No matter how many times i see this performance that choir never fails to give me goosebumps. Hard to believe that this song was 39 years old for this performance and is now just shy of 55 years old from its 1967 debut. That’s Gary Brooker on vocals and like a fine red wine his soulful voice just seems to get better with age. Procol Harum is one of the earliest of the Prog Rock bands. Enjoyed your fantastic reaction very much. 🎹🎶❤️
Procol Harem originally released this song in May of 1967. That summer was my first term at university and this song was part of the soundtrack of that experience. Something I'll never forget and will always appreciate. It became an iconic piece of music for the period. Gary Brooker is the lead singer and he's in his 60s here in this performance. His voice hasn't changed since the 1960s other than it's become even better.
AMAZING ! Step 1 - Orchestra prelude Step 2 - Gary Brooker and orchestra Step 3 - Gary Brooker + orchestra + band (Procol Harum) + choir “A WHITER SHADE OF PALE” was released by Procol Harum in 1967 and it was their first single ❤ RIP Gary Brooker 1945 - 2022 *PROCOL HARUM is a latin expression that means "beyond these things"
This song is such a classic! It came out in 1967. I was only 10 at the time but my teen-aged sister would play it all the time. Even in the 70's it was still being played - and beyond on "oldies" radio stations. Procul Harum is an English rock band formed in 1967. The singer you heard is one of the founders of the group and lead singer/keyboardist, Gary Brooker. This song was on their debut album, and is still their best-known song. In fact, it is one of only a few single songs to ever sell over a million copies. As you can tell, they have a heavy baroque and classical influence to their music, although at the time they were termed "psychedelic". As to the meaning of the lyrics, "Behind the Song: Procul Harum, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" says, "The general consensus is that "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is a snapshot of a drunken sexual escapade gone awry. Yet the song defies a specific interpretation, instead conjuring various shades of melancholy which are embellished by the mournful music and Brooker's pained delivery." I prefer this version to the original, as it beautifully uses the full orchestra and backup choir.
MASTERPIECE!! I was 12 years old when this song came out in 1967 and listened to it hundreds of times. Never grew tired of it. Rock/soul is a good description DramaSydE. The lead singer of Procol Harum is Gary Brooker and he sounded even better 40 years later. KUDOS to the arranger. The layers of sound just kept coming from the beginning strings, leading to Brooker on piano, then the band, then the strings, then the chorus, and ending with the trumpets and french horns all done in a slow steady crescendo. Got to watch Mr. Brooker play this song with Ringo Starr and his All Star Band around 20 years ago in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida but I would love to have been at this performance.
Sitting here... enjoying a pour of whiskey... and then you break out this song... now I'm wiping years from my eyes due to so many memories of my father.... he loved this song
This was done with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and I heartliy suggest listening to their playing "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" for an amazing treat to the ears.
It didn't even register to me at first, but the guy playing the organ is original Procul Harum organist Matthew Fisher, who is playing a Hammond B3 electric organ - same as the one he played in the original recording and at concerts with Procul Harum. That was quite a nifty organ! The Hammond company originally made it in 1935 as a cheaper alternative to the old pipe organs for churches. It very quickly caught on for the rich, bold sound it would make - and became instantly popular with all genres of musicians because it was infinitely more portable than a pipe organ! It was very widely used for jazz musicians, and rock musicians as well. Hammond eventually sold its company and quit making the B3 in the mid-to-late 80's, so anytime you see an organ that looks like this one, you know it is "vintage"! I, personally, would LOVE to have one! Hey Michael - put it on my Christmas list?
Yah yah... this song was first played on the radio as a hit September 1st 1967 I believe. I head this back then and followed these guys ever since. 50 year in 1917.... now it's Dec. 21st 2021... Awesome band... like a wine be there with time.... crazy ride over the years
The instrument is an oboe. Thank u for listening to Gary's enduring masterpiece. He recorded it in 1967, when he was 22 years old. It was part of the soundtrack of my generation (X - 1956-1964). Lord, what a time to be young. We had the best in rich music culture, and that richness and creativity influenced GenX musicians like Prince.💙💙💙💙🎵🎵🎵🎵🎧🎧🎧
Okay, so in the beginning I’m laughing at your commentary and saying “Stop it!” Then I’m like, pretty sure that’s an Oboe. Then I’m sipping my coffee and humming along (I ❤️ this song, and had actually heard it a few hours prior). And then he started and I kinda jumped, and was like “Damn! He sounds good! I mean REALLY GOOD!” Then I had to pause it on the first verse and comment. Now I’m starting it over. 😂🤣😂🤣
I've sang classical choral for a very long time and I love seeing someone's reaction when they (you) realize what's happening. It takes more work than most realize to do that.
