Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark 2006 REACTION/REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark 2006 REACTION/REVIEW
BizMatik Reviews and Reacts to Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark 2006
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OMG, this is the most wonderful video to introduce people to such a talent like Gary Brooker. He's greatly missed since his passing a year ago.
AMEN
It's so amazing that Gary Brooker's voice sounds this awesome almost 40 years after he first recorded this song. In some ways, he actually sounds better as an old than he did as a young man, like his voice never aged at all.
They released this song in 1967. Gary Brooker was 60 years old for this performance and still such a powerful voice! R.I.P.
INDEED!❤️
Absolute masterpiece. And man, rest in power Gary Brooker-the soul he brought was legendary.
Eric Clapton once said that if someone wanted to write a perfect song, this would be it.
Simply one of the finest live performances ever captured
The greatest live version of a studio song ever performed......
He did "Conquistador" at this same concert. I think you would like that one too
OMG....I have played this video over and over and over. I can't tell you how many times I've watched it. I'm so happy you got to see it live. That song 's melody is just so beautiful. I tell ya, music like that can bring a person to tears. It's just so moving. GREAT REACTION!
This song was hauntingly beautiful when it came out in the 60s,But this version with the orchestra,and back up harmonies is a classical masterpiece.
That was absolutely tremendous. The band and the orchestra meeting up at a castle setting in Denmark. We could listen to this for an hour and when they would end it we would say, "Oh, it's over already?" When that lady in the chorus belts out that one note it floors me every time. Another way to look at the performance is by saying this is, indeed, the definition of what music is. Wow!
This is an Epic performance!! RIP Gary Brooker 🎹🎤❤️
John Lennon loved Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale", at times saying it was his favorite song. I've read that he would stop what he was doing and sit and listen to it when it came on the radio. Here's what he told writer Ray Coleman, author of the book "John Lennon: The Definitive Biography" - "Next day John phoned me and says “I remembered after I’d gone what record it is that I can’t stop playing,’ he said. ‘It’s that dope song, Procol Harum’s ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’. It’s the best song I’ve heard for a while. You play it when you take some acid and … whoooooooo." Biz, next from Procol Harum, how about their classic "Conquistador" or "Salty Dog", both from 1972's "In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra."
Keith Reid had no knowledge of LSD when he wrote the lyrics in 1966. "I'd never even heard of it." The only drug mentioned in the song is alcohol.
Even his speaking voice is great I cant get enough of this one
Gary Booker, the singer and co-writer of the song, sounds as good as he did for the original but he is about 40 years older here. Booker had a great career, not only with Procol Harem but with other artists. Booker worked with George Harrison during the solo stage of his career. Sadly, Gary Booker passed away this past year. Another great from the rock era has left us but these recordings live on!
This is one of those extremely rare instances where I love the live version even better than the studio version, which obviously is a timeless classic.
The greatest live performance I have ever heard. Bar none!! Brilliant!!
I was one of the people that recommended this live version a long time ago. Well a couple months ago. This guy's voice got better with age, it got more depth and richness. The orchestra was a perfect match for this song. Heaven's music probably sounds like this Orchestra. Everything was perfect. I've watched so many reactions to this song and so many people tear up or start straight crying and they don't even know why. The song is about whatever you feel it's about. Whatever you imagine then that's what it is. All the best songwriters are trying to achieve that. What if he said it was about something totally different than you thought? That would kind of ruin it. This was a beautiful and special piece of music and the world is a better place with it.
Such an incredible performance by a man who was never looking for stardom, he was just a musician - but what a musician! RIP, Gary, this song always lifts my spirits.
This live version is beyond intense and beautiful!
Released April 12, 1967 and it's amazing how this orchestra gives so much depth to Gary Brooker's voice! SIMPLY AWESOME! Listen to the original release then you'll understand!
When Symphony Orchestras want to collaborate with you almost 40 years after you released your music you know it's timeless. There's an equally astounding live performance of their song Conquistador with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in 1971. And you may want to search for an interview with Gary Brooker where he describes the development of Whiter Shade of Pale. If I remember correctly he said they were inspired by the surrealist movement in art (think Salvador Dali and melted clocks) so it's no surprise that the meaning is obtuse. As you said, it just doesn't matter because the music is just so moving. But I do live the transition line, "and so it was..." into that explosive chorus.
Exactly
Masterpiece
It's an astonishingly beautiful song.
True
I've always loved this performance. His vocals will get your attention. That man could sing.
The vocals blew me away too,, it's like he was back in 1967. unreal.
The Hammond organ line was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's “Sleepers, Wake” and “Air on the G String” but is not a direct copy or paraphrase, although it makes clear references to both pieces.
