Procol Harum
Procol Harum (-?pro?k?l ?h??r?m-) are a British rock band formed in 1967. They contributed to the development of progressive rock, and by extension, symphonic rock. Procol Harum has been entertaining audiences for decades with their unique sound. From psychedelic rock to romantic ballads, the band has produced more than a dozen albums full of unforgettable songs. Whiter Shade of Pale was an international hit and still resonates with music lovers today. Other energetic classics include A Salty Dog, Conquistador, and Homburg. In 2019 they released the critically acclaimed album Still There'll Be More. A later soundtrack performance called Last Thick Dance adds to the balance engineered throughout their career as soft melodic sections insinuate themselves into heavy rocking pace changes. Procol Harum’s songs truly provide proof positive that classic music stands out in a new era. Their place in musical history is already assured, bringing together creativity and unmistakable melodies.
Procol Harum: A Legendary Band That Defined the Sound of the 60s and Beyond
When it comes to defining the sound of the 60s, few bands come as close to perfection as Procol Harum. From their iconic hit A Whiter Shade of Pale to the many albums that followed, Procol Harum remains a staple in the historical archives of rock music. Their influence is still felt today, and their music continues to inspire and challenge new generations of artists and listeners alike. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the band's musical biography, their music genre, their best songs, some famous concerts, and a critic.
Procol Harum was formed in 1967 in Southend-on-Sea, England. The band's original members were Gary Brooker (vocals, piano), Robin Trower (guitar), Matthew Fisher (organ), David Knights (bass), and BJ Wilson (drums). Their name was inspired by a friend's Burmese cat named Procul Harun, but with a slight spelling mistake. Their debut single, A Whiter Shade of Pale, was an instant success and is now considered a classic rock anthem. The song is famous for its haunting keyboard riff (played by Matthew Fisher) and its cryptic lyrics, which have been the subject of much debate over the years.
Procol Harum's music can be described as a blend of rock, blues, classical music, and psychedelia. Their sound is characterized by Brooker's soulful vocals and Fisher's intricate keyboard arrangements, which often include elements of Bach and Beethoven. The band's other hits include Homburg, Conquistador, and Pandora's Box. They also released a concept album in 1969 titled A Salty Dog, which is considered one of the best albums of the era.
Procol Harum performed many famous concerts over the years, including a memorable performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. They also opened for The Rolling Stones on their 1976 European tour. In the 90s, the band underwent some personnel changes, but they continued to release new albums and tour. They also collaborated with the Danish National Orchestra on a live album in 2009.
The band received critical acclaim throughout their career. In his review of their debut album, Rolling Stone critic Jon Landau wrote: Procol Harum is a bold experiment in the fusion of rock, soul, and classical music, and an intelligent one, for they succeed at it. The band was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing their status as one of the most influential acts of the 60s.
Blog
The legacy of Procol Harum continues to inspire and excite music listeners worldwide. Their unique blend of rock, blues, classical, and psychedelia is timeless, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists that followed in their footsteps. From their iconic hit A Whiter Shade of Pale to their many albums, Procol Harum remains a band that defined the sound of the 60s and beyond. If you haven't had the chance to explore their music yet, we highly recommend it. Procol Harum is one of those rare bands that truly deserves its place in the history books of rock music.
Procol Harum: A Legendary Band That Defined the Sound of the 60s and Beyond
When it comes to defining the sound of the 60s, few bands come as close to perfection as Procol Harum. From their iconic hit A Whiter Shade of Pale to the many albums that followed, Procol Harum remains a staple in the historical archives of rock music. Their influence is still felt today, and their music continues to inspire and challenge new generations of artists and listeners alike. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the band's musical biography, their music genre, their best songs, some famous concerts, and a critic.
Procol Harum was formed in 1967 in Southend-on-Sea, England. The band's original members were Gary Brooker (vocals, piano), Robin Trower (guitar), Matthew Fisher (organ), David Knights (bass), and BJ Wilson (drums). Their name was inspired by a friend's Burmese cat named Procul Harun, but with a slight spelling mistake. Their debut single, A Whiter Shade of Pale, was an instant success and is now considered a classic rock anthem. The song is famous for its haunting keyboard riff (played by Matthew Fisher) and its cryptic lyrics, which have been the subject of much debate over the years.
Procol Harum's music can be described as a blend of rock, blues, classical music, and psychedelia. Their sound is characterized by Brooker's soulful vocals and Fisher's intricate keyboard arrangements, which often include elements of Bach and Beethoven. The band's other hits include Homburg, Conquistador, and Pandora's Box. They also released a concept album in 1969 titled A Salty Dog, which is considered one of the best albums of the era.
