscuit recording of the Blue Danube waltz (more properly, An der schönen blauen Donau), by Strauss. Does anyone know of any other instances where PH recorded this work? I've heard rumors that there was an "official" recording done in Austria when they were commissioned to perform the work on its anniversary--is this the case?

Anyway, not the most earth-shattering question in the world, but I would appreciate any input.

Best regards, Matthew


Agree: Blue about 'Danube'

Re: Question Recordings of Blue Danube (Matthew Cottrell)
Keywords: Danube & Adagio
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 20:59:51 GMT
From: Bert Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>
Matthew...
   Why am I blue about these two? Because I've never yet heard a version to equal the power of hearing the boys perform it live! When I first heard PH perform 'Danube' I was struck by the way they managed to capture the piece and actually do a very credible job while injecting a bit of humor at the same time! And 'Adagio' just totally blew me away! If you've only heard the versions of these songs on 'Rarum' ( I'm guessing because of the names you dropped ) then you haven't heard them in all their live glory! BJ and Mick probably were at their best when we heard the band do 'Adagio' at the Felt Forum in New York City in ( I think ) '75. I certainly doubt that I ever heard Mick in better form, at least!
   I'd also be interested in any other recorded versions of these songs - especially live versions. As with so many other songs ( compare the studio versions of the material on Broken Barricades with some of the live versions! ) these two pieces obviously 'grew' with the band on tour ...or should I say that the band 'grew' into the songs?!
   Anyway, I agree that these are two impressive examples of what this band was capable of. Hey, a new quest - I like it! Open the vaults, Commander!
   -Bert Saraco,
bertsaraco@hotmail.com

Agree: Chamber Music Extraordinaire

Re: Agree Blue about 'Danube' (Bert Saraco)
Keywords: Danube & vault
Date: Sun, 07 Mar 1999 17:42:03 GMT
From: Jim Krapf <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Upon hearing about the Biscuit business I now wonder how many versions of the Blue Danube exist, or if it is really the same recording in a different package. The one I have was a bootleg record LP that I know has been mentioned elsewhere on this site entitled, "Five and Dime". Brooker, Copping, Cartwright, Wilson and Grabham perform "live" 9 songs (although the intro to "Nothing But the Truth" is the first verse of the old rocker, "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch" which then makes 10). The record sleeve has an insert that claims the recording was made in early 1976 and has a drawing by someone named Davis that depicts a man with head collapsed on a writing table with a revolver and pen and a sheet of paper with cuneiform symbols that use dots profusely and the word, "rosebud". A cat peers at the viewer of this scene from a window ledge. There are two razor blades near the revolver. Probably no significance to the symbols, could be a joke, but nontheless makes for a nice album cover. However, the symbols could contain a message. The words, " LOST IN OUR VAULTS UNTIL NOW" are striped in the corner of the insert. I purchased this copy in 1979 in Seattle, Washington U.S.A. What do the vaults really contain? The maestro's vault? The mystery continues... JK

Feedback: Blue Danube, cont.

Re: Agree Chamber Music Extraordinaire (Jim Krapf)
Keywords: Danube & vault
Date: Sun, 07 Mar 1999 19:51:57 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Yes, that Five & Dime is the same British Biscuit '76 performance. I'm sure the 'vaults" mentioned are those of the bootleggers, not the band.

There is another version of Blue Danube in the Vienna 1975 concert - a great gig, with BJW and Mick in top form. They played Vienna 1974 and 75, apparently, and were commissioned by the Vienna City Fathers to work up that rendition, but never got paid (as of 1975 anyway). See Gary's song intros from that gig:

http://www.procolharum.com/song_intros.htm

This is one reason I think it's appropriate for Procol -- with MICK on Guitar!!! -- to play Woodstock 99 in Vienna this summer (see my post in Still There'll Be More); another connection is that Woodstock promoter Michael Lang was a crony of BJ's during their Joe Cocker years together.

I'm not that crazy about the Blue Danube though -- the band did a great job on it, but Procol's own music is so much more exciting.


Question: Other versions of PH Live at the Hollywood Bowl?!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 02 Mar 1999 16:24:56 GMT
From: Bert Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>
The version that I Have of Procol Harum Live at the Hollywood Bowl is essentially the same as the radio Broadcast. It's on CD, by a 'company' called STENTOR, which gives it a code number of Sten 91.002. I believe it was made in Germany. The back cover gets several titles wrong : Christmas Cometh, Hotel Ritz, Fire burns brightly, and 'Instrumental' for the Grand Finale of 'In Held 'Twas In I.' The sound quality is pretty good. What I'd like to know is, does anyone know of a recording of the entire show including all of 'In Held 'Twas In I?' Does the version that I described sound familiar to anyone? -Bert

Warning: Do I have the right key?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 00:11:04 GMT
From: <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>
All hands on deck...you are all terrific.I am testing,
testing, just in case Gary can stop by and say "HI" from
here.Look for that possible message around the end of
March.With pressure coming from all sides, he just might
cave.Unfortunately, when the commander's on tour time is of
the essence.Will do my best.  

News: The Commander Speaks!

Re: Warning Do I have the right key?
Keywords: Do I have the right key?
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 02:20:27 GMT
From: Beverly Peyton <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>
Last night, after giving a brilliant performance at Sunrise

Musical Theatre, Gary in his Gary-esque manner, left me

with these parting words for all you Paler's, Whaler's and

Mailer's,:

      "Good evening!Never in the field of conflict has so
little been done by so few for greater result.I would like
to say a personal THANK YOU to those Sailor's, Paler's and
Whaler's whom have made themselves known. Never has so much
been given by so few. BLESS YOU. Guberanator."

(Hope I spelled that correctly for those for whom that has
meaning.) March 28,1999
 

Idea: Pavarotti Harum??

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 1999 01:02:58 GMT
From: Bert & Carina Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>

  This item appeared in the New York Newday newspaper on March 2, of this year:

     After spending his career performing roles written for others, Luciano Pavarotti would like someone to compose an opera with him in mind. "It has been my dream of 20 years or more that a pop composer would put himself together with a classical composer and make an opera," the tenor said... "No one is writing music for someone like myself today," Pavarotti said, describing himself as "someone very romantic, someone who likes melody."

   Gee, it's a shame that nobody knows a pop performer who can write melodic stuff and work with classical composers, isn't it? Hey, wait a minute.....

-Bert & Carina




Ok: San Diego All Starr concert

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 15:57:40 GMT
From: <alecb@o2a.com>
Went to the Ringo Starr's All Stars concert this past Sunday night. It was Amazing. Can't say much one way or the other about Ringo's performances he was OK. I do want to thank him for including Gary Booker and Jack Bruce. These two old guy still got it. Gary did Paler Shade o' White and A Salty Dog. Shiver time. Just amazing. Bruce did some very cool Cream covers that I thought I would never hear in concert. Imagine Whiter Shade and White Room in the same concert. I was in old fart heaven.

Alec in San Diego


Angry: Shame, Shame, Shame!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: webmaster. shame
Date: Sun, 04 Apr 1999 20:29:03 GMT
From: <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Just wanted any Paler who happens upon this April's Fool information about our wonderful webmasters to know that their choice of listing some of the responses to their hoax was an edited version, a selection of posts that fit their signs. I, for one, was included in my response to the Wonder page as looking like I fell into their vat hook, line and sinker. However, my other post to the webmaster, claiming the bust of an April fool's prank, and what's more, the overblown paranoia about Y2K in general, was not listed on the yuk, yuk page. In other words, they list a number of messages that support their intelligence, but only a couple of the reverse that I imagine I was not the only one to have been left off their selctive processing of feedback. I not only suspected a plot, but warned others of it as well. Just what are we as a group supposed to think of this behavior by our mentors in Procol Harum methodology? I call them revisionists, for the time being. Not revision based on an uncovering of heretofore, unknown trivia, but of the suppression of historic web interaction for the benefit of personal gain and webmaster fame. To this I say, Shame, Shame, Shame! JK

Disagree: Aw, lighten up!

Re: Angry Shame, Shame, Shame!
Keywords: webmaster. shame
Date: Mon, 05 Apr 1999 03:31:51 GMT
From: Bert Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>
Hey, I fell for it. So what?! I also had a good laugh afterward. Lighten up! It's called having a sense of humor.
Peace- Bert

Ok: No revisions, no shame

Re: Angry Shame, Shame, Shame!
Date: Mon, 05 Apr 1999 11:25:51 GMT
From: Roland <roland@procolharum.com>
Au contraire ...

As you will know if you examine your out-box, I reproduced your message verbatim, suppressing only your name to spare any embarrassment. Other messages were presented with similar care.

I didn't receive any other communciation from you about 'the bust of an April fool's prank', or it would also have featured on the page of responses.

'I imagine I was not the only one to have been left off their selctive processing of feedback.'

No, every message was listed, though I included only one copy when identical messages were sent several times.

'I not only suspected a plot, but warned others of it as well.'

Don't forget that BtP gave a whole year's warning of this.

'... suppression of historic web interaction for the benefit of personal gain and webmaster fame ...'

I don't think anyone who's had dealings with the people who run this site will believe that either of us is interested in fame. As for personal gain ... :-) ... rather the reverse!

'Just what are we as a group supposed to think of this behavior by our mentors ...'

I am surprised to be viewed as a mentor, but if it must be so, my messages to the people are as follows:

(a) Even the annual hoax at BtP is carefully and honestly mounted

and

(b) Don't follow leaders


Ok: Gain, Shame, FAME

Re: Ok No revisions, no shame (Roland)
Keywords: Gain, Shame, FAME
Date: Mon, 05 Apr 1999 20:53:50 GMT
From: Beverly Peyton <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>
     PROCOL HARUM....Hall of Fame
     PROCOL HARUM....Hall of Fame
     PROCOL HARUM....Hall of Fame
     PROCOL HARUM....Hall of Fame
  Shall I go on? 

Question: Blame, Blame, Blame?

Re: Ok No revisions, no shame (Roland)
Keywords: Blame satire
Date: Tue, 06 Apr 1999 11:12:01 GMT
From: <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Ah.  Looks like I touched a nerve.  Now the blame is placed on me.  Embarrassed?  You've got to be kidding.  Do you really think I walked around downtrodden and ashamed for wondering whether or not there might possibly be a problem with the BtP site?  No, I was glad to see that the best web site I have ever floated into was still afloat.  Has anyone ever heard of satire?  Maybe I failed at my attempt, but the language in my message surely could not be interpreted as truly angry could it?  I had a smile on my face when I wrote it.  Take a second look at the words.  And by the way, I did send a message to you, Roland.  Sorry if it got lost in cyberspace but I still have it in my "sent items" folder.  This is what I wrote before the other message to Wonder:
To BtP:
   "What?  Is this another April Fools joke Roland?  I click on Wonder of Music and I click on Procel Harem (or however they misspell it) and get deliverd right back to the BtP page that tells about Wonder of Music.  Man, that's a sick looking website.  Why would anyone pay to enter a web site?  I'd go back to snail mail first.  I really hope this Y2K thing ends up being a joke.  I for one am against it.  Keep on Shinin,  Jim Krapf."

Perhaps initial reaction to my Shame message brought out a little frustration. Well, I was a little flustered too when I hooked into Wonder. I have such little time to spend at such web browsing that I sometimes curse and use bad language when things don't go right. My wife has even heard it a few times. I'm sorry if I touched a nerve, but at least I got a response. Touche! Why can't we all just get along? For the sake of Wonder, Keep on shinin! JK


(pacifically)

Re: Question Blame, Blame, Blame?
Date: Sat, 10 Apr 1999 19:45:11 GMT
From: <Roland>
Jim

'I had a smile on my face when I wrote it. Take a second look at the words.'

Maybe I was swayed by that little un-smiley icon!

Anyway, thanks for the clarification and kind remarks. No shame, no blame ... let's shine on together, through the shadows cast, to a brighter day ...

Pacifically, RC


Ok: Wishing Well

Re: (pacifically)
Keywords: Robin Well
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 00:04:46 GMT
From: Jim Krapf <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Well said Roland. Now that I have that song running through my head I had to respond once more to close out this silly dialog. I've never put much stock in angry faces. Do they really mean angry, or just slightly annoyed? Honestly, no harm intended, not the least offended. I must have had too much wine, lost my way amidst the sign that was not there. Saw Robin play last month, wish they could get together one more time! I'll hold on to that thought. Here's wishing you (and yours) well. Jim

Note: The Pursuit of Happiness

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: One More Time
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 01:28:24 GMT
From: Beverly Peyton <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>
 I thought it was your turn Bert, but, I'll take it..
 Thanks for "No More Fear of Flying" GARY. Well done. :)
 I echo your thoughts Jim. It would be GREAT to hear PROCOL HARUM play and record AGAIN!!!
 Has anyone seen DAVE??

Question: Ain't nothin' to get excited about

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 18:33:34 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Is it indeed something to get excited about? I've been waiting for years to get my hands on a decent copy of the Liquorice John session, only to find it offered under this title from Shine On. Anyone care to critique? The only exposure I've had are the truncated teasers on Eagle Not Dove.

I've gone ahead and ordered it anyway.


More: WELL,I ...

Re: Question Ain't nothin' to get excited about (Steve G.)
Keywords: "Breathless"
Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 00:45:03 GMT
From: Beverly Peyton <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>
     Ain't no doubt about it. You better start,start
countin'your blessin's!! 

Agree: Well, I...