Timeless beauty is as beauty is timeless. Almost a palindrome - skipped a beat as my heart goes out to the man who now rests in peace. Much love.❤
As soon as Gary started to sing, I started to cry. When the organ came it, hit me again. 40 years after the original release, he was still so awesome! We lost him last year. RIP Gary. Please listen to their song CONQUISTADOR.
"Grand Hotel" from the album of the same name. Incredible! These guys didn't get the recognition they deserved.
We all know what classic rock is. This is classical rock. ❤
One of the best live performances I've seen. Everything tight as hell. Nice choice Biz
Kudos to the Danish National Symphonic Orchestra and Choir. They have become a RUclips monster with their unorthodox repertoire of outstanding compositions they present.. Pick any vid on their channel and it’ll be a next level experience.
💯 Gary Brooker's voice & Procol Harum were incredibly special‼🔥 Thank you BizMatik for reacting to an amazing performance‼☮ ❤ 🎶
That was the legendary Hammond organ, Biz. Nothing ever like it.
The workhorse of rock in its day.
I have loved this song since it first came out. An exceptional live performance! ☮️❤️😎
Nothing but smiles, Biz. Nothing but smiles. I feel blessed to have grown up with this music.
Don't know why every time I listen to this it gets me.... always brings a tear or two.
One of the greatest songs ever.
Damn the Orchestra really makes this performance magnificent, the song is a masterpiece, just fricken awesome!!! And I don’t think I know what the song is about but I’m going to find out
Only just over 40 records, world wide, have sold over 10 million copies. This is one of them.
This song has run through my entire life and it remains the star in the galaxy. Gorgeous setting. Beautiful day. Gary Brooker and the boys. Perfect! Thank you.
In one word: A Masterpiece! 🎶🎶🎶
Finally a song where the orchestral accompaniment makes sense and isn’t gratuitous. Spine-chilling rendition. Glad you liked it.
Wonderful Artist...Greatly Missed......
Gary Brooker, RIP, was the only member of Procol Harum in 2006 who participated in the original recording.
Beautiful song Greetings from Denmark to everyone ❤❤
For me, this song represents a spacific period in time when sweeping changes were begining. It's like a time stamp on 1967 and appears in many movies that represent this period of time. It was the year I was born so I have no real memory about that time until a few years later. It represents a generation (my parents and other boomers) that went on to bring in many changes that was continued to some extent by Gen X. The vibe in the 60's, 70's and 80's was that everything was going to get better and all people could live as one. In the end, all we did was develop technology (because we thought we were so clever) that keeps people apart.
Every time I watch this I just am so amazed. Gary Brooker's voice though...for real...was possibly even better 39 years after the song was first released in May of 1967. Just a great composition of a great song, the orchestra just added such a brilliant aspect also. I am sure Gary is singing in the choir up there in heaven !! R.I.P. Mr. Brooker ...as so many people continue to discover and appreciate you and the music you blessed us with.
So glad to see you review this! Such a outstanding live production!
I Love This performance. The Best. Thanks Biz.
I wish more reactors would view the original 1967 version first. For its time it was outstanding. Then watch this 2006 piece which is even better. This was just the first two verses. They often used to play an additional third verse. Only rarely did they play all four verses.
One of those rare perfect songs.
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
👏👏👏👍🏻✌️
On the same level Try
>> LIVE
Gary Broker’s voice aged like fine scotch, it just got smoother. My favourite Procul Harum song is Conquistador and the version from this concert is definitely worth a listen.
R.I.P. Gary Brooker. Love this legendary song. Biz, I have a question for you: What have you discovered, or what surprises you the most about doing music reactions? I really love your channel and your reactions.
How many talented guitar players out there… now I want to pick up a guitar
There is a music video of Gerry Booker and his band doing this song live when Gerry was about 19 years old.
You can compare him at 19 vs him at an elderly age just a few years before he passed away. R.I.P.
22
@@chris...9497 Thanks
"This was the best song ever written." Eric Clapton
AN OBOE SOLO? You just don't get one of those everyday! Great song still don't know what it means. Bevaue it is awesme.
You've stumbled on another classic.
Great performance
Best song ever written I got to see him do this live in 1997 in Newark, Delaware amazing
A+ reaction and performance….much respect
Thank you
I promoted PH in 1970 Columbus Ohio. Organ Player was Mathew Fisher ( owner of 40%of song) Drank 4cases of beer and pissed in a bucket behind the curtain. Song is about a girl he fell in love with and wants her to stay. She is leaving for the coast backs off from his overtures. He sees it in her face ( it turns pale) She leaves him.He can’t forget her! = song. Robin Trower on guitar
The Miller's Tale was part of an English literary masterpiece from Geoffrey Chaucer. The Canterbury Tales was written around 1400 would you believe.
Fisher, the lyricist, specifically said in interviews he wasn't referencing Chaucer. Happy accident, I guess.