Procol Harum performed many famous concerts over the years, including a memorable performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. They also opened for The Rolling Stones on their 1976 European tour. In the 90s, the band underwent some personnel changes, but they continued to release new albums and tour. They also collaborated with the Danish National Orchestra on a live album in 2009.
The band received critical acclaim throughout their career. In his review of their debut album, Rolling Stone critic Jon Landau wrote: Procol Harum is a bold experiment in the fusion of rock, soul, and classical music, and an intelligent one, for they succeed at it. The band was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing their status as one of the most influential acts of the 60s.
Blog
The legacy of Procol Harum continues to inspire and excite music listeners worldwide. Their unique blend of rock, blues, classical, and psychedelia is timeless, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists that followed in their footsteps. From their iconic hit A Whiter Shade of Pale to their many albums, Procol Harum remains a band that defined the sound of the 60s and beyond. If you haven't had the chance to explore their music yet, we highly recommend it. Procol Harum is one of those rare bands that truly deserves its place in the history books of rock music.
LISTEN THE BEST PROCOL HARUM SONGS IN STREAMING
2022-11-01
The Musical Biography of Procol Harum: From Beginnings to Iconic Hits
Procol Harum is a British rock band that rose to fame in the late 60s. Their unique blend of rock, blues, classical, and country music, coupled with the poetic, introspective lyrics, quickly established them as one of the most innovative bands of the era. In this article, we'll take a look at the musical biography of Procol Harum, from their humble beginnings to their most iconic albums and songs.
Procol Harum was formed in 1967 by Gary Brooker (vocals, piano), Matthew Fisher (organ), Ray Royer (guitar), David Knights (bass), and Bobby Harrison (drums). Their name was coined by their manager, who combined two Latin phrases, procul (far away) and harum (these things), to create a mystical, exotic name that perfectly suited their sound. Procol Harum's debut album, Procol Harum, was released in 1967 and featured their first hit single, A Whiter Shade of Pale, a song that became an instant classic and is still regularly heard on the radio today.
The 70s was a prolific time for Procol Harum, with the band releasing seven more studio albums. One of the most notable albums of the era was A Salty Dog (1969), which featured the band's signature mix of rock, blues, and classical music. The album included the hit singles The Devil Came from Kansas and Homburg, and showcased the band's instrumental prowess and unique musical style.
Procol Harum continued their musical evolution in the 80s and 90s, experimenting with new sounds and styles while maintaining their signature sound. The band released six more studio albums, including The Prodigal Stranger (1991) and The Well's on Fire (2003), and toured extensively. They also reunited with their original lineup for several concerts, including a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2017 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of A Whiter Shade of Pale.
Procol Harum's most famous songs continue to be celebrated today for their timeless appeal and unique sound. A Whiter Shade of Pale remains one of the most iconic songs of the 60s, a haunting ballad with a mesmerizing organ melody and enigmatic lyrics. Conquistador (1967), A Salty Dog (1969), and Pandora's Box (1975) are other notable hits that demonstrate the band's musical diversity and versatility.
Procol Harum's musical style was heavily influenced by classical music, blues, rock, and even country music. The band incorporated elements of Bach, Chopin, Mozart, and other classical composers into their music, creating a complex, layered sound that was both melodic and experimental. Their introspective lyrics explored themes of existential angst, love, and loss, imbuing their music with a profound sense of emotion and depth.
Conclusion: Procol Harum's musical biography is a fascinating story of a band that defied categorization and continually pushed the boundaries of musical expression. Their innovative blend of rock, blues, and classical music, coupled with poetic lyrics, influenced generations of musicians and continue to inspire music lovers around the world. From A Whiter Shade of Pale to A Salty Dog to Pandora's Box, Procol Harum's iconic songs stand the test of time and remain beloved classics.
Procol Harum was formed in 1967 by Gary Brooker (vocals, piano), Matthew Fisher (organ), Ray Royer (guitar), David Knights (bass), and Bobby Harrison (drums). Their name was coined by their manager, who combined two Latin phrases, procul (far away) and harum (these things), to create a mystical, exotic name that perfectly suited their sound. Procol Harum's debut album, Procol Harum, was released in 1967 and featured their first hit single, A Whiter Shade of Pale, a song that became an instant classic and is still regularly heard on the radio today.