Re: More WELL,I ... (Beverly Peyton)
Date: Mon, 03 May 1999 14:19:26 GMT
From: <SteveG.>
I got my copy Friday and have been enjoying it all weekend. There's some pretty good moments on it....I love Gary's wailing on 'Lucille', his voice is straining almost to the breaking point.

Even tho' vintage R&R isn't really my cup of tea, I'd recommend this disc to any PH afficionado.


Agree: Well, I...

Re: More WELL,I ... (Beverly Peyton)
Date: Mon, 03 May 1999 14:20:05 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
I got my copy Friday and have been enjoying it all weekend. There's some pretty good moments on it....I love Gary's wailing on 'Lucille', his voice is straining almost to the breaking point.

Even tho' vintage R&R isn't really my cup of tea, I'd recommend this disc to any PH afficionado.


Note: Home Plus: no more hiss!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 24 Apr 1999 14:21:48 GMT
From: Lee <lee@lmendham.freeserve.co.uk>
Anyone heard the Westside remaster of Home Plus yet? I wasn't all that impressed with A Salty Dog Plus as the original tracks sounded as if they were taken from a badly worn master tape, though the bonus tracks made up for it a bit. But Home Plus has restored my faith in...well, restoration. At last a CD version of Procol's fourth album that DOESN'T hiss like a leaky steam valve! Thanks, guys!!

James Dewar

Re: Note Home Plus: no more hiss! (Lee)
Keywords: James Dewar
Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 05:24:51 GMT
From: Mike C. <mcomini@loudoun.com>
 Trying to get the latest on his health.  Also would like to contact him by sending him a letter.  Need address.

News: Stumbledown Romancer

Re: James Dewar (Mike C.)
Keywords: James Dewar
Date: Fri, 21 May 1999 04:59:15 GMT
From: Mike C. <MComini@loudoun.com>
received my copy of James Dewars "Stumbledown Romancer". Totally impressed and satisfied. What a great peice of work, and I agree with the review that it shows Dewars talants like never before. My favorite tracks: Stumbledown Romancer, Dance with Me, Nature Child, and Hosanna ( I plan to request at Christmas). You need to get this album and promote Jimmy's talent.

Idea: Best Captain Clack

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 06 May 1999 13:06:08 GMT
From: Samson <unknown>
Is Good Captain Clack the best song ever?
Oh yeah!

Agree: Yup!

Re: Idea Best Captain Clack (Samson)
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 1999 03:20:54 GMT
From: Captain Clack <unknown>
You said it, baby!!

Captain Clack (putting aside his humble pie)


Question: Whiter Shade with Last Verses

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 21 May 1999 20:04:52 GMT
From: <stephenn@onlineinc.com>
I was a big Procol fan in high school and college and have just recently begun taking an interest in the band again and replacing my LPs with CDs. But so far I have yet to come across a recording of AWSOP with the additional verses (shore leave and all) referenced on this site. Does such a thing exist?
Also, I didn't see Badfinger's Without You listed among tracks featuring Matthew Fisher as a session musician. Could that be anyone else playing that stately swirling organ at the end?
Great site, by the way. Glad to see so many taking an interest in this amazing band.

Feedback: Only in concert...

Re: Question Whiter Shade with Last Verses
Keywords: A Whiter Shade of Pale, Additional lyrics
Date: Tue, 25 May 1999 05:21:14 GMT
From: Matt Walsh <MoodyMattW@hotmail.com>
To my knowledge, the 3rd & 4th stanzas of AWSoP are done only in concert, and there aren't any live versions of AWSoP commercially available so you'd have to look for a bootleg if you want a recording of a version with the extra stanzas. There is a stereo re-recording of AWSoP available (part of the 3 cd anthology) and it's longer than the original but contains no extra verses.

Matt Walsh


Feedback: thought for sure...

Re: Feedback Only in concert... (Matt Walsh)
Keywords: A Whiter Shade of Pale, Additional lyrics
Date: Tue, 01 Jun 1999 14:15:19 GMT
From: BP <unknown>
     thought for sure "JL" would have had a say here

Huh?

Re: Feedback thought for sure... (BP)
Keywords: A Whiter Shade of Pale, Additional lyrics
Date: Wed, 02 Jun 1999 13:34:57 GMT
From: --JL <unknown>
What?  Extra verses to WSOP?  I never....!!!

Feedback: Extra verses right here at BtP

Re: Huh? (--JL)
Keywords: A Whiter Shade of Pale, Additional lyrics
Date: Thu, 03 Jun 1999 03:36:10 GMT
From: Matt Walsh <MoodyMattW@hotmail.com>
JL, just check out the lyrics for AWSoP here at Beyond the Pale; you'll see the two extra stanzas there.

Matt Walsh


Question: A Whiter Shade of Bach?

Re: Huh? (--JL)
Keywords: A Whiter Shade of Pale, Additional lyrics
Date: Thu, 03 Jun 1999 11:05:17 GMT
From: BP <unknown>
                Guestbook entry Jan. 31, 1998
                     Jacques Loussier?

Question: gazza records

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: All Timings are approximate
Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 00:45:22 GMT
From: Beverly <PROCOLPEYTON@webtv.net>
           This space is available for 003...
           I wonder what
                       it's going to be? 

Agree: Release a third...

Re: Question gazza records (Beverly)
Keywords: All Timings are approximate
Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 22:00:43 GMT
From: Bert Saraco <bertsaraco@hotmail.com>
   Do the deed,
release a third.
...nothing's better left un-heard.
...not even sometime.
 -Bert

Question: Some Random Opinions With Hopes of Responses

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Conquistador, McGregor, Robert's Box
Date: Tue, 01 Jun 1999 03:42:31 GMT
From: Matt Walsh <MoodyMattW@hotmail.com>
1) Anyone else really love the organ solo in the original album version of "Conquistador?" I'd say that's about my favorite organ part in all of Procoldom. Wow!!!!

2) Anyone else really love the unreleased song "McGregor"?

3) Anyone else really hate the song "Robert's Box?" I always stop the album right after Fires Which Burn Brightly and pretend that song isn't on there. What a lousy way to close out an otherwise brilliant album!


Responses

Re: Question Some Random Opinions With Hopes of Responses (Matt Walsh)
Keywords: Conquistador, McGregor, Robert's Box
Date: Tue, 01 Jun 1999 13:38:46 GMT
From: -- JL <unknown>
1.  Yes

2.  Yes

3.  No

Note: opinions

Re: Question Some Random Opinions With Hopes of Responses (Matt Walsh)
Keywords: Conquistador, McGregor, Robert's Box
Date: Thu, 03 Jun 1999 02:14:33 GMT
From: BP <unknown>
     Ain't no doubt about it....all 3 get a thumbs up.
       I even like Bert's rendition of Robert's Box!
                          ;-)    

Note: Gary Brooker & the Hollies

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Gary Brooker, Hollies, Harlequin
Date: Tue, 08 Jun 1999 21:23:22 GMT
From: Knut Skyberg <kskyberg@online.no>
Hi and thanks for a great website. I was triggered to have a more detailed look after getting the 3 latest Westside CDs today. Superb sound quality. As good as the MFsL CDs. Being an eager Hollies fan, it was nice to read that Ron Richards (Hollies' producer) in addition to producing the Paramounts' records, also co-produced 3 tracks on A salty dog. In the discography, I read that Gary is heard in the background of Hollies' Harlequin. This may be true, but it's also true that a tape of the original take of Harlequin, with Gary singing lead vocal with the Hollies circulates among Hollies fans. This is quite nice, it's even been transferred to a private CDW called Hollies rarities Vol 1. By the way Harlequin is also recorded by Norwegian artist Jahn Teigen (very nice version) and appeared on his CDbox a couple of years back.

Feedback: Don't believe everything you read

Re: Note Gary Brooker & the Hollies (Knut Skyberg)
Keywords: Gary Brooker, Hollies, Harlequin
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 06:28:40 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
>>>>>Being an eager Hollies fan, it was nice to read that Ron Richards (Hollies' producer) in addition to producing the Paramounts' records, also co-produced 3 tracks on A salty dog. <<<

That's just one of the many errors on the Westside liner notes. Richards did not co-produce any of the tracks on A Salty Dog. Nor did Royer and Harrison play on those alternate versions of Something Following Me and Cerdes. Nor did Bill Eyden play drums on Lime Street Blues...etc..

Liner notes to CD reissues are notorious for being full of errors, because there are apparently no negative legal consequences for printing false information, and notes are often written by fans instead of professional journalists (fans are cheaper but you get what you pay for).. Come to think of it, music journalists often make egregious errors as well -- e.g. the recent Chicago Tribune review (by Michael Parrish) of a Ringo gig which said that Gary is the organist for Procol Harum, and the article about Leslie Speakers on the Hammond FAQ (by Clifford Henricksen, reprinted from a 1981 music magazine) that makes the same mistake. I don't know Why these professional journalists aren't more careful - there's absolutely no excuse for their negligence, like there is with fans.

Anyway - enjoy the Westside/Procol music but be Very skeptical about the liner notes!

Best, Joan


Fixing Procol Harum Sound

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 17:09:00 GMT
From: <v667@hotmail.com>
I purchased a Mobile Fidelity Disk of A Salty Dog years ago. What a rotten, hissy sound! I got so sick of it, I used it to practice digital noise reduction with software I bought. I'd sell copies if I knew I wouldn't get sued.

Question: Simple Sister/PH influences

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 03:19:26 GMT
From: Ross <protay@eudoramail.com>
Question about Procol's influence on other folks:

I always thought "Simple Sister" & Bowie's "Moonage Daydream" had strong musical similarities. Music from Bowie wasn't particularly quick to get to my little town in Virginia, so I heard "Simple Sister" first (always liked it better) and assumed Bowie borrowed a lot from it. Recently I've turned up stuff that indicates "Daydream" was released first, if only by a few weeks. Still, they must have been neck & neck, & there was the Tony Visconti (sp?) connection. I'm enough Procol fan to assume they invented other people's sounds for them, but I suppose it went both ways often enough. Anybody know any more facts/rumours about these two songs?

Thanks, Ross


Four Verses of WSOP

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 13:26:26 GMT
From: J. Loussier <unknown>
Does anyone out there (are you listening, Westside?) really believe that there does not exist an original studio recording
of Whiter Shade Of Pale with all four verses?  (Albeit
probably with Eyden or Harrison on drums and Royer on
guitar.)  I would also venture to guess that there probably exists a version of the same with B.J. and Trower.

After all, it was standard practice at the time for a group to
release the "short version" of a song as a single, and to put
the "long version" on the album.  Of course, we all know
about Procol's problems with WSOP and their first album....

I also respectfully disagree with JEM33.  The "third" verse
(about the mermaid) is great, and really adds to the song;
though I agree that the "fourth" verse ("If music be the
food of love....") is rather odd -- but I'll take it if Keith Reid
says so!

--JL

Falsehood For Truth?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 13:08:23 GMT
From: J. Loussier <unknown>
To my ears, the published lyric in "New Lamps For Old":

Innocent youth
Falsehood for truth

sounds like this on the EB&F recorded version:

Innocent youth
Foresake the truth  (or Forsaken truth)

I'll have to dig out a couple of live versions and see
what Gary sings there.

Actually, another published lyric to the same song:

The eye of the needle
The loss of the thread

I always thought was:

The eye of the needle
The gloss of the thread

--JL

Note: Doctor,doctor...

Re: Falsehood For Truth? (J. Loussier)
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1999 22:19:38 GMT
From: <unknown>
There are doctor's for this!!!

Has the Procol e-mail List Died?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 1999 12:53:37 GMT
From: J. Loussier <unknown>
Has anyone else received e-mail from the list
since July 1st?

Thanks,

--JL

News: It's back, I'm happy to say

Re: Has the Procol e-mail List Died? (J. Loussier)
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 21:07:07 GMT
From: Matt Walsh <moodymattw@hotmail.com>
It was gone for a while but it's back now!

Matt Walsh


Note: i met robin

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: meet robin trower
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 06:46:35 GMT
From: sam guyer <unknown>
saw robin in central park,new york in1972.after the show we methim coming out of the monks inn tavern on72ed street. he was very friendly and gracious.it was a chance meeting i will always remember. sam guyer,new york city

Agree: Home Insert

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: God's Aloft
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 01:00:49 GMT
From: <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Just wanted to compliment the webmasters again for their brilliant efforts in keeping this site interesting and pulsing with activity even though it seems that the responses have tailed off. I enjoyed reading Roland's essay on the sub-conscious meaning of KR's early lyrics that seem to reveal characters in the band. Most thought provoking. Also, thanks for the 8 track photo of the Home album. I never owned an 8-track tape but that page has my favorite photograph of Procol Harum, the inside cover of the Home album. I had an extra copy and cut out the picture and framed it. It has been hanging in my many hallways all these years. I think it captured the fresh approach to the slight change in style that the Home album offered whilst also portraying the 1970 look that I also sported at the time. Needless to say, I also love the music. And Robin's playing at the end of Piggy Pig Pig pops up reverberating through my soul....."God's aloft the winds are raging, God's aloft the winds are cold........." Jim K.

Question: Why the stereo re-recording of Homburg?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Homburg
Date: Thu, 05 Aug 1999 02:58:06 GMT
From: lshenk <lshenk@ochsner.org>
Why is there a stereo re-recording of Homburg with Robin Trower and B.J. on the third disc of the Westside box, when the single had Bobby Harrison and Ray Royer on it, and presumably had already been released?

Ask Henry!

Re: Question Why the stereo re-recording of Homburg? (lshenk)
Keywords: Homburg
Date: Thu, 05 Aug 1999 13:03:19 GMT
From: --JL <unknown>
I don't know, but you could ask Henry Scott-Irvine. I'm sure he could clear this up for you. LOL!!!!!