This man's voice carried the orchestra instead of the other way around. His voice is like fine wine that improves with age. Incredible. I had chills and that doesn't happen often to me. Thanks for sharing this. Mind-blowing. Cheers from Canada
You gots to watch the original 60s video to see how much has changed and stayed the same. I was in London in 1976. Walking through the subway tubes all alone. In the distance I heard this song. As I got closer I realized it was a busker on a guitar. The acoustics were beautiful. Great memories.
Gary Booker still has it after all these years. This was released in 1967 by Procol Harum....one of my all time favorite songs!!! Great reaction. Btw I thought I had subscribed already but I had not....I have officially subbed now !!!!
Not just a “orchestra “, that’s the famous Danish National Concert Orchestra & Choir. Some of the modern era popular compositions they present is on another level. Check out their interpretation of the Clint Eastwood western , “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. Epic.
Great song. It's my favorite song with the Hammond B-3 Organ. Matthew Fisher the original organ player was a master on it. Thanks for reacting to this song. Next try "Conquistador" , or "Salty Dog". Enjoy your videos!
The woodwind instrument is an oboe. It is actually a double reed instrument, with two small reeds facing each other, like the much larger bassoon. Clarinets and saxes are single reed woodwind instruments.
Do not under any circumstance try to understand the lyrics! Save your brain. Just go with the beautiful melody and music and his voice. The words mean nothing! LOL Sit back. close your eyes and relax and just enjoy.
That is an oboe...I personally think Gary's voice has aged like fine wine and is better now than in '67. On a sidebar, I believe it was John Lennon that said he thought this was the most beautiful song he'd ever heard.
For a little more perspective on how good this was, this was something like the 13th and final song of the concert. And his voice was still this good. Oh, and in one interview he said it was about an evening in a bar trying to pick up some girl. And Robin Trower was the lead guitar in the original recording.
The oboe (/ˈoʊboʊ/ OH-boh) is a type of double reed woodwind instrument. Oboes are usually made of wood, but may also be made of synthetic materials, such as plastic, resin, or hybrid composites. The most common oboe plays in the treble or soprano range. ... A musician who plays the oboe is called an oboist.
I've thought since hearing this version that this is how it sounded in his head when he wrote it. Might I recommend "Conquistador" from the same show?! By the way, so glad to see you back!
The oboe is said to be one of the more difficult woodwind instruments to play. It first takes some time until the player can even produce a sound, and even then, a beginner has little ability to control it. ... It would seem to be a challenging instrument.
I believe it was an oboe, this was nice, but I actually prefer the studio version. I remeber the first time I heard this song was in the movie "The Big Chill", and I've loved it ever since.
If you enjoyed the symphony style. The Good the Bad and Ugly...theme from one of the best western movies from 60s Client Eastwood. Danish Symphony... WOW. Great Score Every instrument you can think of and some....
Love this song. I actually prefer the studio version from the 60's as it is the one I grew up on. This live version is very good though as it shows how powerful Gary Brooker's voice is even as he got older. "Conquistador" is another great song by Procol Harum.
No matter how many times i see this performance that choir never fails to give me goosebumps. Hard to believe that this song was 39 years old for this performance and is now just shy of 55 years old from its 1967 debut. That’s Gary Brooker on vocals and like a fine red wine his soulful voice just seems to get better with age. Procol Harum is one of the earliest of the Prog Rock bands. Enjoyed your fantastic reaction very much. 🎹🎶❤️
Adding a second comment. Heard the sad news today, 02/22/22, Gary Brooker passed away from cancer today, age 76. Another icon is gone. 🙏❤️
Gary Brooker you did it then you're definitely do it now rest in peace Gary
It is an oboe. That was magnificent. I can’t think of a better word for that performance. I’m so glad you’re back. ❤️❤️
Procol Harem originally released this song in May of 1967. That summer was my first term at university and this song was part of the soundtrack of that experience. Something I'll never forget and will always appreciate. It became an iconic piece of music for the period. Gary Brooker is the lead singer and he's in his 60s here in this performance. His voice hasn't changed since the 1960s other than it's become even better.
