Procol Harum's contribution to progressive rock

Procol Harum is not usually thought of as one of the top classic prog-rock bands, and not everyone would agree that their music is really representative of progressive rock in general. On this site, PH is categorized as "crossover prog", which according to the definition, is prog-rock that has a closer connection to popular music. I have also seen their music referred to as proto-prog, psychedelia, rhythm & blues, symphonic rock, and hard rock. All these labels have their validity and I think point to the eclecticism and uniqueness of Procol's music. Overall, this music may not be quite as representative of the prog-rock genre as the music of ELP, Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant etc., and in fact their first three albums pre-date King Crimson's first album and the wide use of the term, 'progressive rock'. Much of Procol's output is composed of relatively concise songs with fairly traditional musical structures and catchy choruses Yet, I think that Procol Harum has made a momentous contribution to prog-rock, one that is often overlooked and not quite appreciated (for instance, when one looks at the relatively moderate number of votes and ratings of their albums on this site). Their 'A White Shade of Pale', with its classical-derived melody and style is arguably the first prog-rock song. 'In Held 'Twas I', is I believe the first long, multi-segment, rock musical suite - a composition style that soon became a hallmark of much of prog-rock music. The band was also one of the first to record an album with a real philharmonic orchestra, while their early innovative use of the Hammond organ and poetic, complex and esoteric lyrics were undoubtedly influential and defining of progressive rock. 

Philchem8 wrote: Their 'A White Shade of Pale', with its classical-derived melody and style is arguably the first prog-rock song. 'In Held 'Twas I', is I believe the first long, multi-segment, rock musical suite - a composition style that soon became a hallmark of much of prog-rock music. The band was also one of the first to record an album with a real philharmonic orchestra, while their early innovative use of the Hammond organ and poetic, complex and esoteric lyrics were undoubtedly influential and defining of progressive rock.

Procol's one of my favorite bands. They definitely had some prog songs, but much of their material is like one level removed from prog. The delivery has been much like straightforward rock, but with little proggy elements here and there. It's sort of fun to look for those amongst their music.

Edited by Boojieboy - December 23 2021 at 10:30

I had almost given up on this discussion given the relatively low response, but seeing the two great comments just posted today gave me some encouragement. The low number of commenta probably has something to do with the fact that many people may not see Procol Harum as a fully prog band, something I can see as well. They indeed have many songs that arguably have minimal prog elements. But I agree with those who have commented that they were nevertheless an important influence on the development of prog rock, particularly with their first 3 albums and the first live album. The A Salty Dog album experimented with many styles and saw the band at their creative peak in my view. Afterwards, Matthew Fisher left, Robin Trower's guitar became the dominant instrument on the 2 next studio albums, which were good but more straight rock & roll/R&B (Whiskey Train as mentioned was an example of this phase). When Trower left, Procol Harum then did Grand Hotel, which was maybe their most prog album (though in my view not their most creative, and by then other prog bands were doing more innovative stuff). Then, for their next album, Exotic Birds and Fruits, the keyboards returned as a dominant instrument, including for the wonderful tune, As Strong as Samson, but it would be a bit of a stretch to consider this album and the ones that followed prog.
The comparisons with The Moody Blues, The Nice and Family are quite appropriate in my view. Though their music was quite different, all were among the first to integrate various musical/classical elements in rock before prog rock became better defined. However, for some reason, I still perceive that PH were not given as much recognition for their prog rock contribution. Witness Prog Magazine's poll of the 100 best prog rock artists, as voted by prog readers in 2015. Procol does not even appear there, though both The Nice and the Moodies do (though the Moodies were probably more mainstream than early Procol). PH are actually more popular and well known than many of the bands on that top 100 list, so I think it's just that many prog-heads just don't really consider them to be true prog. PH does however just make it on the Ultimate Classic Rock list of the 50 best prog artists, which is something.
Incidentally, another band that I recently discovered were prog rock pioneers in their way was the first lineup of Renaissance. I was familiar and really like the material of the post-1971 lineup, but was not aware that the original lineup was quite good as well and actually more progressive in some ways, even if they ended up getting little recognition. I can now understand why they called themselves Renaissance. Considering the first of their 2 albums was made before the release of The Court of the Crimson King, the integration of classical influences and complex compositions were quite advanced for the time.

Philchem8 wrote: Incidentally, another band that I recently discovered were prog rock pioneers in their way was the first lineup of Renaissance.

Don't be discouraged, Procol Harum was a very talented band and their album "Shine on Brightly" was an absolute sonic eye opener when it first came out.

Yeah, certainly agree Procol Harum was a great band...or I should stay "is" as I understand another tour is in the cards, Covid-19 permitting, though Gary Brooker is the only remaining member of the classic lineups. And Shine On Brightly was the album that first got me into the band. I was fortunate to see PH live twice in the late 90s and early 2000s. They put on a great show and Shine On Brightly was one of the songs they played. Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. Some excellent points were made.

Hugh Manatee wrote: Philchem8 wrote: Incidentally, another band that I recently discovered were prog rock pioneers in their way was the first lineup of Renaissance. The line up for the those first two albums reformed as Illusion in 1976. If you like Renaissance, then Illusions work might be worth checking out as well.

Just saw this thread. I very much agree on all said here, and in my own PH reviews I have expressed a pity for their low visibility in ProgArchives. One of the most influential bands in the proto prog era of the 60's.

My fave album is Grand Hotel, but the jewels are scattered on several albums that also tend to contain less interesting (and certainly less progressive) stuff, IMHO.

In Concert with the Edmonton Orchestra broadened what was to be expected from a live record in a glorious way.