--JL


Ok: No Brainer!

Re: Question Why the stereo re-recording of Homburg? (lshenk)
Keywords: Homburg
Date: Fri, 06 Aug 1999 18:21:12 GMT
From: <unknown>
  The addition of Trower and Wilson in stereo on an
already great song only made it better.
   The other factors are a no brainer.$$$$$$$

Ok: B.J. played on the Homburg single

Re: Ok No Brainer!
Keywords: Homburg
Date: Sat, 07 Aug 1999 02:49:00 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
From Matthew Fisher's 1997 interview with Antonio Costa Barbe

http://www.procolharum.com/acb_mf2.htm

>>>>>> Homburg

(acb): Tell about the history of the second single?

(MF): The recording that was released (the single) was actually the version we cut with Royer and Harrison, with some extra drumming by BJ. <<<<<<<<

And can anyone hear Royer's guitar in that song? No? Good!

Best, Joan :-)


Feedback: I don't know, but I love it!

Re: Question Why the stereo re-recording of Homburg? (lshenk)
Keywords: Homburg
Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 04:59:46 GMT
From: Captain Clack <Captain_Clack@hotmail.com>
Especially the way it goes on for so much longer. On the single version, the song fades out just as Matthew starts into an awesome organ part. In the stereo re-recording, they actually let him play... and I LOVE it!

Captain Clack


Question: Untitled

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 20:50:36 GMT
From: <unknown>
what are the mathematical implications of Whaling Stories ?

Sad: math imp of Ws

Re: Question Untitled
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 05:27:40 GMT
From: <unknown>
don't know ..why do you ask. some guy somewhere wrote a piece about things like this. It contains two numbers [16 and 6] and there are 26 letters in the alphabet so thats 22-26 since the alphabet got stolen which is minus 4 those seem to be the implications unless all the other things have numerical equivalences such as the pot=cosine of something or other and the Shalimar is a curry house which opens till two in the morning but then we cant have cosines and stuff or we might get into unreal numbers and all Keith's words are realistic. This may get confusing with 'Untitled' being used as it is a great album by the Byrds. to me the mathematical implications of the cover are stranger [full details will be in the archive of list postings] Is this Lewis Carroll playing chess on a ouija board sending these messages in?

Question: What happened to Pandora's Box?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 1999 17:27:43 GMT
From: <lshenk>
Didn't Westside announce that "In Pandora's Box," an instrumental, would be released on the Salty Dog reissue? What happened?

Agree: Yes, What did happen?

Re: Question What happened to Pandora's Box?
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 12:04:43 GMT
From: Paul <Burtwebb@hotmail.com>
Yes, you're right. Why wasn't the early instrumental version of 'Pandora' included amongst the bonus tracks of Westside's 'Salty Dog' reissue as promised? There was no word of explanation in the liner notes. I'm surprised this hasn't been raised before on these pages. Still, we must not grumble too much. I think we've been thoroughly spoiled in recent years with all these splendid reissues. Now, if we could only get 'Broken Barricades', 'PH Live...' and 'Grand Hotel' re-released on C.D. again.

News: Splendid Indeed

Re: Agree Yes, What did happen? (Paul)
Keywords: Grand Hotel
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 1999 17:17:30 GMT
From: Beverly <procolpeyton@webtv.net>
For a start, I should think your local record shop or online record dealer will be most happy to sell you Grand Hotel which is now on CD. Enjoy! 

Live

Re: News Splendid Indeed (Beverly)
Keywords: Grand Hotel
Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 14:53:09 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Anyone care to venture a guess why Barricades and Live have never been reissued?   I was under the impression that Live (while not my favourite) was the best selling LP they ever had, and Baricades a close second.
 

Idea: Live and BB reissue issue

Re: Live (Steve G.)
Keywords: Grand Hotel
Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 23:11:17 GMT
From: Richard <unknown>
Both of those titles were re-issued several years ago. Why have they not been re-issued again? Some might theorize that it is because the orchestra is repulsive and that BB had no ethereal organ. It is more likely that the licensing for those two recordings are being held back for legal reasons. Or one might theorize that the value of those licenses has increased, and no one has ponied up the cash yet. I don't believe that it is for lack of demand for those recordings, given the success of Westside reissues. The second boxed set containing GH/EBAF/PH9th (Essential/Castle) closely followed the Westside Anthology set. I am hopeful that I can finally complete my own CD collection in the near future. In the meantime, my pristine vinyl copy will suffice. Richard

More: Broken Barricades re-appraisal

Re: Idea Live and BB reissue issue (Richard)
Keywords: B.B.
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1999 14:04:46 GMT
From: Paul <burtwebb@hotmail.com>
I was listening to my old vinyl copy of 'Broken Barricades' (I don't have the CD) the other day for the first time in several months. The thing that struck me was that this was very much an album of its time with the Guitar very much to the fore and a lot of the tracks containing long instrumental sections. Apart from the organ hardly featuring at all, the album lacks one of Procol's stongest traits - genuine emotion. I read somewhere that Gary Brooker had said that most of the music for the album was written in the studio. It certainly sounds if that was the case with only 'Simple Sister', 'Luskus Delph' and the beautiful title-track sounding like thay were written before the recording sessions. The other tracks, with the exception of 'Song For A Dreamer', sound a tad contrived with an inevitable, given Procol's roots, strong R&B feel to them. Roll-on the CD reissue!

Feedback: Record sales

Re: Live (Steve G.)
Keywords: Grand Hotel
Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 03:01:08 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
Hi Steve!

>>>>>> .....I was under the impression that Live (while not my favourite) was the best selling LP they ever had, and Baricades a close second.<<<<<

Yes LIVE was by far the best selling LP (and AWSoP their best selling single, of course) but BB wasn't second but rather 4th or 5th -- at least according to the US Billboard Charts which is the best estimate we have (I assume) about sales because most of the fans are in the US.. You can find the relative chart standings in several countries by clicking on the RECORDINGS menu and I'll summarize their highest US chart positions and number of weeks on the Billboard Top 100 chart:

ALBUMS:

1. LIVE -- #5, 19 weeks

2. Grand Hotel -- #21, 7 weeks

3. SOB -- #24, 7 weeks

4 & 5. ASD and BB -- each reached #32 and spent 5 weeks on the chart 6. HOME - #34, 6 weeks

SINGLES:

1. AWSoP -- #5, 10 weeks

2. Conquistador (from LIVE) -- #16, 8 weeks

3. Homburg -- #34, 2 weeks

---------------------

Best, Joan :-)


Feedback: Top 40, not top 100

Re: Feedback Record sales (Joan)
Keywords: Grand Hotel
Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:56:04 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I wrote:

>>> I'll summarize their highest US chart positions and number of weeks on the Billboard Top 100 chart: <<<

I meant to say Billboard Top 40 chart, not Top 100. I don't think we have the Top 100 standings posted yet... Sorry 'bout that!

Best, Joan


Get it cheap now

Re: Question What happened to Pandora's Box?
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 16:14:31 GMT
From: <Roland>
You can get it now from Westside; and also the 'Strange Fruit' CD is cheap through 'Shine On'

The Prodigal Stranger Revisited

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 15:54:06 GMT
From: JLoussier <unknown>
Just listened again to The Prodigal Stranger. Surely it is a very "Procol-ish" album -- probably more "Procol-ish" than at least Ninth and Something Magic.

To my ears (of which I have four), Matthew's Hammond is all over the place. It's interesting that the credits list Brooker (piano) and Fisher (Hammond), with no other mention of "keyboards" or "synths." (Yes, we know that's a lie -- it's just interesting that the credits don't list any.)

The weak points, of course, are no B.J. Wilson, and the weakness/banality of many of Keith's lyrics.

--JL


Saw the Fire Echoing in the Night

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 16:11:02 GMT
From: JLoussier <unknown>
Just listened again to Gary's "Echoes in the Night." (With the CD booklet signed by Brooker, Fisher, and Reid, no less!)

I noticed several people (Joan?, etc.) raving about "Saw the Fire." However, this song does not have B.J. Wilson on drums -- it's Henry Spinetti.

It is also interesting that the only two completely "Procol-ish" songs are "Ghost Train" and "The Long Goodbye" -- both of which were performed at Edmonton '92. They are the only 2 songs from that album that have:

"keyboards"/vocal: Brooker (probably piano) "keyboards": Fisher (but maybe no Hammond on Ghost?) drums: B.J. Wilson words: Keith Reid music: Brooker/Fisher (And Dave Bronze on bass for good measure.)

All other songs on that album lack at least one of those components.

--JL


Salty Plus and Home Plus

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 16:24:29 GMT
From: JLoussier <unknown>
Westside's "A Salty Dog...Plus" and "Home...Plus" are pretty darn good. It is really great to hear the instrumental jams (Milk of Human Kindness, Still There'll Be More, and Whaling Stories come to mind).

Also, All This and More (sans orchestra) sounds very sweet -- I'm surprised Joan hasn't mentioned this before. (If you have, Joan, then forgive me.) To me it sounds identical to the album version -- minus the orchestral overdubs, of course -- but plus a little more of Robin's guitar and Gary's great vocal improv at the end -- which they also could have taken out of the final album mix.

I can almost do without the "alternate mixes" of the original album takes (Still There'll Be More from ASD+, Piggy Pig Pig, Barnyard Stories, etc.), except that the alternate mix of Piggy is quite amazing (but so is the original mix).

Cheers!

--JL


Idea: new dvd available

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: new dvd
Date: Sat, 25 Sep 1999 12:36:04 GMT
From: harry salzberg <hsalzber@hotmail.com>
check out amazon.com for a new dvd release of procol live in 1971 and 1974..

News: Have you heard the news?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 1999 03:18:39 GMT
From: Captain Clack <unknown>
In a recent interview by someone close to us, I believe it was Roland, had Gary saying that there would most likely be some Procol Harum activity in 2000. Whaddaya think of that??

Captain Clack


Ok: Hear What You're Saying

Re: News Have you heard the news? (Captain Clack)
Keywords: 2000 More
Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 21:24:15 GMT
From: Beverly <procolpeyton@webtv.net>
     What better way to celebrate the MILLENNIUM!!!
Oh, and by the way Gary...we just gotta have Heartbreaker. Please, please,please record this?
Thanks. ;-) 

Question: The Purpose of This Forum

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 02:33:03 GMT
From: Captain Clack <unknown>
This forum is certainly not thriving. The Procol email list... THAT is thriving. Surely everyone or almost everyone who checks the beanstalk occasionally is on the email list. So what's the point?

Captain Clack


Sad: Some numbers

Re: Question The Purpose of This Forum (Captain Clack)
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 16:08:43 GMT
From: <Roland>
Please be aware the number of people on the Procol list is about a tenth of the number of individuals that visit BtP daily (not that they necessarily want to contribute to The Beanstalk of course)

But 'What's the point?' has never been a guiding principle at BtP where we are trying to do all we can to stimulate and reflect interest in a band we want to see on stage again.


Angry: Beyond October

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 25 Oct 1999 09:04:42 GMT
From: Paul <burtwebb@hotmail.com>
Well, what a surprise. It's nearly the end of October and Claes Johansen's book on Procol, 'Beyond The Pale', has still to be published in Britain. I actually popped into Helter Skelter in London's Denmark Street on Saturday to see if they could tell me when they were expecting to have it in stock. Alas, they couldn't tell me. At this rate we'll be lucky to see it before the end of the millennium. Why do publishers, in this case SAF, promise what they can't deliver?

Feedback: "The Book"

Re: Angry Beyond October (Paul)
Date: Sat, 30 Oct 1999 02:59:45 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
I pre-ordered that book at amazon.co.uk --- of course they also say it's not published yet but I'm hoping they'll send it promptly when it is available. I've ordered from them before (they're in the UK, I in the USA) and they've been quite reliable so far..

What I wonder is if the book will contain anything we don't already know via BtP.


Feedback: Claes's book

Re: Feedback "The Book" (Joan)
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 16:04:01 GMT
From: <Roland>
"What I wonder is if the book will contain anything we don't already know via BtP"

Yes there will be plenty that is not already known to the general public (especially about the pre-Fisher Procol) and I assure you that since reading the manuscript BtP have been biting their tongues in fairness to Claes and SAF ... since as you know we generally try to bring Palers legit info the minute we hear of it.

Roland


Question: Pandora's Box

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 09 Nov 1999 15:52:09 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
Pandora's Box is allegedly on sale today through CDNOW. QWhat is it?? Does anyone have a tracklisting?

Feedback: Pandora's Box CD: how to get it cheap

Re: Question Pandora's Box (Steve G.)
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 16:00:22 GMT
From: <Roland>
Pandora is now out, as is the Strange Fruit CD which you can get cheap through 'Shine On': the track list and reviews and so on are available by following links from http://www.procolharum.com/99/bbc_strange-orders_so.htm.

Question: Confused

Re: Feedback Pandora's Box CD: how to get it cheap
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 05:40:14 GMT
From: --JL <unknown>
Can we really get "Pandora's Box" CD via Shine On? Or do you mean the Strange Fruit Live CD, which I know we can get that way?

Thanks,

--JL


Wanted: Adagio Di Albini Single

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 09 Nov 1999 16:50:41 GMT
From: Tom Caselli <ELLITOM@AOL.COM>
I have spent the last 22 years trying to find this single. I'm also looking for the Wizard Man b/w Backgammon single. If ANYONE can help please Email me at ELLITOM@AOL.COM Thanks, Tom

A Dash or Two of JL

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 16:14:12 GMT
From: --JL <unknown>
Beverly asked: What do the dashes stand for in "--JL" ?

