Procol Harum live

I just bought a copy of Procol Harum's "Live in concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra" from '71. A great cd from start to finish, kicking off with "Conquistador" and moving through "Whaling stories" and "A salty dog", love it.

The melding of rock groups and orchestras back in the early seventies was pretty common but rarely successfull (think of Deep Purple's "In rock", at least I think thats what it was called). This is one of those ocassions where it worked.

Dave Hull had replaced Robin Trower and although he's an efficient guitarist, I would have preferred Trower there instead (Check out his live cd recorded in Sweden back in '76, it's fantastic).

I actually enjoy Gary Brooker's vocals very much, though I feel that it sounds a bit too noticeable for some PH quiet songs. That's when former organist Matthew Fisher came in, delivering a softer singing style.

Live in Edmonton is one of the best rock-with-symphony prog recordings ever, IMHO.

gleam wrote: I just bought a copy of Procol Harum's "Live in concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra" from '71. A great cd from start to finish, kicking off with "Conquistador" and moving through "Whaling stories" and "A salty dog", love it. The melding of rock groups and orchestras back in the early seventies was pretty common but rarely successfull (think of Deep Purple's "In rock", at least I think thats what it was called). This is one of those ocassions where it worked. Dave Hull had replaced Robin Trower and although he's an efficient guitarist, I would have preferred Trower there instead (Check out his live cd recorded in Sweden back in '76, it's fantastic).

Surely you meant the Concerto. Pityful experience for Purple.

IMHO, only Brooker uses a symphonic orchestra (the full blown orchestra , no quintet or quartet) properly. All of the others tried to do this out of vanity!  Brooker actually used the orchestra as an instrument. Only him , in rock circles, could manage writing scores for all of these musicians.

As for Trower, the live is awesome but Bridges Of Sighs is simply his best , followed by Twice Removed From Yesterday.

Sean Trane wrote: [   As for Trower, the live is awesome but Bridges Of Sighs is simply his best , followed by Twice Removed From Yesterday.

I haven't heard "Twice removed from yesterday", I'll have to check it out.