Live In Concert

Recorded live for the BBC in March of 1974, this is the only official live document from the later, i.e., Chrysalis, version of Procol Harum, as well as the band's lone concert recording without orchestral accompaniment. The show also catches the double keyboard British quintet at an auspicious time; the album they were touring behind, Exotic Birds and Fruit would prove to be the final Procol release where the band was firing on all cylinders. With no less than six out of these 11 tracks taken from that disc, this was a major promotional date for the group, and they sound committed throughout. Rocking chestnuts like "Conquistador" and "Simple Sister" are played with the precise passion they were known for, and the band works as a fine-tuned unit. Gary Brooker's bluesy vocals and grand piano gel perfectly with Chris Copping's classical organ. Drummer B.J. Wilson's driving, often manic, beats push the songs far past their often dry studio versions. A nine minute "Whaling Stories" and the ornate "Grand Hotel" are complex, progressive classical mini-suites, while less recognized tracks like "Nothing but the Truth" and especially "As Strong As Samson," one of the band's finest yet least recognized tunes, are performed with crisp intensity. The stereo sound is exceptionally clean, and the mix accentuates the subtle instrumental interplay that made Procol Harum more than just a vehicle for Keith Reid's artsy lyrics and Brooker's majestic vocals and piano. A must for fans, BBC Live in Concert proves how effective they were as a live act and is an essential addition to their catalog. Far less stuffy than Live With the Edmonton Symphony, it shows they were more than a stellar studio band, and could rock with grace and power. ~ Hal Horowitz