@@chris...9497 Perhaps he did it unconsciously. Have a look at the setting of the stage for instance. The human mind is amazing.
Most certainly listen to "Conquistador" from the same concert. Then the studio version!
An absolute precious melody... Jimmy Castor Bunch did an inst vers on saxophone
I first heard this song some 50+ years ago. I thought it was amazing then and even today it's only gotten better.
YOU'RE Gonna LOVE IT!
To understand this song a little better, listen to the version with the two extra verses. It says a lot.
When this first came out on LP way back pre-1972 I really didn’t appreciate the album that my friend had but now that I’ve gotten more mature and especially seeing this concert at From by the Danish national orchestra and being able to see it being performed back then pre-1972 you can only listen to it you didn’t have any videos you didn’t have any RUclips and you have to go to a concert and in high school you just couldn’t afford that me being out here in the middle of nowhere
This performance is my favorite... I might even like it more than the studio version.
RIP Gary,you will be missed!
Another cracking live performance with an orchestra is The Moody Blues , Nights In White Satin, live version. It's also incredible
That"s just good for the soul !!!!
You should listen to the whole concert,you wont be disappointed.
I listen to this nearly every day.
I believe I read somewhere that it was about some of the experiences he had as a young man, that maybe he wasn't so proud of.
I remember when this came out on the radio and I instantly had to go by the 45 lol thanks brother be blessed
Incroyable hanson intergalactique puisqu'elle traverse le temps sans la moindre ride, toujours les mêmes sensations d il y a longtemps, de ma jeunesse des seventies
Cordialement Aissa.
Thank you -- more people should get to know this most amazing piece of music, & thank you for letting it run trough quietly & uninterrupted; some pieces of music just need to be watched all the way through w-no breaks & pauses. Thx again!
There are two more verses to this song that where rarely performed in concert. If you search the internet you can find them. They make it clear what the song is about. When you listen to the song think sinking ship. He is a performer on a slowly sinking passenger vessel. Later one of the survivors, the miller. tells his wife what happened.
Biz: I suggested more songs by them in the studio reaction. Here they are again: "Simple Sister", "A Salty Dog", "Broken Barricades", "Whiskey Train", "Conquistador", "Shine On Brightly", "Power Failure" and so.many more.
I do love this song, and group, but unfortunately, I am not aware of any other songs of theirs that carried over into radio airplay in the 70s when I was growing up. This song is a staple in rock history.
I'm not sure if it got radio play but Conquistador is another good song of theirs.
All their albums up thru Exotic Birds and Fruit are excellent.
Thank you for doing this! It is one of my favorite videos. I've probably watched it a thousand times. (now 1,001 times 😁) R.I.P. Gary Brooker.
Amazing performance by all concerned a great rendition of an absolute classic song.The best band ever in my opinion who have a wonderful catalogue of songs,many of them overlooked because of how good this son is.I was delighted to see you appreciate this song and can assure you there's a lot more than fhis in the locker,so please try some more.A Salty Dog or Grand Hotel would be good for starter's.
Here’s my interpretation of the meaning of the songs lyrics:
“We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
The crowd called out for more”
We skipped the slow/last dance(romanticism), and acted childish in an exhausting manner. He is sick from feeling the room spin(getting drunk and putting on a show/entertaining), and the crowd(how he thinks of people/the woman) is cheering/egging him on.
“The room was humming harder
As the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
The waiter brought a tray”
He can barely think, so he loses his inhibitions/cool…and orders another drink.
“And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale”
After the drink he tells the woman he knows she’s being unfaithful to him. She’s also exhausted from the night of drinking(ghostly white), but knows she’s in the wrong here(so she becomes sick).
“She said "there is no reason"
And the truth is plain to see”
“Reason” indicates she could justify her actions…there is none, but she’s not making excuses, because he understands why.
“But I wandered through my playing cards
Would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might have just as well've been closed”
He tries to figure out something he can say to get a better explanation out of her, because he feels like he’s been played…because in a lot of ways he sees this as a game.
“Vestal Virgins” we’re Virgins that occupied temples to Gods in Ancient Rome. When they reached a certain age(usually 30), they were given a pension and allowed to leave to get married.
He is portraying her as a chaste, independent, woman(not the cheating type)…And his allusion to “playing cards” and not having “his eyes open”…implies he was not taking the situation seriously, and he realizes that now…and that’s why she left.
In the end, I believe he laments the fact that he turned her face a “whiter shade of pale”…because they were both wrong in how they handled their relationship, but it was his own ignorance/vanity that made him oblivious to the reality that preceded her infidelity…and thus he only did it to get even with her or to make her feel bad for making him feel bad.
Just my theory though.😂
As I write this on Easter Sunday, I say, "Peace be with you". Additionally, you may enjoy The Danish National Symphony performing "The Good the Bad, & the Ugly" with several unusual instruments in that one. My favorite classical piece is by Ravel, "Bolero", especially by the Milwaukee Orchestra at the Museum of Art done in a flash mob style.