I dunno, maybe "GB" or "KR" ?

--JL


Ok: Dashing

Re: A Dash or Two of JL (--JL)
Keywords: --JL
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 01:09:42 GMT
From: Beverly <unknown>
              And dashing they are --JL,
              but not as dashing as you!
                        ;-)    

More: Relays his messages by morse

Re: A Dash or Two of JL (--JL)
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 12:39:43 GMT
From: Richard <unknown>
or perhaps "not quite"? --RB

Greetings from Jens in Egypt

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 08:10:00 GMT
From: <unknown>
Hi fellow Palers. This is Webmaster Jens calling from my holliday in Huruguada, Egypt. Good to see that BtP is running well in the hands of fellow webmaster Roland. Shine On all Palers!

Idea: A suggestion

Re: Greetings from Jens in Egypt
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 18:38:11 GMT
From: <unknown>
Jens, something for you to consider should you do any redesigning of this page. Other, like Views for Greeny, list the most current posts on top as opposed to the bottom as you do. Not a big deal, but it certainly saves a little time in scrolling.

Question: Butterfly Boys

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 23:07:59 GMT
From: jay <jay_kuhn@yahoo.com>
Does anyone know the story behind "Butterfly Boys"? My guess is it is about some bad management PH had.

For all these years, I've had the words wrong. :-)

For "They told us we were savages" I had "The tale will start with 7G's" For "We got the groceries, you got the cake" I had "You got the gross proceeds, we got the gate."

What was i thinking? :-) :-)


What're the Words?

Re: Question Butterfly Boys (jay)
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 06:19:52 GMT
From: <gbJL>
Who knows, your words might be the correct ones Keith wrote. Gary might just be singin' 'em different. LOL!

gbJL


Idea: Gary Brooker's explanation in October 1999

Re: Question Butterfly Boys (jay)
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 1999 23:59:01 GMT
From: <Roland>
This is what GB said to me a few weeks back:

'This song could apply to any situation where someone's doing well and the others are getting the shit,' Gary explains, though he concedes that Reid's lepidopterous chorus alludes directly to the band's then record company, Chrysalis. 'It's definitively about Terry and Chris swanning it up, doing very well and running a multimillion pound record label. Procol Harum is the 'sinking ship' here,' explains Gary, 'and the label owners, who were also our managers, are the ones that 'get the cake'. We weren't exactly ripped off, not like in the past, but Reid had spotted an imbalance! They were very upset about the song, and wanted us to change the words and title to Government Boys. We said 'Bollocks.''

More can be read at http://www.procolharum.com/99/bbc_strange_liner99.htm


Ok: butterfly = Chrysalis

Re: Question Butterfly Boys (jay)
Keywords: butterfuly
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1999 18:23:18 GMT
From: jay <jay_kuhn@yahoo.com>
The symbol for Chrysalis records is a butterfly. I completely missed that reference. duh! And i thought i was so clever! :-)

j (in the autumn of his madness)


Question: James Dewar CD

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: stumbledown
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 12:47:13 GMT
From: Bobby LaFrance <mixtli@ma.ultranet.com>
I've been trying to find Stumbledown Romancer, but have had no luck. I've tried CEE DEE mail, amazon.com and I have a business associate searching in the UK. Can anyone tell me why the problem finding this? Will it ever be available?

Note: Isle Of Wight

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 21:11:45 GMT
From: Kees de Lange <k.delange@mailbox.kun.nl>
Thusfar I could draw up the following set list for Procol's
1970 Isle Of Wight concert

	-Wish Me Well [Message To Love book]
	-Conquistador [Message To Love book]
	-Salty Dog {Great Fests CBS triple album}
	-Still There’ll Be More*
	-The Devil Came From Kansas*
	-Shine On Brightly*
	-Your Own Choice (Too Many Women And Not Enough Wine)*
	-Juicy John Pink*
	-Whiskey Train**
	-Whaling Stories**
	-Move On Down The Line [Message To Love book]
	-Highschool Hop**
	-Lucille**

* from soundboard tape
** from audience tape

Feedback: Procol at Mor Y Sol festival (south america?)

Re: Note Isle Of Wight (Kees de Lange)
Keywords: Mor Y SOL
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1999 17:21:34 GMT
From: jay <jay_kuhn@yahoo.com>
I used to have an album (Mor(sp) Y Sol Festival) that had the usual line up of bands playing. It was an Isle of Wight kinda deal. Anyway Procol Harum is on the album playing Salty Dog. You get loud groups like Mahavishnu Orchestra et al, then you get poor PH plunking the opening chords of Salty Dog on a hohner electric piano. You can hear all the crowd noise ect. I wonder how they felt as I'm not sure Procol Harums stuff like Salty Dog is not really Stadium Rock...well, maybe to us. :-)

Feedback: Mar Y Sol festival

Re: Feedback Procol at Mor Y Sol festival (south america?) (jay)
Keywords: Mor Y SOL
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 14:50:30 GMT
From: <whermans@online.no>
I am sorry to say, but Jay Kuhn is wrong about Procol Harum
being on the Mar Y Sol(correct spelling) album. The album is in my collection and include Allman Brothers,
Mahavishnu Orchestra, ELP,BB King, Osibisa and many more........but no Harum.
I am pretty sure that Jay is talking about the Isle of Wight album when he mention the "plunking opening
chords of A Salty Dog".

Ok: thanks

Re: Feedback Mar Y Sol festival
Keywords: Mor Y SOL
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 16:38:46 GMT
From: jay <jay_kuhn@yahoo.com>
it's been about 23 years since i heard them. thanks though.

too bad procol didn't make it to the Message Of Love film about Isle of Wight. Unless they didn't play that year.

The 'plunky chords' was not to imply the song was that way, but playing it on a Honer (sp) electric piano with thousands of fans screaming and horrible playing conditions does not do justice to the song. I remember cringing thinking about the rest of the band standing and waiting to come in with all the crowd noise and stuff.


Feedback: Hello B.J. fans

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999 21:58:53 GMT
From: Pamela Quinn <P.R.Q@tesco.net>
I am B.J.s sister living in England and have just discovered the internet. I am enjoying reading all the stuff on this fantastic website, although, I haven't a clue what I'm doing half the time!!! I would love to hear from someone out there.

Feedback: Hello and welcome!

Re: Feedback Hello B.J. fans (Pamela Quinn)
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 06:25:48 GMT
From: Captain Clack <Captain_Clack@hotmail.com>
Do you have email? Perhaps you'll join our Procol discussion group? Your brother comes up a LOT. At any rate, it is an honor to be communicating with you.

Captain Clack (searching endlessly)


Beloved BJ is with us all the time

Re: Feedback Hello B.J. fans (Pamela Quinn)
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 07:44:22 GMT
From: <cerdes@procolharum.com>
Welcome to our group here at the edge of the known world. BJ........how we miss him, his spirit and his playing. Larry/Cerdes

The Alberts

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 04 Dec 1999 15:52:39 GMT
From: <unknown>
Read the article on the Alberts that was referenced from your "what's new" catagory, with the comment that it differed from my point of view. I wanted to say that I hold to my opinion that the Alberts could not mix a cake, and they also have a problem with the truth in that interview. I do not wish to engage in personal attacks, 'cos they are nice people, but they were not rich from producing music, and were not exactly in demand as producers at that time. Criteria was sold to the Joel Levy to prevent the bank foreclosing on it. There was no profit in the sale, just an assumption of debt. So amongst other points, just thought I'd refute a couple of many. Got to keep the old reputation intact, what? Peter Solley

Ok: I Assure You I Am Very Real

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 04:53:39 GMT
From: krJL <unknown>
I'm here. I'm real. Get used to it!

krJL (a.k.a. JLoussier)


Sad: Ref: Interview

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Dougas Adams/ Gary Brooker/Barb
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 00:10:16 GMT
From: <david_fogarty@lineone.net>
Shattered illusion.

Just attended the Douglas Adams interview with Gary Brooker.
Awful is the only way I could describe it. Douglas Adams a writer who couldn't interview for toffee with a singer who didn't appear to have any personality at all. In short two people in painful search of a conversation!!

Sorry all you besotted PH fans(I used to be too), but it does seem to me that people who you used to admire for having a talent are, when it comes to the crunch,incredibly boring individuals.

I shall in future stick to the occasional listen of the albums and leave you good people to your musings on a hella of a great singer but in truth a bit of a bore. Cue ABBA song

Sorry!!!
Make me walk the plank if you want.


Agree: Re interview

Re: Sad Ref: Interview
Keywords: Dougas Adams/ Gary Brooker/Barb
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 09:29:01 GMT
From: Paul <burtwebb@hotmail.com>
Yes, the whole evening had a very unprepared feel to it. It seemed that Douglas Adams didn't have a clue what question he was going to ask until he opened his mouth, and then he took an age getting his point over by which time I'd virtually forgotten what the question was. It was also a pity that Gary Brooker betrayed his lack of familiarity with some of his back catalogue. I experienced a similar evening with the songwriter Jimmy Webb (MacArthur Park, Wichita Lineman et al) in which he took questions from the audience and played requests. The difference was that he was word and chord perfect in the dozen or so songs he played. If the evening had been based on Gary taking questions from the floor and then just performing the songs he was ofay with then I for one would have found it more enjoyable.

Not a slanging match, but ...

Re: Agree Re interview (Paul)
Keywords: Dougas Adams/ Gary Brooker/Barb
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 23:30:48 GMT
From: Richard Solly <Richard>
I don't want to get into a slanging match about the Brooker Night at the Barbican other than to say I don't know what people were expecting. 'Tis true to say Douglas Adams may not be the most articulate interviewer but it was the informality of the evening that made it so much fun. He's also a lot bigger than me. He's a lot bigger than Gary come to that.

I'm as greedy at the next Procolite for any news of new CDs, videos, live performances but it was a nice intimate evening even if short on news. With AWSOP under his belt Gary Brooker could be an unapproachable megastar. He comes across as being a thoroughly likeable geezer. Even when I was roped in to take a photo of Gary with one of the fans he was absolutely charming whilst I fumbled with this camera.

As for the music so what if it wasn't perfectly performed? There's nothing worse than a bunch of sad old anoraks saying 'Excuse me Gary but you got the third word of the second line of verse 2 wrong'.

One criticism of Procol was they were always to po-faced. The night at the Barbican banished that theory.

Our swords though old and rusty are still blunted sharp enough. We're with you all the way Gary!!!

Regards Richard Solly (sad old git in the audience)


Ok: Dave Ball's response

Re: Agree Re interview (Paul)
Keywords: Dougas Adams/ Gary Brooker/Barb
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 23:32:35 GMT
From: <Roland>
Procol guitarist Dave Ball wrote to BtP after Gary's Barbican event (www.procolharum.com/gb_barb_index_99.htm) and we post this excerpt from his message with permission:

" ... It was fun to watch - despite Douglas's penchant for obscure chordal intrigues! It was nice to catch up with Gary and Keith albeit briefly.

"I read those disgruntled reviews on the web site and can only assume that these people have lost sight of the charm of Gary and Procol, which was precisely that they were NOT glossy "star" fodder, but were just gentle and humorous musicians, surprised to be where they were, but enjoying the privilege.

"These two have missed the point. Slick it wasn't, I'll agree. Charming it was. "


Def not a slanging match

Re: Sad Ref: Interview
Keywords: Dougas Adams/ Gary Brooker/Barb
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 15:14:10 GMT
From: David Fogarty <david_fogarty@lineone.net>
I apologise if I was a bit offhand in describing Gary as "boring". Perhaps he's just naturally reticent, and would much prefer to be sitting on the banks of the River Wey with a fishing rod in his hand than being interviewed by Douglas Adams. However for those us who don't hang on to every word he says and just wanted a general outline of his and the band's career it was a very, very disappointing and unprepared evening. If you don't want to be interviewed and you don't think you're up to it, then don't do it!

 No I wasn't expecting a "glamour figure". I'm the last person who wants that. Pete Townshend is a person I admire a great deal and he is hardly glamorous, but by heck he can talk.

For the record I never considered PH "po-faced". One of the reasons I admired the band was because they were never seen as "in yer face". Unlike John Lennon with his posturing stick on "Greenwich Village politics" and the Stones and their drug-fuelled Euro jet setting ways, PH just got on with bringing out terrific records. Besides how could GB be po-faced now, he's playing in Ringo's band for god's sake!






Slang On Brightly

Re: Def not a slanging match (David Fogarty)
Keywords: Dougas Adams/ Gary Brooker/Barb
Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 10:10:03 GMT
From: <Richardsolly@compuserve.com>
re-Brooker Night

I can understand some peoples' disappointment over this evening,but we should be used to it.I waited 27 years for Liquorice John to come out!!

Richard Solly


Note: Brooker guest vocal on Ian Macdonalds "drivers eyes"

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: brooker guest vocal
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 00:15:46 GMT
From: jay <jay_kuhn@yahoo.com>
In case anyone is interested, Gary Brooker does a guest vocal on Ian Macdonalds "Drivers Eyes" that was just released.

Ian Macdonald (and Pete Sinfield) are ex version 1 King Crimson (21st Century Skizoid Man, I Talk To the Wind).

Not heard it.

jay


Pandora's Box Unleashed!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 05:44:02 GMT
From: gbJL <unknown>
Got my "Pandora's Box" CD from www.amazon.com without a hitch. I had it within one week of my order. So far, this is my only experience with amazon, and it was perfectly executed. (I know, this must have been due to a "glitch" in their system!)

