Procol Harum

Band members               Related acts

- David Ball - guitar (replaced Robin Trower) (1971-73)
- Gary Brooker - vocals, keyboards (1967-77 + 90-) 
- Alan Cartwright - bass (1972-76)
- Chris Copping - bass, organ (replaced Matthew Fisher)

  (1969-77)
- Matthew Fisher - keyboards (66-69 + 90-)
- Mick Grabham - guitar (replaced David Ball) (1973-77)
- Bobby Harrison - drums (1966-67)
- Dave Knights - bass (1966-69) 

- B.J. Wilson (RIP) - drums, percussion

 

 

- BLT (Robin Trower)
- Gary Brooker (solo efforts)
- Cochise (Mick Grabham)

- Every Which Way (Alan Cartwright)
- Matthew Fisher (solo efforts)
- The Paramounts (Gary Brooker)
- Plastic Penny (Mick Grabham)
- Robin Trower (solo efforts)

 

 

 

 

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Procol Harum

Company: A&M

Catalog: SP-4373

Year: 1967

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: includes original poster

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4373

Price: $25.00

Cost: $66.00

 

Following the collapse of the R&B oriented Paramounts (see separate entry), in late 1966 vocalist/keyboard player Gary Brooker hooked up with lyricist Keith Reid. The two spent a year writing material before decided to record some of their songs. Auditioning various musicians Brooker eventually settled on the lineup of keyboard player Matthew Fisher, drummer Bob Harrison, bass player Dave Knights and guitarist Ray Rowyer. Known as The Pinewoods, the band went into the studios with producer Denny Cordell, recording several Brooker/Reid pieces, including the ornate "A Whiter Shade of Pale." Impressed with the track, Cordell began shopping the demo around, eventually attracting the attention of Decca Records.

As was standard marketing practice, lacking an album to support the single, the band was rushed into the studio to record additional material for an album to support the single. Released as "Procol Harum" the resulting collection sounded rushed and uneven (it reportedly progressed from conception to release in ten days). In spite of the compressed recording schedule, the result proved surprisingly impressive. Showcasing Brooker's groaning vocals and Brooker-Reid material (they wrote 10 of the album's 11 tracks; Fisher's "Repent Walpurgis" being the lone exception), the set's slow and measured keyboard dominated numbers (courtesy of Matthew Fisher), including "Cerdes (Outside the Gates of)" and "She Wandered Through the Garden Gate" featured a highly stylized and unique sound. Supported by the title track, the collection sold extremely well in the States, eventually peaking at #47. (Unlike the English album, the American version included the the hit title track. Early American releases also included a bonus poster featuring the album's cover illustration.)

"Procol Harum" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) A Whiter Shade of Pale (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
2.) Conquisator (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
3.) She Wandered Through the Garden Fence (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
4.) Something Following Me (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
5.) Mabel (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
6.) Cerdes (Outside the Gates of) (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)

(side 2)

1.) A Christmas Camel (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
2.) Kaleidoscope (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
3.) Salad Days (Are Here Again) (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
4.) Good Captain Clack (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
5.) Repent Walpurgis (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
 


 

Genre: rock

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  Shine On Brightly

Company: A&M

Catalog: SP-4151

Year: 1968

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: minor ring, edge and corner wear; gatefold sleeve

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4374

Price: $20.00

Cost: $66.00

 

With their new lineup established and having developed an expanded repetoire, over the next year the band toured the States three times. Unfortunately, given their touring schedule and other outside pressures, the band never got around to releasing a follow up single. As a result, by the time the 1968's "Shine on Brightly" was released much of their earlier momentum and name recognition had been lost. The delay proved even more unfortunate given that their sophomore release was considerably stronger than their debut. With Reid and Brooker again providing the majority of material, on the first side the Trower-fueled "Quite Rightly So," the title track and "Skip Softly (My Moonbeams)" found the band opting for a tougher, rock oriented sound. In sharp contrast, the flip side was dominated by the 18 minute "Magdalene (My Special Zonophone)." Notable as one of rock's first operas, the effort was apparently intended as a sermon addressing the costs of ego. Unfortunately, pretentious didn't even begin to describe the resulting stew of spoken lyrics, backward tapes, dumbsh*t imagery and pointless instrumental segments. Be sure to check-out Paul Williams hysterical liner notes. A strong commercial follow-up, the album hit #24 . (The set was originally released with a gatefold sleeve.)

"Shine on Brightly" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Quite Rightly So  (Gary Brooker - Matthew Fisher - Keith Reid)
2.) Shine On Brightly  (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid)
3.) Skip Softly  (My Moonbeams) (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid)
4.) Wish Me Well  (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid)
(side 2)

1.) Rambling On  (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid)
2.) Magdalene  (My Special Zonophone) (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid)
3.) In Held Twas In I  (Gary Brooker - Matthew Fisher - Keith Reid)


 

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  A Salty Dog

Company: A&M

Catalog: SP-4179

Year: 1969

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: minor edge and corner wear

Available: 2

GEMM catalog ID: 4375

Price: $15.00

Cost: $66.00

 

 The group's second release for A&M, 1969's "A Salty Dog" reinforced their reputation as underground FM staples. Musically, selections such as the title track, "The Milk of Human Kindness" and "Wreck of Hesperus" underscored the band's penchant for dark and depressing material. Interestingly, whereas Brooker and Reid were responsible for all the material on earlier releases, the new album spotlighted compositions from Trower ("Crucifiction Lane") and Fisher ("Pilgrams Progress"). Backed by another string of well publicized outdoor festival performances, the album sold well in the States (peaking at #32). Unfortunately, increasingly frustrated by their limited roles in the band and their interest in pursuing production and business matters, Fisher and bassist Knight promptly quit. 