The 70s was a prolific time for Procol Harum, with the band releasing seven more studio albums. One of the most notable albums of the era was A Salty Dog (1969), which featured the band's signature mix of rock, blues, and classical music. The album included the hit singles The Devil Came from Kansas and Homburg, and showcased the band's instrumental prowess and unique musical style.
Procol Harum continued their musical evolution in the 80s and 90s, experimenting with new sounds and styles while maintaining their signature sound. The band released six more studio albums, including The Prodigal Stranger (1991) and The Well's on Fire (2003), and toured extensively. They also reunited with their original lineup for several concerts, including a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2017 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of A Whiter Shade of Pale.
Procol Harum's most famous songs continue to be celebrated today for their timeless appeal and unique sound. A Whiter Shade of Pale remains one of the most iconic songs of the 60s, a haunting ballad with a mesmerizing organ melody and enigmatic lyrics. Conquistador (1967), A Salty Dog (1969), and Pandora's Box (1975) are other notable hits that demonstrate the band's musical diversity and versatility.
Procol Harum's musical style was heavily influenced by classical music, blues, rock, and even country music. The band incorporated elements of Bach, Chopin, Mozart, and other classical composers into their music, creating a complex, layered sound that was both melodic and experimental. Their introspective lyrics explored themes of existential angst, love, and loss, imbuing their music with a profound sense of emotion and depth.
Conclusion: Procol Harum's musical biography is a fascinating story of a band that defied categorization and continually pushed the boundaries of musical expression. Their innovative blend of rock, blues, and classical music, coupled with poetic lyrics, influenced generations of musicians and continue to inspire music lovers around the world. From A Whiter Shade of Pale to A Salty Dog to Pandora's Box, Procol Harum's iconic songs stand the test of time and remain beloved classics.
Tag: Procol Harum, musical biography, best songs, playlist
2022-01-01
Rediscovering the Underrated Procol Harum
If you’re looking for a music artist to inspire your next musical adventure, why not give Procol Harum a try? Although their classic '60s/'70s sound is often overlooked in favor of more modern acts, an appreciation of the artistry that created this group's signature style shouldn't be ignored. Procol Harum has proved both critics and fans wrong with its persistent success and passionate fan base for nearly five decades now: they may lean on the side of nostalgia, but their dedication to creating timeless melodies that resonates within listeners should be noted. For those willing to explore what Procol Harum have offered throughout their career, there’s much to appreciate beyond just some retro-sounding tunes.
When we talk about influential rock bands from the 60s and 70s, names like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin instantly come to mind. While these bands are undoubtedly iconic, they tend to overshadow other important musical acts from the same era, such as Procol Harum. This English progressive rock band may not have been as popular as its peers, but its music was no less brilliant. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of Procol Harum and discover why their music is still worth listening to over 50 years after they first hit the scene.
Formed in 1967, Procol Harum made a name for itself with its unique and sophisticated sound that was ahead of its time. Though their music was mainly labeled as progressive rock, it blended together elements of classical, blues, and psychedelic rock, which made it hard to categorize. Their signature song A Whiter Shade of Pale became an instant hit and remains one of the most beloved songs of all time. Still, the band's discography goes beyond this one timeless classic.
What set Procol Harum apart was their ability to weave stories into their songs and craft vivid soundscapes that evoked a range of emotions. Take the song Repent Walpurgis, which was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, and is a showcase of Procol Harum's musical prowess. It's a thrilling and exhilarating piece that encapsulates the essence of the group's ability to capture the listener's imagination.
Procol Harum's music also dealt with socially relevant themes, from war and politics to love and loss. Their 1970 album Home tackled the dark side of the Vietnam War and disillusionment with authority figures, while A Salty Dog from the same year explores life at sea. With each album, Procol Harum challenged the listener to think deeper and appreciate the complexity of the world around them.
Despite their undeniable talent and the fervent love of fans, Procol Harum never received the same level of mainstream success as other bands from their era. But that hasn't stopped them from remaining active and continuing to make music that is both relevant and timeless. Their latest album, Novum, released in 2017, features new songs that still showcases the band's signature sound and artistry.
Procol Harum may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of classic rock bands, but they are certainly one worth rediscovering. Their timeless sound encapsulates the best of the era, with the sophistication and inventiveness that makes their music stand out, even today. From thought-provoking lyrics to masterful instrumentation, Procol Harum's oeuvre is a testament to the artistry of one of the most underrated bands of their time. So take some time to explore their discography - you won't be disappointed. After all, as they say in A Whiter Shade of Pale: We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels 'cross the floor. I was feeling kind of seasick, but the crowd called out for more.