Suffice it to say that the CD is stunning. The two versions of "Repent Walpurgis" and the instrumental "Pandora's Box" are incredible. The stereo mixes of the other first album songs are also very nice. I'll say no more, so as not to spoil it for those who haven't yet heard it.

One final observation: It now appears that the only first album song without any kind of "alternate" treatment is "A Christmas Camel" -- What's up with that?

gbJL


Agree: Box of Goodies

Re: Pandora's Box Unleashed! (gbJL)
Keywords: Nice whistle--
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 20:08:14 GMT
From: --bp <unknown>
  Well mine arrived from amazon in just two short days --JL
and I do wish you'd go back to using your dashes. They do
so much more for your signature. ;-)

  Pandora's Box is indeed a box full of goodies. The title
track in instrumental mode is dashing and fun. I love the
variation.

  Makes a lovely --Xmas present. Maybe we can look to
--Gazza for one now as well?
--bp

Oh No!, "--JL" is Just Too Boring!

Re: Agree Box of Goodies (--bp)
Keywords: Nice whistle--
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 05:55:51 GMT
From: bpJL <unknown>
Hi Beverly! (and all):

Yes, the "Box" is a fantastic CD. Repent all ye who do not yet own it!

And sorry, Bev, I'm having too much fun with the name variations. (But I'll probably switch back after this message!)

bpJL


Question: Acquisition of old NME copies.

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: NME
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 15:02:01 GMT
From: R <unknown>
Does anyone know a good source for old NME copies?
 R

News: Procol Harum on DVD

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 03:26:37 GMT
From: Tom Elby <jelby@massed.net>
Hello Fellow Procoholics,
I am new to the site so I don't know if you already know this, but I recently found PH on DVD. Most of the cuts are from 2 earlier videos from German TV dated 1971 and 1974. Picture quality is very good and the sound is good. The program features the following cuts
1. Shine on Brightly
2. In the Wee Small Hours of Sixpence
3. Still There'll Be More(Gary's says it's close to Christmas)
4. Pilgrim's Progress
5. Quite Rightly So
6. Magdelene My Regal Zonophone (Gary Hums the horn parts)
7. Power Failure (BJ's great)
8. A Salty Dog
9. Simple Sister
10. Drunk Again
11. Grand Hotel

Band Members, Gary, BJ,Chris Copping, Alan Cartwright and
On the first 9 cuts David Ball plays Guitar(1971).
Mick Grabham is on the last two cuts (1974)
The DVD was purchased from dvdexpress. com
Enjoy!!!!

Tom

News: gary singing "down under"

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 12:45:30 GMT
From: <unknown>





         Date
                   City
                                         State venue
                                               

       02/23/00
                   Perth
                                         AUS
                                               Burswood Dome
        02/25/00
                   Adelaide
                                         AUS
                                   Entertainment Centre
        02/27/00
                   Newcastle
                                         AUS
                             Entertainment Centre
        03/01/00
                   Wollongong
                                         AUS
                             Wollongong Entertainment Centre
        03/03/00
                   Sydney
                                         AUS
                                            Sydney Superdome
        03/04/00
                   Canberra
                                         AUS
                                               Bruce Stadium
        03/08/00
                   Brisbane
                                         AUS
                                       Entertainment Centre
        03/11/00
                   Melbourne
                                         AUS
                                  Melbourne Colonial Stadium





"go my son"

Re: News gary singing "down under"
Keywords: You lucky Aussies
Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 11:51:38 GMT
From: Beverly <unknown>
Well Gary...we'll be looking for all those 5 star reviews as usual and when you're done there, how about an announcement for the States? Aw, what the heck, anywhere!! Everywhere!!!
;-) ;-)

Oops! Almost forgot...please say "hi" to Chris from all of us.

Agree: Go forth and multiply

Re: "go my son" (Beverly)
Keywords: Aussies to bossies
Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 00:29:05 GMT
From: <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Go forth to Australia and bring back Copping to play the bass then head off to L.A. and catch Trower unawares; jump on over to New York and kidnap Reid then fly back to merry old England and fetch Fischer; tell no one whilst all the while plotting; force the group to stick together if only for a few songs then break bread with Ginger Baker and ask Jack Bruce for along; jam it out till it ain't right no more, jam it out! A Procol for the 21st time is as good as the rest.

Ok: JL2K

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2000 05:08:50 GMT
From: --JL2K <unknown>
OK, I'll be the first message of the "new millennium."

--JL2K


Question: procol on video

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 17:53:29 GMT
From: michael vaidic <licoricefish@hotmail.com>
greetings to all!...just want to know where I can get any live concerts through the years on video tape. I appreciate your help......some say theres little, some say theres lots....

Old PH concert

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2000 00:39:23 GMT
From: Randy Barnett <randyscb@aol.com>
Hi! I'm a musician and a big fan of the "Pale" pages! I was going through my open reel tapes and found a concert that I taped (handheld recorder) from the Electric Factory, Philly on 6/20/70. Here's the set list from the first show. This apparently was about a week before the release of "Home" (which was performed almost in it's entirety). 1) Still There'll Be More, 2) Wish Me Well, 3) Devil Came From Kansas, 4) Dead Man's Dream, 5) Your Own Choice, 6) About To Die, 7) Juicy John Pink, 8) Nothing That I didn't Know, 9) Salty Dog, 10) Whisky Train, 11) Whaling Stories, and encored with WSOP. This was a reluctant response to the audience's requests - Brooker humbly said that he "didn't think that anyone would want to hear it"! Hope that this is a worthwhile contribution to a GREAT website. All the best, Randy Barnett Wilmington, DE

Angry: PH Stiffed in VH1 Poll of 100 Greatest

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 03:23:36 GMT
From: Larry Eskridge <Larry.Eskridge@wheaton.edu>
For those Beyond the Pale folk in North America: VH1 has compiled a list of the top 100 songs in rock history. Polling over 700 artists, industry types, djs, critics, etc., and AWSOP was nowhere in sight. Given the sorts of folks who were participating, I was more than a little surprised that Procol was stiffed in favor of pedestrian stuff like "Jump" by Van Halen! These weren't the usually clueless masses that were voting. The VH1 website at www.vh1.com is taking write-ins from fans for a live "fans' say-so" show slated for this Friday evening. Cast a vote for truth and justice!

Stifled by stiff stuffed shirts

Re: Angry PH Stiffed in VH1 Poll of 100 Greatest (Larry Eskridge)
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 13:31:37 GMT
From: Richard <unknown>
Stiffed indeed! A world-wide smash hit. Unlike anything ever recorded. The talk of the music industry. An instant classic. How could this song possibly be overlooked?? Collective Rectal-cranial Displacement Syndrome? This pisses me off! Peace, <g> Richard

Question: Live at Edmonton cd is sought

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Live, Edmonton
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2000 11:02:27 GMT
From: Trevor <tethom@dcsi.net.au>
I would love to buy the cd of Live at Edmonton. Please contact me if you have one available

Question: Live at Edmonton cd is sought

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Live, Edmonton
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2000 11:07:34 GMT
From: Trevor <tethom@dcsi.net.au>
I would love to buy the cd of Live at Edmonton. Please contact me if you have one available

American University, "Home" tour

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 10:40:40 GMT
From: <jk.pnosrv@juno>
It was a cold but fortunately windless DC night. Propane heaters blasting up at cool shivering Brits from amphitheater stage floor. BJ and Robin launch into raucous "Whiskey Train" stomp and a bonfire erupts in the seats, further igniting ecstatic fans. "Whaling Stories"... well, don't even get me started.

Any other recollections/details appreciated.


Question: Searching for Gary Brooker CD's in states

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2000 15:52:56 GMT
From: <Grnthmb630@aol.com>
Have been searching in vain for Gary Brooker CD's in the states.Have located "Within our House",but not "No More Fear of Flying","Lead Me to the Water",& "Echoes in the Night". Can anybody out there give me a stateside source for these 3? Thanks for your assistance.

Feedback: Brooker CD's

Re: Question Searching for Gary Brooker CD's in states
Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2000 18:33:52 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
No More fear, and With our House are avaiable for $14 each at www.cdnow.com.

Claes Johansen's book

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 09:55:00 GMT
From: Paul <burtwebb@hotmail.com>
Am I the only one who thinks Procol's history circa 73-77 is only given token coverage in Claes Johansen's 'Beyond The Pale'? Also, his comments on 'Grand Hotel' are at the very least contestable, especially in the light of how highly he rates 'Broken Barricades', which, judging by the polls on this site, is not many fans idea of a great Procol album. Still, I enjoyed reading about the Paramounts and the early Procol stuff makes for a fascinating read, even for someone like me who thought that they might have known it all by now.

Angry: Putting things right

Re: Claes Johansen's book (Paul)
Date: Tue, 07 Mar 2000 08:17:18 GMT
From: Diane Rolph <unknown>
Totally agree with Paul's comments about the latter part of PH's career. It's been skipped over too quickly. It is the time those of us in the UK got to see the band most, and when most of today's UK fans formed their love for the band. But what I'm really writing about is Claes Johansen's scholarship is called in question by the opening quotation on Page 35, credited to me. It conflates, reorders, and misquotes my material from Page 34 of the 'Shine On' Redhill souvenir programme. The bit before Claes's three dots is actually taken from BELOW the bit he tacks on after it. It seems to imply that our mothers were peeved that we accompanied the band on a gruelling schedule of one-nighters ... as if we were groupies! This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact the 'gruelling tour' sentence (it's 'gruelling schedule' in the original) comes from earlier, BEFORE we start to travel long distances to see the Paramounts.

Agreed! Where's part 2?

Re: Claes Johansen's book (Paul)
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 19:34:12 GMT
From: Marvin <mchass2967@aol.com>
I agree with you (I suspect most people here do as well). I wish he would add a 'Part 1' to the end of the title. Then he (or perhaps some other literate person with access to the band) can write part 2: Further Beyond the Pale; how about it Roland?

Procol Harum "if wishes were horses"

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2000 19:42:28 GMT
From: <blucrys@hotmail.com>
when Conquistador first came out on 45, i bleieve the flip song was "if wishes were horses" can anyone confirm that and if so, do you know where i could get a copy?

Angry: luskus horse stacey board ...no idea what you mean

Re: Procol Harum "if wishes were horses"
Date: Fri, 03 Mar 2000 18:55:52 GMT
From: <theprodigalsausage>
As far as I know the 'b' side to conquistador was either a previous official album cut or in the UK it is an unreleased 'Luskus Delph' from the Edmonton gig If Wishes Were Horses is a very nice song by little known Salt Lake City songwriter [and erstwhile] handglider Stacey Board........... I would hazard a sugguestion that If Wishes Were Horses is not the kind of title KR would ever have used at that time so I dont know what you are talking about and i am never suspicious of hotmailers oh no not me yours the prodigal sausage

Angry: Putting something else right

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 07 Mar 2000 08:58:22 GMT
From: Diane Rolph <unknown>
Claes Johansen asserts in his introduction that GB/KR, “when hearing that the biography was now finally going ahead they showed no interest in continuing to assist me with my work.” Nothing could be further from the truth here. Don’t know about KR, but I was at Gary’s house one day not too long ago for a business meeting when Claes phoned him for further research. I could overhear the conversation, and Gary was extremely patient and helpful. They were on the phone for about two hours while I had to twiddle my thumbs.

Question: Where to find new Live at BBC album

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Live at BBC
Date: Tue, 07 Mar 2000 15:23:21 GMT
From: <kharding@goplay.com>
Where can I purchase the new PH Live at BBC album? Amazon.com does not have current access to it. kharding@goplay.com

All there to be sought

Re: Question Where to find new Live at BBC album
Keywords: Live at BBC
Date: Tue, 07 Mar 2000 17:33:18 GMT
From: <Roland>
See http://www.procolharum.com/99/bbc_strange_index.htm for several suggestions

Feedback: BBC

Re: Question Where to find new Live at BBC album
Keywords: Live at BBC
Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2000 18:43:59 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
You can advance order at www.cdnow.com for 12.99. I've always found them to be the best (cheap, fast, huge selection).

Sad: Record Corrector

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Record Corrector
Date: Tue, 07 Mar 2000 21:40:05 GMT
From: <richardsolly@compuserve.com>
Imagine my surprise to see a 2 page spread about Procol Harum in this month's Record Collector which was Something Magic inasmuch as it was quite favourable. I'd be pleased to know other Palers,Whalers and E-Mailers attitude to this article as it implied 'The Great Affair' was dead in 1977.There was no mention of the fact that the world shone on brightly again in 1991 with the Prodigal Stranger followed by gigs,gigs,parties as well as cosy chats at the Barbican. To ignore the band's comeback is scandalous. Whilst on the subject of the Prodigal Stranger some people may have been disappointed at this album but remember Broken Barricades is now viewed with fond affection.I've always liked this album incidently and look forward to it's CD release with glee

Richard Solly


Feedback: R.C.

Re: Sad Record Corrector
Keywords: Record Corrector
Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2000 16:38:09 GMT
From: Paul <burtwebb@hotmail.com>
The person responsible for the article must be aware of the 90's reunion, so the implication would seem to be that the recent revival of interest in all things Procol is based purely on nostalgia for their 67-77 history.

I think Broken Barricades has always been regarded by most Procol fans as being perhaps half a great album with 3 or 4 classic tracks. Sadly, I can't imagine the Prodigal Stranger ever inspiring the same amount of interest or even affection. Still, you never know.

