I can’t say that I was a Procol Harum fan before this concert.I would not have even bothered to see them if it were not for the fact that they were opening up for Jethro Tull (who are one of my favorites).Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed their set.They started with “Shine On Brightly” and for 11 songs, they really captured the crowd but more importantly, they really captured my attention (a non-fan).Songs like “Pandora’s Box,” “Grand Hotel,” and “Simple Sister” sounded fresh even though they were all over 30 years old.The newer songs from 2003’s The Well’s On Fire like “Wall Street Blues” and “The Blink Of An Eye” really stood out and proved that these guys still have something to offer.Gary Brooker’s voice has held up extremely well over the years and in no place was it more evident than on set closer “A Whiter Shade Of Pale.”He sounded just as good as the 1967 version that is played on classic rock radio.The band won me over with their performance and I will definitely be checking out their tour next time around.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.