Never get tired of this performance 👏 R.I.P Gary.
Absolutely beautiful! Never get tired of this version. His voice is still awesome as he's grown older. Orchestra knocks it out of the park.
Gary Brooker lost his battle with cancer today.
The world just lost a beautiful voice.
Rest In Peace😢
Gary Brooker's voice almost sounds better than it did in 1967.
Rest in Paradise Gary Brooker
I've never heard this version of this song. It's stunning!
RIP Gary Booker
Amazing. RIP Gary Brooker
AMAZING !
Step 1 - Orchestra prelude
Step 2 - Gary Brooker and orchestra
Step 3 - Gary Brooker + orchestra + band (Procol Harum) + choir
“A WHITER SHADE OF PALE” was released by Procol Harum in 1967 and it was their first single
❤ RIP Gary Brooker 1945 - 2022
*PROCOL HARUM is a latin expression that means "beyond these things"
That instrument is a oboe. I would of loved to been there to see this live. The organist is my cousin Lee.
This song is such a classic! It came out in 1967. I was only 10 at the time but my teen-aged sister would play it all the time. Even in the 70's it was still being played - and beyond on "oldies" radio stations. Procul Harum is an English rock band formed in 1967. The singer you heard is one of the founders of the group and lead singer/keyboardist, Gary Brooker. This song was on their debut album, and is still their best-known song. In fact, it is one of only a few single songs to ever sell over a million copies. As you can tell, they have a heavy baroque and classical influence to their music, although at the time they were termed "psychedelic". As to the meaning of the lyrics, "Behind the Song: Procul Harum, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" says, "The general consensus is that "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is a snapshot of a drunken sexual escapade gone awry. Yet the song defies a specific interpretation, instead conjuring various shades of melancholy which are embellished by the mournful music and Brooker's pained delivery." I prefer this version to the original, as it beautifully uses the full orchestra and backup choir.
I never get tired of hearing this. NEVER!!!!!
MASTERPIECE!! I was 12 years old when this song came out in 1967 and listened to it hundreds of times. Never grew tired of it. Rock/soul is a good description DramaSydE. The lead singer of Procol Harum is Gary Brooker and he sounded even better 40 years later. KUDOS to the arranger. The layers of sound just kept coming from the beginning strings, leading to Brooker on piano, then the band, then the strings, then the chorus, and ending with the trumpets and french horns all done in a slow steady crescendo. Got to watch Mr. Brooker play this song with Ringo Starr and his All Star Band around 20 years ago in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida but I would love to have been at this performance.
Sitting here... enjoying a pour of whiskey... and then you break out this song... now I'm wiping years from my eyes due to so many memories of my father.... he loved this song
This was a absolutely beautiful arrangement. This is a great song. His voice has aged so beautifully. Thank you for reacting to this version ❤
This was done with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and I heartliy suggest listening to their playing "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" for an amazing treat to the ears.
ADDIO,GARY...GRAZIE GRAZIE GRAZIE...
RIP Gary Brooker thanks for this great masterpiece!
Great reaction. I love reactors who treat the performance with respect. 💕
Always and thank you
I have been a huge fan of this beautiful song since it was released back in the 60’s.
Saw Procol Harum in London in 1967, Gary Brookers voice is ageless.
It didn't even register to me at first, but the guy playing the organ is original Procul Harum organist Matthew Fisher, who is playing a Hammond B3 electric organ - same as the one he played in the original recording and at concerts with Procul Harum. That was quite a nifty organ! The Hammond company originally made it in 1935 as a cheaper alternative to the old pipe organs for churches. It very quickly caught on for the rich, bold sound it would make - and became instantly popular with all genres of musicians because it was infinitely more portable than a pipe organ! It was very widely used for jazz musicians, and rock musicians as well. Hammond eventually sold its company and quit making the B3 in the mid-to-late 80's, so anytime you see an organ that looks like this one, you know it is "vintage"! I, personally, would LOVE to have one! Hey Michael - put it on my Christmas list?