Text at BtP

Re: Sad Record Corrector
Keywords: Record Corrector
Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2000 01:22:40 GMT
From: <Roland>
Read the said article at http://www.procolharum.com/99/rc0300.htm

Barbican recording

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 08 Mar 2000 02:06:30 GMT
From: <timothyp@aol.com>
In view of the fact that the 1996 Barbican recording is the most requested piece in their collection, I would ask how and if that recording can be obtained? Is it only a "library" type of arrangement?

Feedback: Only at The Barbican

Re: Barbican recording
Date: Wed, 08 Mar 2000 08:09:01 GMT
From: Diane Rolph <unknown>
Afraid so. The recording was made by an organisation that is set up to record all concerts at The Barbican. A very great shame, but the only way you can listen to it is by going there. By the way, its well worth doing that.

Question: Why no label on Procol Harum 1st album CD?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2000 08:06:44 GMT
From: Rory Sellers <rory@carmelnet.com>
The first album, "Procol Harum" -- why is there no silkscreen label on the CD? (Or is the disc I just got from Amazon.com defective?)My disc is just a blank silver replicate CD -- in fact it is very difficult to tell which side is up!!

If you have an answer to this, or you have a copy of this CD and it DOES have a label, please write me at

rory@carmelnet.com

because I probably won't catch the reply here.

Thanks a lot.

Rory Sellers

Warning: Late Period Harum: where can i buy it?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2000 14:34:49 GMT
From: <SantaClaus'FavoritReindeer>
Hi, I am a belated convert having misread a magazine article as saying that Mariah Carey's favourite band was Procol Harum. Of course I know now its not true..I was having my hair done at the time and I guess that explains it. But WHERE can I buy the latest albums...I have all the early stuff such as 'The Prodigal Stranger..but I can not find the albums that came after that and the dumb critics hate the band so much they dont even list any further releases. Were they suppressed by a conspiracy of these companies who bring out these 'new' cd's of BBC and old studio material? Please let me know where to get the later albums. Write soon and make a young girl very happy. All my friends are tired of watching me crying
 

News: Procol Harum In Edmonton in 1972: Video!!!!

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Edmonton in 1972 video/TV broadcast
Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2000 22:01:16 GMT
From: <linc@overlea.ca>
Attention all Procholics:

Had an amazing discussion last night about Procol in Edmonton- the guy I talked to had a clear memory of seeing a one hour documentary of Procol rehearsing and playing the concert with the ESO broadcast on the CBC ( the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) in 1972; I double checked to make sure he didn't mean the 1992 debacle- but he was adamant that he saw it when he went to high school (and he's about 40 now) -the caveat? He believes that CBC may not have kept the tape, and not many people had video machine in '72, sooooooo...... Procoholics, you've got your work cut out for you!

sincerely, Tony Chan Toronto


Note: Untitled

Re: News Procol Harum In Edmonton in 1972: Video!!!!
Keywords: Edmonton in 1972 video/TV broadcast/postscript and correction
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 18:29:10 GMT
From: <linc.overlea@sympatico.ca>
P.S. My correct address is: linc.overlea@sympatico.ca

I'd appreciate anyone contacting me to confirm or deny the existence of this video of one of the great concerts of the century- let's hear it from you Canadians!

Just imagine what a DVD/CD re-release this would make!!!

Tony Chan, Toronto


Question: What's so debaclish about the 1992 concert?

Re: News Procol Harum In Edmonton in 1972: Video!!!!
Keywords: Edmonton in 1972 video/TV broadcast
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 16:29:32 GMT
From: Marvin <mchass2967@aol.com>
Well?

Feedback: I'll tell you what's so bad!

Re: Question What's so debaclish about the 1992 concert? (Marvin)
Keywords: Edmonton in 1972 video/TV broadcast
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 23:37:10 GMT
From: <linc.overlea@sympatico.ca>
1. The band is curiously flat; I saw them just a few days before, and they were terrific.

2. Gary's singing is not up to par (whereas it was very strong on that tour).

3. Matt Fisher is not there, and Don Snow is competent,but bland.

4. Some of the arrangements are quite bad.

5. The orchestra sounds like a mediocre pops orchestra.

6. The choir is awful.(When they shout at the beginning of Whaling Stories, Gary is caught on camera cringing at how bad they are.)

Perhaps had they had more rehearsal, or another night of taping, magic would have struck; as it stands, I find it a noble attempt but virtually unwatchable.

Well?

Tony Chan, Toronto

   

Edmonton

Re: Feedback I'll tell you what's so bad!
Keywords: Edmonton in 1972 video/TV broadcast
Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 17:30:10 GMT
From: Steve G. <unknown>
I agree completely.....I saw them a few weeks prior (sans orchestra) and the band was really HOT.........and I went to the show expecting to be disappointed by Dave Ball as RT's replacement...I was not disappointed by any stretch, in fact became a bit of a Dave Ball fan...remember Bedlam?

Fisher interview on Radio 2

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2000 16:14:30 GMT
From: Paul <burtwebb@hotmail.com>
As soon as it was revealed that it would be Ken Bruce chatting to Matthew Fisher on Radio 2 on Saturday night I knew we wouldn't be in for the most in-depth interview. Bruce is your typical Radio 2 DJ - Jack of all Trades and master of none.

Ken ...

Re: Fisher interview on Radio 2 (Paul)
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2000 16:25:44 GMT
From: <RC>
Make that 'Jock of all Trades' surely?

News: "Stockholm Surprise" CD

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 19:47:02 GMT
From: Neal (Hambone) <unknown>
Wow!Just picked up the "Stockholm Surprise" bootleg CD in New York...superb 91 show with Fisher on organ and Whitehorn on guitar. Great sound and great performances, including a near-7 minute AWSOP with the missing "mermaid" verse.

Whitehorn is just blistering on "Man with a Mission."

Do NOT miss this one!


Feedback: Stockholm : is the date a surprise

Re: News "Stockholm Surprise" CD (Neal (Hambone))
Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 21:00:48 GMT
From: <ProdigalReindeer>
Can someone confirm that this boot is of Stockholm 1992
not 1991 as there is a well known radio show from there
of 1992 but I am not aware of a 1991 recording.



More: It's 1992

Re: Feedback Stockholm : is the date a surprise
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 13:13:37 GMT
From: Neal (hambone) <unknown>
oops...made a small mistake...it is the radio show you mentioned...excellent sound quality on the disc. A 9 on a scale of 10

Feedback: Is it a really a 4 verse and if so is it really Swedish

Re: News "Stockholm Surprise" CD (Neal (Hambone))
Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2000 21:13:29 GMT
From: <ProdigalUmbrellist[itsallthatrain,dear]>
Now we know this is really 1992 might it be that it is a 3 verse AWSOP as far as I know that radio show had a 3 verse although soon after [such as Nuremberg I think that is after] there was a four verse version. I may be wrong about all this of course... and it could be parts of the cd come from elsewhere.. the level meter goes very high on the gtr on Man With A Mission is that a definition of storming??

Ambivalent about live AWSOP

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2000 15:23:51 GMT
From: Gareth <garethj@batelco.com.bh>
Do other Procolholics have mixed feelings about AWSOP played live? As a regular UK concert attender in the 70s, I used to dread the encore as the hitherto seated and engrossed audience would suddenly leap to its feet upon hearing those opening chords and then spend the next few minutes self consciously shuffling said feet and croaking half heartedly along with the chorus. It was as if we wanted to show proper respect for a wonderful song but then realised we were giving the band the (wrong) impression that AWSOP was all we'd come to hear - thereby perpetuating the "albatross" myth.

Sad: Sort of ambivalent...

Re: Ambivalent about live AWSOP (Gareth)
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2000 18:22:29 GMT
From: Marvin <mchass2967@aol.com>
I may have been ambivalent but for a different reason: it generally meant this was the end of the concert (though once when I saw them, they came back afterwards to play 'Repent Walpurgis.')

Ok: Is there any sheetmusic...anywhere?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 00:15:42 GMT
From: Gil Henry <gilhenry@earthlink.net>
I am searching the world over for any sheetmusic of PH material. I have links to tabs to about 22 songs but it isn't enough. I gotta have it. I've been an addict since 1967. that was when I first heard them. My first concert was New years eve 1968 does anyone know where that concert was ? I'd love to chat.

Feedback: who will share this bitter cup

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 07 Apr 2000 21:36:27 GMT
From: <richardsolly@compuserve.com>
I've just read Claes Johansen's book and I have to say that it must have been a thankless task.I've always felt when I listen to a PH records they are singing to ME ie it's very personal.Different songs inspire different moods at different times.That's the rich imagery the songs conjure up.It may be a coincidence that the band is 'beyond these things' but the beauty of their work for me is precisely that.It's an image almost but not quite seen..A glimpse if you like.For this reason when someone puts in print their own interpretation of Keith's words it makes me feel a bit uneasy.We all have our favourites and Claes clearly has his.I'm also a little unhappy with the truncated treatment for PH's work Post Edmonton.Not enough of the book is devoted to this.I would agree (for me) Exotic Birds stands up as a favourite of their later work but I still play them all.If people would stop shuddering about the 'Worm...'they would see Something Magic is a good record,.Albeit performed in a tired fashion that Gary Brooker accepts.I love 'Wizard Man' for example. Claes goes a bit overboard about 'Prodigal Stranger' but it is a strong album.They are all strong in their own way.There's a wealth of different moods and songs to choose from dependent on how the listener feels at the time. I dont accept that Post Edmonton it was down hill.It was a progession..some bummers (personally speaking of course) but a progession nonethelessI for one would like to thank Gary and Keith for taking us on this voyage for the last 11 albums. Can you name another band who could produce an album like 'Grand Hotel' and then something totally different with 'Exotic Birds'

A brave attempt Claes if slightly flawed..Perhaps Gary and Keith would like to try.

Richard Solly


Agree: not about to tear it up

Re: Feedback who will share this bitter cup
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 19:11:35 GMT
From: Beverly <procolpeyton@webtv.net>
My cup is more of a terra cotta nature ;-)

nothing but the truth

Re: Agree not about to tear it up (Beverly)
Keywords: Nothing but the truth
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 21:22:33 GMT
From: <richardsolly@compuserve.com>
This was actually the second draft of a message that I managed to lose somewhere on this computer so it may have come across a little negative.I did enjoy the book immensely apart from those gripes..but the barbells on my eyelids only emphasise my youth.

Richard Solly (43!)

PS..how's the menthol scented breath by the way?


Ok: nod and agree

Re: nothing but the truth
Keywords: Nothing but the truth
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 23:01:40 GMT
From: Beverly <procolpeyton@webtv.net>

The truth is you neglected to spot the little 'agreed' icon thingy.;-) I was simply choosing cups to speak through. I did enjoy the book. I was capable of getting past the errors. I completely agree with your evaluation, hence based on CJs viewpoint.I am sorry that friends of mine are mis-quoted throughout, however, I am glad that Procol Harum are finally written about in the literary marketplace and hopefully a truly definitive history will be presented in our lifetime and for future generations to be toasted by many a lifted cup. Of course, it doesn't get any better than 'Beyond the Pale' www.procolharum.com ... or does it?
;-)
Menthol is always refreshing. ;-)

Angry: We're so Lucky!!!!

Re: Feedback who will share this bitter cup
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 22:40:34 GMT
From: <linc.overlea@sympatico.ca>
Is there anyone else out there who thinks we're darn lucky to love an obscure band and be showered with wonderful gifts such as the reunion, the re-union album,the concerts, Gary's Gazza releases, the EMI Paramounts album, the Copping video, the magazine articles, the web-site, the LSO album, the "Plus" albums,the "Beanstock", and on and on ? I love the book, and am very excited about it's existence! I think it far above average and a labour of love. Claes'idea that the lyric "...we've run afloat..." is symbolic for the real disaster being that the ship actually puts out to sea successfully is a mind blower- we could expand this to mean the entire Procol voyage was a doomed venture, but one which had to be undertaken. And Claes makes interesting points like this many times in the text; ultimately, I don't think particular details are as important as is the spirit of the book in trying to evoke the spirit of the music. Good God, lets not always be bitching and moaning about other's efforts; I'm not saying suspend critical thinking, but lets not be a bunch of whiners either. Again, lets thank Claes for his effort, maybe before we get out our carving knives- it's sooooo easy to just sit back and complain; where are your books and cd releases???

Anthony ( bitching about the bitching ) Rowat


Question: Unable to contact the new website.

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: new website
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 14:28:28 GMT
From: <Kharding@goplay.com>
I got a message upon return from a trip that requests an e-mail for permission to access the new website. I have been unable to do so. I am relatively new to computers and don't know what it means when a box comes up to ask user name. I tried my password but that does not work. Whats up? Kharding@goplay.com

Feedback: Untitled

Re: Question Unable to contact the new website.
Keywords: new website
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000 01:13:36 GMT
From: <unknown>
It was only an April Fool's joke

Note: So.....Strangle Me With Words

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 16 Apr 2000 13:51:42 GMT
From: <SEAHAAS@aol.com>
Well, Ms. Bev and Palers, I'm here...I always have been - but fair warning, I tend to get a bit edgy when people feel it necessary to go on and on with their critiques or dissection of every note or lyric in the music. Carve it up and spit it out...they do.... Too many pretentious prats in this world already..aren't there? Heck, no way am I about to delve into Keith Reid's head; I'm still trying to figure out "2001." I simply like it because of the thoughts provoked, the places in my mind it may take me to, the mood it sets, memories, the emotions....which then in turn, inspire me to create. I thank the creators and artists who give to me all these things every time I listen. With that in mind... for me, there will always be more... EJ

Question: Gary's unsung masterpiece, "Come Turn it All"

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2000 18:01:01 GMT
From: Lance <unknown>
Would anyone be willing to address it's whereabouts? I have it on a boot, however, it is not complete. It is without a doubt a studio recording. Please shed some light on this beautiful song.