When we talk about influential rock bands from the 60s and 70s, names like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin instantly come to mind. While these bands are undoubtedly iconic, they tend to overshadow other important musical acts from the same era, such as Procol Harum. This English progressive rock band may not have been as popular as its peers, but its music was no less brilliant. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of Procol Harum and discover why their music is still worth listening to over 50 years after they first hit the scene.
Formed in 1967, Procol Harum made a name for itself with its unique and sophisticated sound that was ahead of its time. Though their music was mainly labeled as progressive rock, it blended together elements of classical, blues, and psychedelic rock, which made it hard to categorize. Their signature song A Whiter Shade of Pale became an instant hit and remains one of the most beloved songs of all time. Still, the band's discography goes beyond this one timeless classic.
What set Procol Harum apart was their ability to weave stories into their songs and craft vivid soundscapes that evoked a range of emotions. Take the song Repent Walpurgis, which was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, and is a showcase of Procol Harum's musical prowess. It's a thrilling and exhilarating piece that encapsulates the essence of the group's ability to capture the listener's imagination.
Procol Harum's music also dealt with socially relevant themes, from war and politics to love and loss. Their 1970 album Home tackled the dark side of the Vietnam War and disillusionment with authority figures, while A Salty Dog from the same year explores life at sea. With each album, Procol Harum challenged the listener to think deeper and appreciate the complexity of the world around them.
Despite their undeniable talent and the fervent love of fans, Procol Harum never received the same level of mainstream success as other bands from their era. But that hasn't stopped them from remaining active and continuing to make music that is both relevant and timeless. Their latest album, Novum, released in 2017, features new songs that still showcases the band's signature sound and artistry.
Procol Harum may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of classic rock bands, but they are certainly one worth rediscovering. Their timeless sound encapsulates the best of the era, with the sophistication and inventiveness that makes their music stand out, even today. From thought-provoking lyrics to masterful instrumentation, Procol Harum's oeuvre is a testament to the artistry of one of the most underrated bands of their time. So take some time to explore their discography - you won't be disappointed. After all, as they say in A Whiter Shade of Pale: We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels 'cross the floor. I was feeling kind of seasick, but the crowd called out for more.
Tag: Procol Harum, music artist, best songs, artist career
SONGS OF PROCOL HARUM - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - She Wandered Through the Garden Fence
2 - Long Gone Geek
3 - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
4 - Luskus Delph
5 - Whiter Shade Of Pale
6 - Lime Street Blues
7 - Conquistador
8 - Repent Walpurgis
9 - Homburg
10 - Shine On Brightly
11 - Rambling On
12 - Wish Me Well
13 - Simple Sister
14 - Boredom
15 - Magdalene (My Regal Zonophone)
16 - Kaleidoscope
17 - Mabel
18 - Quite Rightly So
19 - A Salty Dog
20 - Grand Hotel
21 - Skip Softly (my Moonbeams)
22 - Cerdes (outside The Gates Of)
23 - Good Captain Clack
24 - Something Following Me
25 - A Christmas Camel
26 - Salad Days (are Here Again)
27 - Whisky Train
28 - Whaling Stories
29 - The Devil Came From Kansas
30 - The Milk Of Human Kindness
31 - Monsieur Armand
32 - Too Much Between Us
33 - Pandora's Box
34 - All This And More
35 - Wreck Of The Hesperus
36 - Juicy John Pink
37 - Power Failure
38 - As Strong As Samson
39 - In The Wee Small Hours Of Sixpence
40 - Beyond The Pale
41 - Bringing Home The Bacon
42 - (you Can't) Turn Back The Page
43 - Nothing But The Truth
44 - A Rum Tale
45 - Broken Barricades
46 - The King Of Hearts
47 - Holding On
48 - Conquistador (live)
49 - I Told On You
50 - Grandhotel
DISCOGRAPHY OF PROCOL HARUM
2017: Novum
2003: The Well's on Fire
2003: The Well’s On Fire
1999: Pandora's Box
1991: The Prodigal Stranger
1977: Something Magic
1975: Procol's Ninth
1975: Procol’s Ninth
1974: Exotic Birds and Fruit
1973: Grand Hotel
1972: A Whiter Shade of Pale
1971: Broken Barricades
1970: Home
1969: A Salty Dog
1968: Shine on Brightly
1967: Procol Harum