Incredible performance, great reaction.
My understanding is that part of this song is about a party in which one of the writers witnessed a young woman having a bad trip..in which she turned a whiter shade of pale. There are also literary references from The Canterbury Tales (if memory serves me correctly) - the miller's tale about his wife specifically.
Procol Harem is what's termed 'Progressive Rock', meaning they utilized many genres of music in the mix, including classical. Progressive Rock included Queen, Moody Blues, The Who, Pink Floyd, Traffic and others; it advanced and freed Rock & Roll out into other favors of musical expression. The cross-pollination of genres was incredible to behold in a time where four- or five-piece bands were the norm and drew in other groups like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and even pop bands like the Bee Gees.
This song, released in an early video format in 1967 (when Gary Brooker was only 22), was founded on a tune written by Brooker as a half-misremembered Bach piece, so already had a classical basis. The day he finished it, his lyricists sent by hired messenger a pair of new lyrics. The first ones out of the envelope Brooker applied to the tune he was refining, and a classic Rock song was born, all by chance.
Much is made of the lyrics, and you got it exactly right: no one really knows what the words mean. It was written that way. The lyricist Matthew Fisher was a great fan of Dali, Dadaist artists, and surrealism in general. Surrealism is an artistic technique intended to examine and release subconscious impressions; it was utilized in avant-garde visual art and literature, and Fisher applied it to his own lyric-writing. As such, it is dreamlike. While there are some parts that look literal and representational, it is connected in a way that makes understanding it challenging and usually very personal and unique to the individual. You might better describe it as 'a mood'. "Whiter Shade of Pale" is definitely 'a mood'.
There is much debate over the meaning of the song, and no one is correct. When asked, Fisher says (as has Queen's Freddie Mercury about his own songs) that there's no specific meaning, that it's up to the listener to say what it means TO THAT PERSON. Even the most obvious component, "as the Miller told his tale" which seems to hint at a bawdy story in Chaucer, Fisher says was not in mind or an intended reference when he wrote the lyrics. What it comes down to is the song borrows from half-memory in music and lyrics, but is in intent and at heart 'a mood', which these two men captured and enhanced successfully, to our benefit.
If you enjoy this 'mood' that's half dream and half history, I would recommend you listen to their 1969 release "A Salty Dog". There's a lovely 1971 live version on RUclips of the about-26-year-old Gary Brooker performing this piece with Procol Harem, but the 1969 studio album version is also backed by orchestra. Both have the same pensive pace as "Whiter Shade of Pale" and are equally mesmerizing. Another 'mood'. And the rabbit hole of possible meanings is just as fascinating, expanding on 19th century whaling history, culture, and spiritual beliefs.
Thank you for the informative back story and explanation.🤔
May you rest in peace Garry. Greetings from Ireland ☘️
It was a masterful song anytime any iteration of Procol Harum performed it. It earns the right to be presented in this way also, with choir and orchestra, dotting all the musical I's and crossing all the musical T's...and then we get the rare magnificence of music done as right as it can be done...respecting the classical elements, the rock elements, the soul elements, the lyrical allusions to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales...and everything fitting together. And capturing it with great sound engineering and mixing, that's no small feat either given the gazillion elements of voices and instruments (both acoustic and electric) here. I think there are few performances of any song in any genre that occupy this level of artistry from top to bottom.
In answer to your question. It is the rock equivalent of a surrealist painting combining scenes of faces turning pale since around 1385. (Millers Tale)
Top level Talent 💯
It doesn't get any better than this.
Gary said it's up to your own interpretation and added it's about a man trying too hard to get a girl and she said no. I sent this video to family and friends and THEY ALL watch it regularly. Rest Peacefully now Gary.
Conquistador from this same concert is well worth a review as well. Perhaps their 2nd best song.
I love it when rock bands play with sympathy orchestra. They have a series here in Baltimore with the BSO called The Pulse Series that marries the two genes. I have attended several such series. One was with Lake Street Dive, another was with Dawes. Totally worth checking out if possible where you live.
One truth that everyone knows, no one can understand what this song is about. Crazy lyrics. But still beautiful and cool. :)
You got me! Great reaction! Thanks for keeping great music alive!
You are welcome and thank you for watching
I heard it was a small story part in the book The Canterbury Tales.
That a song about infidelity and betrayal could be so wonderfully written and survive all these years is amazing. Brooker knew how to turn a phrase. He is very missed.
It doesn't matter if you don't understand it bro, you feel that song more than anything else thanks to Gary R.I.P. Mr Brooker..❤️ my mother had a bad arse crush on him when I was a kid in the 60s...😊
Conquistador or Salty Dog ( or both! ) from the same concert are amazing as well!