I was 15 when this song was "born".. Gary Brooker's voice is like a fine, aged whiskey....only gets better with time!!!🎵🎼🎶🎸🥁🎤💜💜💜
Yah yah... this song was first played on the radio as a hit September 1st 1967 I believe. I head this back then and followed these guys ever since. 50 year in 1917.... now it's Dec. 21st 2021... Awesome band... like a wine be there with time.... crazy ride over the years
The instrument is an oboe. Thank u for listening to Gary's enduring masterpiece. He recorded it in 1967, when he was 22 years old. It was part of the soundtrack of my generation (X - 1956-1964). Lord, what a time to be young. We had the best in rich music culture, and that richness and creativity influenced GenX musicians like Prince.💙💙💙💙🎵🎵🎵🎵🎧🎧🎧
You need to do the Danish National Symphony Orchestra doing "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly"
WELCOME BACK BROTHER MIKE
Okay, so in the beginning I’m laughing at your commentary and saying “Stop it!” Then I’m like, pretty sure that’s an Oboe. Then I’m sipping my coffee and humming along (I ❤️ this song, and had actually heard it a few hours prior). And then he started and I kinda jumped, and was like “Damn! He sounds good! I mean REALLY GOOD!” Then I had to pause it on the first verse and comment. Now I’m starting it over. 😂🤣😂🤣
This is the most spectacular and beautiful arrangement of this song in existence. The orchestral contribution was a brilliant decision.
I've sang classical choral for a very long time and I love seeing someone's reaction when they (you) realize what's happening. It takes more work than most realize to do that.
A MUST FROM THE SAME CONCERT, CONQUISTADOR !
The melody is BACH Air on a G-String and Sleepers Wake
I had unsubscribed because I thought you gave up on us, glad you're back. I have never seen this version . Beautiful.
This man's voice carried the orchestra instead of the other way around. His voice is like fine wine that improves with age. Incredible. I had chills and that doesn't happen often to me. Thanks for sharing this. Mind-blowing. Cheers from Canada
This is an excellent performance. I've seen it before and it's great. I think his voice sounds better now than when they first recorded it.
I remember when they first played this I think about 45-50 years ago. They are still great
Corrrrect! Now throw in some Robin Trower for the win!
Respect to you from Stoke on Trent England
Great reaction…truly great reaction…to an epic performance of an epic song.
Well done, sir
RIP Gary. Gary passed away 2/19/220,
I was so excited when I saw you were going to react to this song! It’s a great song, but this arrangement is stunning!
Thanks for doing this one. I’ve loved Procol Harem since I was a kid. This, in my opinion is their best
You gots to watch the original 60s video to see how much has changed and stayed the same.
I was in London in 1976. Walking through the subway tubes all alone. In the distance I heard this song. As I got closer I realized it was a busker on a guitar. The acoustics were beautiful. Great memories.
Oboe
Long time since I heard this. Still really good.
They haven't missed a beat! Brings back some GREAT MEMORIES!
He woke his brother at 2 AM and told him about the new song he just dreamed.. they got up and this is what you get - Santo and Johnny SLEEPWALK!
Great song and Gary Brooker's voice hasn't changed much in over 50yrs. Check out 'Conquistador' from the same concert. By the way, that's an Oboe.
Gary Booker still has it after all these years. This was released in 1967 by Procol Harum....one of my all time favorite songs!!! Great reaction. Btw I thought I had subscribed already but I had not....I have officially subbed now !!!!
Wife says it is an oboe. Great song by the way. I actually like this version better than their original.
If you're familiar with Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, this song will make perfect sense. Especially if you've read The Miller's Tale.
Not just a “orchestra “, that’s the famous Danish National Concert Orchestra & Choir. Some of the modern era popular compositions they present is on another level. Check out their interpretation of the Clint Eastwood western , “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. Epic.