"A Salty Dog" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) A Salty Dog (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
2.) The Milk of Human Kindness
3.) Too Much Between Us (Robin Trower - Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
4.) The Devil Came from Kansas (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
5.) Boredom (Matthew Fisher - Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)

(side 2)

1.) Juicy John Pink (Robin Trower - Keith Reid)
2.) Wreck of the Hesperus (Matthew Fisher - Keith Reid )
3.) All This and More (Keith Reid - Gary Brooker)
4.) Crucifiction Lane (Robin Trower - Keith Reid)
5.) Pilgrims Progress (Matthew Fisher - Keith Reid )

 


 

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Broken Barricades

Company: A&M

Catalog: SP-4294

Year: 1971

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: die cut gatefold sleeve

Available: 2

GEMM catalog ID: 4376

Price: $20.00

Cost: $66.00

 

I've owned "Broken Barricades" for years, yet after all this time it remains kind of a mystery to me.  I've listened to the album dozens of times and my opinion of  it bounces all over the spectrum.  There are times I'd say it's one of their top three releases, while other times I find it virtually unlistenable. Like most things in life, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.  

 

The fact the album even came about is kind of a miracle.  Having just completed an extensive American tour in support of "Home", the band had one week off before returning to the studios to start on what was to become their fifth set.  The results were even more impressive when you learn that most of the album was written and recorded during a five week period.  Luckily Reid seemed to have a theme at the ready - this time sex.  (In an interview he was quoted as saving the album was "erotic in lyrical content, to do with sex but not dirty.)  While Matthew Fisher's keyboards were still missed, Gary Brooker's insta"ntly recognizable voice, Robin Trower's chunky guitar chords and Keith Reid's ever pompous lyrics ensured that you couldn't mistake this album for anyone but Procol Harum.  Produced by Chris Thomas at London's AIR Studios, this time around Procol seemed intent on exploring more of a hard rock sound.  Tracks such as 'Simple Sister', 'Memorial Drive' and 'Playmate of the Mouth' exhibited a stripped down power that was quite impressive.  Elsewhere, the title track was simply one of the band's prettiest melodies.   Trower again proved his worth, kicking in three of the most impressive numbers, including the Hendrix-inspired 'Song for a Dreamer' (the thick sustaining chords standing as a precursor to his forthcoming solo career) and the stunning 'Poor Mohammad' .  The latter was also one of the few vocal performances Trower's ever recorded.  His voice won't slay you, but it isn't half bad.


"Broken Barricades" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Simple Sister   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 
2.) Broken Barricades   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 
3.) Memorial Drive   (Robin Trower - Keith Reid) - 
4.) Luskus Delph   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

 

(side 2)
1.) Power Failure   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 
2.) Song for a Dreamer   (Robin Trower - Keith Reid) - 
3.) Playmate of the Month   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 
4.) Poor Mohammed   (Robin Trower - Keith Reid) - 

 

Naturally, about to embark on another American tour in support of the LP, Trower gave his notice.  He was quickly replaced by Dave Ball.

 

 

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Grand Hotel

Company: Chrysalis

Catalog: CHR-1037

Year: 1972

Country/State: UK

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: gatefold sleeve with lyric booklet; minor ring wear

Available: 2

GEMM catalog ID: 4722

Price: $10.00

Cost: $66.00

 

 Released by Chrysalis, 1973's Chris Thomas produced "Grand Hotel" marked the end of the group's longstanding relationship with A&M Records.  It also reflected another in an ongoing series of personnel change - former Plastic Penny/Cochise guitarist Mick Grabham replacing David Ball (who went on to join Long John Baldry's band).  Co-written by Gary Brooker and Keith Reid, musically the album sounds like a throwback to their original sound - Brooker's instantly recognizable voice coupled with a return to a keyboard dominated sound along with their patented vague social and political ('T.V. Ceasar' and 'A Souvenir of London' - guess someone got a case of the clap) commentaries and lush orchestration.  While a lot of Procol fans claim this is one of their favorite releases, it doesn't do all that much for me.  There are a couple of exceptions, but those are almost entirely the set's more rock oriented efforts.  Grabham isn't Robin Trower (or even David Ball), but as exemplified by tracks such as 'Tojours L'aamour' and 'Bringing Home the Bacon' he sure could play.  In case anyone cares, Christianne Legrand and the Swingle Singers were featured on 'Fires (Which Burn Brightly)'.

"Grand Hotel" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Grand Hotel   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

2.) Tojours L'aamour   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

3.) A Rum Tale   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

4.) T.V. Ceasar   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

 

(side 2)
1.) A Souvenir of London   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

2.) Bringing Home the Bacon   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

3.) For Liquorice John   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

4.) Fires (Which Burn Brightly)   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

5.) Robert's Box   (Gary Brooker - Keith Reid) - 

 

 

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