News: The World Wildlife Fund

Re: Question Gary's unsung masterpiece, "Come Turn it All" (Lance)
Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2000 23:27:09 GMT
From: <unknown>
This song was recorded in 1990 and released for The World Wildlife Fund on an album called El Dorado Saving the Tropical Forest. Gary is backed by The Rocking Children.

Feedback: thank you for the info on Come Turn it All

Re: News The World Wildlife Fund
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 03:02:59 GMT
From: <Lance>
Please tell me where I can purchase this item. I have checked cdnow.com

News: your welcome for the info on Come Turn It All

Re: Feedback thank you for the info on Come Turn it All
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 02:50:08 GMT
From: <unknown>
Don't thank me yet...don't really know. Can only suggest you try to order it through your local record shop.
LP (CBS 466324 1) CD (CBS 466324 2)

Other contributions on the album are Chris Norman, Barry
McGuire, Nena, Sally Oldfield, Bruce Cockburn, and Jefferson Airplane. 

Ok: very helpful indeed

Re: News your welcome for the info on Come Turn It All
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 03:37:58 GMT
From: <lance>
I'll try to find it.

Ok: Uh, er,....Lance?

Re: Ok very helpful indeed
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 16:57:33 GMT
From: <unknown>
One other suggestion....try contacting The World Wildlife Fund through your search engine. Maybe the charity sells it????? Maybe, maybe, maybe????  ;-)  

Ok: Well yeah,

Re: Ok Uh, er,....Lance?
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 23:03:53 GMT
From: <unknown>
great idea. I e-mailed them. We'll see. thanks again

Question: Grand Hotel live?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 00:05:20 GMT
From: <lincoverlea@sympatico.ca>
Does anyone know if any tapes exist of PH doing Grand Hotel material live with Dave Ball?

Tony

please contact me at: lincoverlea@sympatico.ca


tried to contact

Re: Question Grand Hotel live?
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2000 04:28:51 GMT
From: <lance>
However, the e-mail was returned as an error in address. Is this correct? lincoverlea@sympatico.ca

Feedback: Untitled

Re: tried to contact
Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2000 02:54:29 GMT
From: <linc.overlea@sympatico.ca>
Sorry about that!

My actual address is : linc.overlea@sympatico.ca

Tony


Feedback: Grand Bacon?

Re: Question Grand Hotel live?
Keywords: Toujours L'Amour
Date: Sat, 06 May 2000 00:37:48 GMT
From: Peep <peep_the_sot@yahoo.com>
What's this? Grand Hotel live material? Would love to learn more Lance.... ;-)

Question: SS Blues?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 00:44:24 GMT
From: Boyd <bmaits@voicenet.com>
What Brooker (or Procol) song contains the chorus "I've got the SS(?) Blues" or something that sounds similar?

News: Self-Sufficient

Re: Question SS Blues? (Boyd)
Keywords: 'No More Fear of Flying'
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 02:10:00 GMT
From: Beverly <procolpeyton@webtv.net>
Yup, that's the name of it. S.S.(Self-Sufficient) Blues.
Comes from the Gary Brooker 'No More Fear of Flying' 1979 release.

Self-Sufficiency Blues-----correction

Re: News Self-Sufficient (Beverly)
Keywords: 'No More Fear of Flying'
Date: Fri, 12 May 2000 11:54:52 GMT
From: Beverly <procolpeyton@webtv.net>
A thousand apologies...the correct name of the song is
S.S.(Self-Sufficiency) Blues. Many thanks to the person who brought this to my attention.  

Gary with Bill Wyman

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 10:12:06 GMT
From: Peter Eitner <Peter.Eitner@swr-online.de>
Yesterday I had the chance of enjoying a rare experience with Gary Brooker. He`s the pianoman of Bill Wymans Rhythm Kings (the tour band)who just play German venues. Yesterday they played a live show at SWR, a TV station in Germany, where I work. In the afternoon they made a sound-check, which was attended by only a handful of people. I was one of them seeing Gary perform some boogies and ballads, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" amongst them. Also in the band are (of course) Bill Wyman, Albert Lee and Georgie Fame (on organ). The atmosphere was totally relaxed, even Wyman was cool, not being bothered by Stones-fans. But I must also admit that I was surprised how old Gary has become meanwhile. I hardly recognized him at first. Only when somebody said "some coffee for you, Gary" I knew it´s him. He smoked a pipe and looked ten years older than he really is (55 isn`t it?) Sorry to say that but it`s true. He wore a baseball-cap with a "Jaguar"-sign, jogging-trousers and a striped T-shirt. Right in the middle of the sound-check he had to sneeze heavily three or four times and nearly fell off his chair. Everybody laughed including him. Last time I saw him live was with Procol Harum in 1970 at the Isle-of-Wight-Festival. A stunning show. Okay, time waits for none, i`m older too. But I think Gary should practise some sports to get in better shape.

Cheers Peter


News: Not the first time Gary's been with a "Stone."

Re: Gary with Bill Wyman (Peter Eitner)
Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 10:00:39 GMT
From: <lance>
(Willie and the Poor Boys) "Tear It Up" Live at Halmstad, Sweden, July 31, 1992. Bill Wyman,Gary Brooker Andy Fairweather-Low,Graham Broad, Jimmy Henderson, Terry Taylor. Set List: High School Confidential, Tear It Up, Baby Please Don't Go, Medley: Ooh Poo Pah Doo, - Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu, Mystery Train, Chicken Shack Boogie, Stagger Lee, Red Hot, Lovin' up a Storm, Poor Boy Boogie Medley: Hound Dog - Shake Rattle and Roll - Looking for Someone to Love, Land of 1,000 Dances

Question: KR on hold?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Holding On
Date: Fri, 05 May 2000 17:48:48 GMT
From: Satch <unknown>
Any truth to the rumour that KR's book is on hold so as to refute and/or rebut some of the "reasons" given by CJ? What does BtP think/know about this publising venture? Curious purple.

Ok: No truth in the rumour

Re: Question KR on hold? (Satch)
Date: Fri, 05 May 2000 22:10:51 GMT
From: <Roland>
No truth in this whatever : the books are ready, and they look beautiful. The slipcases have not been delivered, and that's the source of the hold-up, but they are due on 15 May and Charnel House will ship immediately.

Feedback: My Own Choice by Keith Reid

Re: Ok No truth in the rumour
Keywords: Still write it down,it might be read
Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 12:55:50 GMT
From: Beverly <procolpeyton@webtv.net>
Will BtP be showing any scans of Keith's book once it is released?

Question: come turn it all

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sat, 06 May 2000 17:45:34 GMT
From: <lance>
My helpful friend, I have tried your suggestions without success. Would you be willing and able to make a copy of it for me. I would certainly reciprecate. The E-mail listed is incorrect. Thanks

Untitled

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: first time
Date: Mon, 08 May 2000 03:36:28 GMT
From: Kevin <stamppad@tc3net.com>
This is the first time I have seen these messages. In response to the old messages about what songs Gary Brooker played on the album All Things Must Pass, I think he played on the song All Things Must Pass. When the album came out my friend Oz said he thought Gary played on I Dig Love. I have not been up on Procol Harum news, how did B.J. Wilson (one of my all time favorite drummers) die?

Note: BJ : FAQ

Re: Untitled (Kevin)
Date: Mon, 08 May 2000 08:01:54 GMT
From: <Roland>
Regarding BJ, please see our FAQ page : http://www.procolharum.com/BtP_FAQ.htm

Feedback: Come visit BJ's page

Re: Untitled (Kevin)
Date: Tue, 09 May 2000 00:12:25 GMT
From: Joan <Jem33@aol.com>
For more info about BJ come visit his page -- you can get there by going to the Home page, clicking on Musicians -->> drummers --->> BJW or go directly to

http://www.procolharum.com/procolbj.htm

Click on the Whaling Stories tribute on that page for more about his tragic death.

Also you'll see on the page that many fans have posted their personal tributes to this incredible musician. I hope you'll add your words as well -- just email the Webmasters.


Question: Question about "Psalm for St. Mary"

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 22 May 2000 19:38:27 GMT
From: <kennethcorn@yahoo.com>
Greetings from USA:

I am writing to inquire about a song on CD: THE GARY BROOKER ENSEMBLE WITH CHOIR AND STRING QUARTET-WITHIN OUR HOUSE, recorded live at St. Mary and All Saints Church (REP 4660-WY). The song that I am interested in is: PSALM FOR ST. MARY. I work in a church in USA and would like to know if the arrangement of this song is available in any written form (choral music, solo music, etc.). We would like to have our choir and orchestra perform this song in our church. Can you help with any information?

Thank You, Kenny Corn


Ok: "My Own Choice" book by Keith Reid

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 28 May 2000 15:53:59 GMT
From: PatKeating <unknown>
Well, am I about the first who received their "My Own Choice"
book in the mail yesterday (Saturday)?  A very impressive
book, with some nice surprises.  I'll only share three
immediate thoughts now:

1.  In "Pandora's Box," the line is written as:

    "and calls out for his favourite drink
    the chocolate that's as warm as mink."

This really threw me, because Gary Brooker actually
sang "chocolate" (instead of "Persian") at the Vancouver 1991
show.  (Hey, so maybe Gary knows more about the words than we
sometimes give him credit for!)

2.  Are the "unreleased" (at least to us PH fans) lyrics
to "End Game" possibly about B.J. Wilson?  If the lyrics in
the book are theoretically in chronological order, then "End
Game" would fit into the correct time period (after "Saw The
Fire" but before "Holding On").

3.  Great book!  Too short, of course, and too bad so much
had to be left out.  Actually, at amazon.com USA, they list
the book as 98 pages (which it isn't -- it's only 75), and as
Volume 1 (which the actual book doesn't say), so we can only
hope for Volume 2!

Cheers!
Pat Keating

Agree: Overdue Thanks

Re: Ok "My Own Choice" book by Keith Reid (PatKeating)
Keywords: Thanks for the Info
Date: Sun, 28 May 2000 23:41:04 GMT
From: <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Thanks, Pat. Information well received. Have had no luck trying to contact Charnel House by e-mail. As of today they still have "Due out April 2000". Thought maybe my copy was lost. Still don't have it but now there's hope. I'm holding On, JK.

Idea: un certain anniversaire

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 08:15:43 GMT
From: <baleinemoine@hotmail.com>
In Procoldom, the 29 of May would be National Day, and the occasion of huge celebrations... In the real world, I know quite a few people who are ready to celebrate anything Procolish, anytime, anywhere... when do we do that ? Happy birthday again Malene

Question: More classical roots

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 17:50:31 GMT
From: Steve <boosters@tohsband.org>
I've always wondered if the melody (piano run) in the "Grand Finale" portion of "In Held Twas I" is from a particular classical piece or is just in a very classical style. One reference on this site: http://www.procolharum.com/marcelo_mf1.htm mentions that it was "ripped off from a Haydn piece," but no particulars are provided. The melody is very beautiful, and even after all these years, I wonder about its origins. Does anyone know?

All there to be sought

Re: Question More classical roots (Steve)
Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 18:59:57 GMT
From: <Roland>
If you click on the hyperlink in the sentence you quote at http://www.procolharum.com/marcelo_mf1.htm you will find an article about the source of the 'Grand Finale' minuet theme: http://www.procolharum.com/haydnfish.htm

That's what the hyperlinks are for.


Idea: First impression

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: Typo on page one
Date: Wed, 31 May 2000 23:15:45 GMT
From: Jim K. <jk3343@iw.edwpub.com>
Just received "My Own Choice" with a backleaf signed "KR"/ a hot item my wife inadvertently left on the front seat of her car/ The slipcase warped under the beat of the afternoon sun/ lying there without a warning, baked inside a bubble cocoon/ A slim volume I hold in my hand, gently open, glimpse inside/ handshake from a distant friend whose heart could not abide/ the truth not clearly spoken through a hole inside a beam/ or the remnants left in a docile, distilled, underfed dream/ At random, he tells me not to beg and I rightly heed the glare/ "Go back to the first page and savor each gem as if it were not there"/ But, alight at Homburg, standing tall on page one/ I read from left to right as is my editor's wont/ and thrilled at first to see these well laced lines/ stunned at next to last, the typo takes to rhyme!/

Idea: PROCOL2000

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: procol2000
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 08:45:47 GMT
From: Richard <RichardSolly@cs.com>
The ultimate Procol set..list?..with one eye on the future and one on the past.

something magic/bringing home the bacon/pandora's box/shine on brightly/homburg/the hand that rocks the cradle/new lamps for old/cerdes/a salty dog/piggy pig pig/broken barricades/last train to niagara

tea break

quite rightly so/fresh fruit/in the wee small hours of sixpence/holding on/grand hotel/butterfly boys/PROCOL 2000 medley 1) so far behind 2) nothing but the truth 3) typewriter torment/a whiter shade of pale-4 verses/conquistador

encore

i'll be satisfied/toujours l'amour/one eye on the future..one eye on the past

This was a mammoth task..so much has been left out.

Richard Solly


Feedback: BROKEN BARRICADES COME BACK

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: BROKEN BARRICADES COME BACK
Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2000 19:51:37 GMT
From: Richard Solly <RichardSolly@cs.com>
We have heard there are all sorts of problems getting Broken Barricades released.I have a soft spot for it and play it often.Here under a letter I wrote in 1997 pleading for its release.

