Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Jango Song Of The Day-Procol Harum


Artist:Procol Harum
Song:A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Album:Greatest Hits





A Whiter Shade Of Pale was a surprise hit for Procol Harum in 1967. Fortunately, they were able to turn it into more than a one shot deal and they are still touring today. The main man behind Procol Harum is lead singer, songwriter and keyboard player Gary Brooker (born May 29, 1945 in East London). In 1962 he formed The Paramounts with guitarist Robin Trower (born Mar. 9, 1945 in South East London). The group had minor success and split up in 1966. Then Brooker started writing songs with a poet named Keith Reid (born Oct. 19, 1946 in Hertfordshire, England). He wrote all the lyrics to Procol Harum songs but was never a member of the group. Other group members were organist Matthew Fisher, guitarist Ray Royer and bassist Ray Knights. Producer Denny Cordell took them into the studio with session drummer Bill Eyden and they recorded A Whiter Shade Of Pale. The group didn't originally plan to tour but when A Whiter Shade Of Pale became an international hit, Brooker brought Trower back along with former Paramounts drummer B.J. Wilson and Brooker has led a version of the band ever since. Brooker actually disbanded Procol Harum in 1977 but reformed them in 1991. This comp is a good intro to the music of one of the pioneers of progreassive rock. Here's the video for A Whiter Shade Of Pale by Procol Harum.

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