I was fortunate to see them in the 80s with Jethro Tull.
Oboe, I believe
Brilliant reaction❣🇦🇺✌
Great song. It's my favorite song with the Hammond B-3 Organ. Matthew Fisher the original organ player was a master on it. Thanks for reacting to this song. Next try "Conquistador" , or "Salty Dog". Enjoy your videos!
Hey there, your looking good, and I'm hoping your doing even better. I've loved this song for so many years!🥰
RIP Gary, Feb. '22.
Try Shirley Bassey, from Wales, singing Diamonds are Forever and Goldfinger on TV in 2002, aged 65.
Absolutely beautiful!
I saw them live when I was a young man. 66 now and still have the album
The woodwind instrument is an oboe. It is actually a double reed instrument, with two small reeds facing each other, like the much larger bassoon. Clarinets and saxes are single reed woodwind instruments.
Absolutely amazing
Thank you. ❤️
The instrument at 2:34 is an oboe.
Do not under any circumstance try to understand the lyrics! Save your brain. Just go with the beautiful melody and music and his voice. The words mean nothing! LOL Sit back. close your eyes and relax and just enjoy.
One day find the first performance when he was younger, way younger. No big orchestra just him and a few other musicians. Voice almost the same!
That is an oboe...I personally think Gary's voice has aged like fine wine and is better now than in '67.
On a sidebar, I believe it was John Lennon that said he thought this was the most beautiful song he'd ever heard.
believe the instrument you ask about is a clarinet. Great reaction. Beautiful song.
For a little more perspective on how good this was, this was something like the 13th and final song of the concert. And his voice was still this good. Oh, and in one interview he said it was about an evening in a bar trying to pick up some girl. And Robin Trower was the lead guitar in the original recording.
The oboe (/ˈoʊboʊ/ OH-boh) is a type of double reed woodwind instrument. Oboes are usually made of wood, but may also be made of synthetic materials, such as plastic, resin, or hybrid composites. The most common oboe plays in the treble or soprano range. ... A musician who plays the oboe is called an oboist.
So glad you found this gem. I have loved it for 90% of my life. Enjoy
I think Percy Sledge did a cover version of this song.
Harum = hair-um :) If I'm not mistaken, that instrument is an oboe. Great reaction!
I'm so glad you loved this as much as I do
Oboe!
Man this is just gorgeous. I've seen it so many times, but it never fails to impress. You should listen to the original
I've thought since hearing this version that this is how it sounded in his head when he wrote it. Might I recommend "Conquistador" from the same show?! By the way, so glad to see you back!
A perfect performance, but the choir just blows it up!!!!
Thanks one of the best versions of a brilliant song 👏
Great song, Superb performance 🎭
Now listen to "Conquistador" from the same concert. Just as amazing!
Welcome back !!!! Missed you and sure enjoyed watching you react to this masterpiece
This song originally came in 1967, and to me it's still a toss up whether I like the original or this version, they are both so good.
The oboe is said to be one of the more difficult woodwind instruments to play. It first takes some time until the player can even produce a sound, and even then, a beginner has little ability to control it. ... It would seem to be a challenging instrument.
I believe it was an oboe, this was nice, but I actually prefer the studio version. I remeber the first time I heard this song was in the movie "The Big Chill", and I've loved it ever since.
If you enjoyed the symphony style.
The Good the Bad and Ugly...theme from one of the best western movies from 60s Client Eastwood.
Danish Symphony...
WOW. Great Score
Every instrument you can think of and some....
The instrument is an obo!
I believe the instrument is an oboe.
It's an OBOE and it has two reeds on the mouthpiece
Don't know why I thought this was in 2012. Whenever it was it was great
I believe that instrument is either an obo or a piccolo.
Love this song. I actually prefer the studio version from the 60's as it is the one I grew up on. This live version is very good though as it shows how powerful Gary Brooker's voice is even as he got older. "Conquistador" is another great song by Procol Harum.
It's an oboe and has a double reed, as does a bassoon.
His voice sounds like it did back in the 60's
Now you need to listen to Conquistador, same concert. Or the original don't matter.
It means "Beyond These Things'
Gary Brooker of Procol Harum has died of cancer at the age of 74.