...The packaging was good as was the production.This was before Chris Thomas discovered Phil Spector.Irritating that only 4 of the 8 lyrics were printed.

SIMPLE SISTER is a real beaut.A thousand miles from AWSOP but what a barnstormer.The strings and brass a prelude to Grand Hotel.A cracking live number too.

It was a pleasure to hear BROKEN BARRICADES kick off the Redhill Party as I've always liked it.Interesting in it's mystery with some excellent drumming from BJ.

Robin Trower's contribution starts off with MEMORIAL DRIVE.I love the way this moves.Dare I admit to hearing it live on some dreadful bootleg album that sounded as though it was recorded in a deep fat fryer.I play this a lot..The BB version that is.

LUSKUS DELPH follows.BB's recurrent theme of sex surfaces in this one.Possibly could be more interesting but nice strings though.

To me one of the highlights of BB is Power Failure.It's a showcase for BJ Wilson,great stuff.I'm glad Procol havent joined the po faced pomposity of the rock hierachy.The applause and the lone cry of 'rubbish' at the end of BJ's solo is a testament to their humour.

SONG FOR A DREAMER is suddenly upon the listener.If any song emphasised the rift between Procol Harum and Robin Trower it must be this one.I like the song I have to concede but Robin was drifting away from PH groove by groove.

More sordid sex in PLAYMATE OF THE MOUTH.What a lovely title that is.It tends to be held together by the guitar and brass work but Gary produces the right sweating,grinding mood.

POOR MOHAMMED concludes the album.Good guitar,interesting enough but a bit of a throwaway....

You must appreciate this was written in the anger of the moment even though the words I use are prententious and make me cringe with embarrassment.

Yes it is an uneven album,yes it is too short,yes Robin is wanting to leave the nest (no pun intended) and that shows in some of his compositions but to me it's an album which marks a progression in the career of Procol Harum shining brightly into the 70s.

I think you understand just what I'm trying to say.

Give us Broken Barricades..please!

Any other fellow hopers?

Richard Solly


Agree: Broken Barricades

Re: Feedback BROKEN BARRICADES COME BACK (Richard Solly)
Keywords: Mend those Barricades please
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 01:23:00 GMT
From: Beverly <procolpeyton@webtv.net>
Yes Richard...everything you said...YES, YES, YES.
Bring back Broken Barricades and make us whole again.

RE-BROKEN BARRICADES TO ME - 1968 FRENCH STUDENT REVOLT

Re: Agree Broken Barricades (Beverly)
Keywords: Mend those Barricades please
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 20:32:37 GMT
From: GER. <unknown>
ON LISTENING TO BROKEN BARRICADES IT SEEMS TO ME TO BE ABOUT 1968 - STUDENT UPRISING ACROSS PRAGUE AND PARIS BUT THEN AGAIN IT MIGHT JUST BE MY OWN MISINTERPRETATION

Question: Gary Brooker's nickname?

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 11:03:20 GMT
From: john <awei@claranet.fr>
Hi! I'm just looking for Gary Brooker's nickname! Something like The Elmo (???) If anybody knows, thanks for tellin' me.

'by any other name ...'

Re: Question Gary Brooker's nickname? (john)
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 11:14:53 GMT
From: <unknown>
Known to fans and fellow-musicians as 'The Commander' but BtP sometimes uses 'El Gubernator' because of the Latin words for 'A Salty Dog' which you can see at http://www.procolharum.com/salty_latin.htm ; more about nicknames at http://www.procolharum.com/cucumber.htm

You're not thinking of 'Gazza' ... this is not a proper nickname, although he does call his Record Label 'Gazza' : see http://www.procolharum.com/gazza.htm


Question: can't make it much more clear

Re: 'by any other name ...'
Keywords: nor nama?
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 01:54:22 GMT
From: Beverly <unknown>
Why isn't Gazza a proper nickname?

Warning: kalediscope.rad4.inside.gallag.u2.bustle.key.rolloin,.bel.glas.liv.lost.a.ce

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: humpback nept d v lie and deep jimi hend ring
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000 00:11:37 GMT
From: ger. 1966.. 1968. alien . jm. doors of per.. hump. navy . <unknown>
are you serious or just another charterhouse house of cards are you designing or just simply rhyming do you want to know nothing is important n.y. ghost wr. hudson hurst. 1966. do yoi knoe the v.c. boi doi . god morn jing zx chemical insanity quantum life is already invading . alpha centauri and lupis are already impregnated by the one without q eskimo ngc jupiter by the way glasgo big wal i eh whale humpback songs of wayfairies a wandering you shady slimmers ought to be fat not weeping or thin big wal eh so you can sing and play god bless the dead and hurrah to false victory of master gene plans oh conspiracy theorists are all usually o.s.a.. and so to the fifth amendment oliver who not crom. street . pink fl but stone/north/sintra/ take your pick. macarthy is not here. but most other may be/ gazza strip the largest ghetto in the land of the omniscient divine great name don't believe a word - honest p.l. comp. silence noise is all neptune new the castle fort only strong hold ever in this crazy country . big wal . ref black shadey no white slim hank wank and obrien cal. riddler-no loser-no peng-no lost - yes big wal i dont care i've lived a life thats fooled each and most byways and i dont care thats life esther ranting strange eccentric cyril. hallelujah god damned beast was general thumb -dylan -roundabout not magic just quantum the aliens are already here long time blue illusion no just simple confusion - by the way - i am a loser and you are a winner - thats life - a puppet a pawn and a katie king - re - step. king - electric company - professor crookes did you know him gar. hope not anyway lost in time and space alpha rigel lupis hooray for the progressive pilgrim eh i think we have moved even further on - some time ago in hudson gay see r.payne k

Agree: down the back of the sofa

Re: Warning kalediscope.rad4.inside.gallag.u2.bustle.key.rolloin,.bel.glas.liv.lost.a.ce (ger. 1966.. 1968. alien . jm. doors of per.. hump. navy . )
Keywords: humpback nept d v lie and deep jimi hend ring
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2000 19:09:45 GMT
From: Bruce Friedman <unknown>
Glad you found your way on here at last.
Sorry about the row we had in 1979 but at last
you are trying to make it up to me.
Look I am sorry I put those prawns down the back of your
sofa and I did mean to return your copy of
Stanley Unwin's History of Western Philosphy as told
by a grumbleback toad.

Yours
Bruce Friedman





dark alley these things are seldom check. w.a..n. c... dot shalom

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: invisible g ring see cassini
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000 00:23:08 GMT
From: ger. tiny. small. insign <unknown>
you tried and better than most face up IT -internal terrestial see s. king. for alien.cam closely screened by the city of the television sky. what a little fish i am. mccarthy / quantuum leap space warp time flop tv ts mayb ee ma y be alicia see ancient egyptians or yorselves ancient greece. your most idiot host ger. toss. ase. plonk. oh. rodders. wat m.od. sat of the usa

Ok: awsop sways to the rhythm method

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Keywords: awsop swings to the rhythm method
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2000 09:36:19 GMT
From: Richard <RichardSolly@cs.com>
Anyone still humming and ha-ing about seeing Bill Wyman well go..gO..GO is my only advice.

I saw them last night in Cambridge and they were great.

Gary and Georgie shared most of the singing and announcing honours with excellent singing to from big baaaddd Bev-er-leeee,Albert Leeeeee and Janice Hoyte....e.e.

Once the sound settled down the show stormed along.It was mesmeric.Tell You A Secret (Gary),I Put a Spell On You,Groovin' (Beverley)from the new album.

The excellent Melody with Georgie and Beverley was a highlight as was Gary's Hit the Road Jack which seemed to go on forever with Frank and Nick's brilliant sax work.Lead Me To The Water pounded along to a great reggae sound working well with the saxes.

Albert 'Liquorice' Lee singing I'm Ready was fun too.As was 'Mystery Train' with Nick Payn on the harmonica.

They finished on 'Tear It Up'.My God Martin Taylor and Albert Lee can trade licks.This was truly a virtuoso paradise.Fantastic.

The band got a rousing demand for an encore.

Georgie did an excellent job alone with Martin Taylor on Georgia On My Mind.I've always liked Georgie Fame.His voice is still very strong and he has a style of his own.He had quite a funny story about when he met Hoagy Carmichael..'Dont worry how you are Boy my songs will make you sound great'.

Bill Wyman with Henry Spinetti provided an absolutely stonking solid sound which let the 'front runners' bang away happily.It's a credit to him that in these days of Elton,Madonna type Prima Donna's that he's happy sharing the limelight-in fact on one number I couldnt even see him.Having said that Terry Taylor is even quieter!! A great guitarist and between them they write some marvellous music.

Gary tinkled the old ivories and I swear there was a bit of Salty Dog and Grand Hotel in there.What followed was a two verse version of A Whiter Shade of Pale.Georgie on organ and Frank Mead soulful sax accompanied him.It brought the house down with an even bigger roar than I Put A Spell On You and Tear It Up.

The finale was a powerful Hole In the Wall again with Gary singing.

It was good solid music so go..go...go

Richard Solly ps-never ask for pipe-cleaners in Homebase..know what I mean!!!


Agree: I was there, too!

Re: Ok awsop sways to the rhythm method (Richard)
Keywords: awsop swings to the rhythm method
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 22:37:14 GMT
From: Jenny Carley <jenny.carley@talk21.com>
My first Rhythm Kings venue was Ipswich, followed by Lowestoft, Kings Lynn and finally Cambridge. The music just grew on me and I wanted to enjoy it again and again! I've bought their 4 CD's and been lucky enough to meet them backstage for which I am very grateful to Tony. Cambridge was especially good - being carried away with the rhythm - dancing in the heat of the night and snatching one or two photos of the band!

I had an interesting talk with Martin Taylor backstage and added his autograph to my collection - having got the others during the previous three dates. Gary Brooker signed my original Procol Harum 45 - Whiter Shade of Pale - which I found in my collection of singles from the 60's/70's. I am now back home in Suffolk listening to the CD's - I wish I'd been able to see the Rhythm Kings last year - I've been missing some excellent music! I will certainly look out for the next tour.

Best wishes to All

Jenny


The Cat's Ninth L:ive

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2000 19:16:53 GMT
From: Bruce Friedman <unknown>
Hi
I have heard there is a bootleg of the Ninth album
with the above title being live versions of
the tracks cherry picked from gigs from the 70's
and the 90's all set up in the original running order.
As this is maybe the band's least loved albums it would
be great to hear this boot to see if it brings it to life
free from Leiber and Stoller's production.
I do not know what the sound quality is like. A friend
of mine called Carole Meeks just came back from a
dancing trip to Bulgaria and she swears she saw it in
a store. Naturally I am furious she did not shell out
on a surprise gift for me.
The cover is a blurred scan of the Mick Grabham era
in artistically treated black and white so she says.
The first song might be called Paradox Bone [Carole
is not a big fan so it might be her recall at fault]
but I expect that is really you know what rather than
some mega rarity.
Anybody else heard of this one?








Question: Album Information

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 01:22:21 GMT
From: <stamppad@tc3net.com>
Once upon a time, long ago, I had a Procol Harum album. It was an import album that was blue with a drawing of an overwieght salior with a cheap looking lady of the evening. The album had songs from the first four albums, but "She Wandered Through The Garden Fence" and another song (I can't remember) from the first album were different from the original. They were done in stereo and it sounded like Chris Copping on the organ. Can anyone supply me with information about this album? Thanks

Feedback: The overweight sailor album

Re: Question Album Information
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 08:55:01 GMT
From: <Roland>
There's a page about this album at http://www.procolharum.com/phcomp12.htm

The two tracks you mention are slightly different in the organ department but they are by the original line-up; the history of these alternate takes (and the stereo / fake stereo issue) is a pretty vexed one but you will find interesting links to re-releases containing similar tracks at http://www.procolharum.com/west_index.htm ; in particular http://www.procolharum.com/west_pand-alb.htm will be of interest.

Hope this helps


Note: Procol Harum on TV, in the U.S.

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 01:40:09 GMT
From: <unknown>
The first time I saw Procol Harum, was on TV on Sept. 2 1970, on the Smother's Brothers summer replacement show. They played A Salty Dog. The members, except Gary Brooker, were silhouetted. B.J. Wilson wore a hat and used tympany sticks on the cymbols to obtain a gong like sound at the beginning of the song. A snatch of light fell on Robin Trower at the end of the song, he was playing Chris Copping's white Fender bass. Tom or Dick Smothers introduced them with, "this is the American television premire of an exciting group of English poets and musicians. Ladies and gentlemen, an experience, Procol Harum." I taped that portion of the show on a reel-to-reel tape recorder, and I still have a small portion of the song. Another curious fact is, I saw the show twice in the same evening. In those days Ohio was on daylight savings time, but Michigan wasn't. I was able to watch the show on a Toledo station, and then an hour later watch it on a Detroit station. Very curious indeed. If this is of interest to anyone, or you would like to challenge my memory of the situation (not a good idea) write me.

Untitled

Re: Note Procol Harum on TV, in the U.S.
Date: Sat, 01 Jul 2000 21:19:38 GMT
From: <Kevin>
Procol Harum on TV in the U.S. My address is stamppad@tc3net.com

Warning: Please visit new forum

Re: Procol Harum - Forum #1 (Admin)
Date: Sun, 02 Jul 2000 22:05:40 GMT
From: <unknown>
This forum has been replaced by a new new version, and is kept for arcchive purposes and your reading pleasures only. For new postings, please use new verion (URL above)

Shine On!

Jens and Roland


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