How beautiful was that? Not often you find a 50+ year old rock song that can take on a full orchestral/choral arrangement and improve on the original. Not to mention a vocalist who can recreate his masterpiece after so many years and still knock it out of the park. Seriously. Well done, Maddy! Great reaction. 💕
'A Whiter Shade of Pale' was the wedding march for my wife and me in 1971. We are still together all these years later and I am still amazed that my beautiful lady still reciprocates my love !!!
This was one of my favorite songs back in the early 70s. When I was introduced to this new version, I actually cried. It was a beautiful song back in the day. THIS is exquisite!
This performance illustrates. how 60's and 70's pop and rock songs many times had more depth than perceived at the time they were recorded and released. Procol Harum was basically a 4-piece rock band that got a big hit with "Whiter Shade Of Pale" in the 60's. Now, sixty years later, there is enough in the song to re-score it for a full orchestra and choir. I consider myself very fortunate to have been a teenager during the time great songs like this were released.
This is undeniably true, with the caveat, "many times." There are probably a number of factors involved even though the motivations of the songwriters at the time varied. I think a big part of it was that there was a struggle for legitimacy for the genre during that time. I think it is kind of ironic that in order to break "new" ground with today's audience that they improve Whiter Shade of Pale by adding a classical orchestral arrangement. One of the things that made the song stand out back in the sixties was that it opened with a lengthy electric organ solo doing a variation on an orchestral suite from Bach. Some of the market forces that produced pop music during that same era haven't changed, however, and did produce songs that are arguably just as crappy as new music today.
How quickly time moves. Just yesterday I was listening to this song on my little transistor radio with a mono ear piece, pardon me while I wipe the tears
significantly better and not just the orchestra and choir, but Gary Brooker's voice is deeper and richer than when he was young. Put it all together and a masterpiece was created. This version is part of his legacy and has timeless appeal. Never gets old
I respectfully disagree. The studio version is one of the highlights of late 1960s baroque pop. This version (albeit great) is a lot more schmaltzy than the haunting, psychedelic pop of the recorded version from 1967.
Got this from a professor who explained this song very well. Procol Harum is the band, it means "Beyond These Things" in Latin. Gary Brooker is the lead singer, Keith Reid the lyricist. The Miller's Tale is a story out of The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in England from 1387-1400. At its most basic, it's the bawdy tale of an old and dull-witted carpenter who is betrayed by his much younger wife. This is the key to the song. The girl is about to leave the older man ("her face at first just ghostly"). She hears The Miller's Tale and blanches at her own sexual indiscretion ("turned a whiter shade of pale"). She avoids telling him why she's leaving ("there is no reason"), and he's blind to the indiscretion ("although my eyes were open, they may just as well have been closed"). He attempts to reason with her (“I wandered through my playing cards”), and so prevent this young, supposedly faithful lover (“Vestal Virgin”) from leaving him for good ("for the coast").
Mike from the UK here. This was a huge hit back in the day. Released in 1967 and followed up with the single “Conquistador”. Fantastic how it has held up as a gorgeous piece of music.
Love this one!! Sadly, Gary passed away in '22. It was brought to my attention how this song was "layered". It starts out with strings, then vocals, then organ, then drum (which gives it a heart beat), then choir & finishes with brass. By far one of my favorite songs to watch
The classical piece played by the Orchestra in the beginning is Bach‘s „Air on a G string“ (from his Orchestral Suite No. 3 BWV 1068) which shares parts of the chord progression of „a whiter shade of pale“ and was the inspiration to the song. The singer Gary Brooker died in February 2022. RIP!
it is about love lost. His girl friend is leaving for the coast going away . A beautiful song that held the test of time. The song by Mr. Brooker of Procol Harum came out in the late 60s. Sad that we lost him in the last couple years RIP. Thank you Maddy
If you can still sing a song like this so perfectly 50 years after you released it, you are a special person and this was a special concert. Also, I am not ashamed to admit that this version caused me to shed a few tears. Absoulutely magnificent.
This is indeed an extraordinary performance, and perhaps the best version of the song. Let us not forget however that Procol Harum has many other gems in their catalogue. After all those years, it is about time that people move 'beyond the pale' and discover albums like Shine on brightly (especially 'In Held twas in I'), A Salty dog (with the title song also interpreted during the Danish concert), Grand Hotel (containing an absolutely extraordinary piece entitled 'Fires which burnt brightly'), Exotic Birds and Fruit ('Nothing but the truth', 'As strong as Samson', 'The Idol') and The Prodigal Stranger ('Holding on'). There are many other precious pieces in most of their records. Now that Gary Brooker and the lyricist Keith Reid have both passed away, we should honor their memory by listening to their songs and reading attentively their lyrics. Brooker and Reid are personal heroes and one of the best pair of songwriters of the 20th century in the Anglosphere, together with Burt Bacharach and Hal David or John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Great reaction Maddy! I love it when a beautiful, classic rock song from my youth is given an orchestral/symphonic treatment. It adds a whole new dimension and sound.
I am 68, and as rudymorgan stated, keep this music alive forever. This and other full orchestra backed rock bands of the 70's are so special. Thank you
Love this song reminds me of when I used to wake up on a weekend when my Mom was doing the ironing and playing the old vinyls and this is one of my Dad’s favourites. Thank you for reacting to this takes me back to a time where I was a carefree kid just getting a musical education with so many great songs❤.
The one and only Gary Brooker. Spectacular voice. RIP. BTW, not a clarinet, an oboe. The lore of this song is that GB went to a party and the references in the lyrics are about that night.
You're somewhat right about the lore, except that GB didn't write the lyrics. It was all written by the lyricist Keith Reid (a non-musician, never part of the band but collaborated in songwriting with GB). But yes, Reid got the title and starting point for the song at a party. He overheard someone at the party saying to a woman, "You've turned a whiter shade of pale", and the phrase stuck in his mind. There have been many interpretations of the lyrics, many trying to point to an event (usually of a sexual nature), but Reid describes his purpose as evoking a melancholic atmosphere instead. In an interview in Uncut magazine he stated: "I was trying to conjure a mood as much as tell a straightforward, girl-leaves-boy story. With the ceiling flying away and room humming harder, I wanted to paint an image of a scene. I wasn't trying to be mysterious with those images, I was trying to be evocative. I suppose it seems like a decadent scene I'm describing. But I was too young to have experienced any decadence, then. I might have been smoking when I conceived it, but not when I wrote. It was influenced by books, not drugs." Brooker and Matthew Fisher set the lyrics to music and made it simply perfect.
I first heard this back in the late sixties/early seventies and was amazed at how good it was. The original starts out when the organ kicks in on this one. Rest in peace Gary, a voice for the ages.
Thank you "MaddyReactions" for the wonderful song: A whiter shade of pale from Procol Harum! The original is from 1967 in the Beat-Ära with hippies, flowers and long hair. And thank you Gary Brooker for the good music all time and RIP Gary (he died February 19. 2022. 😮💨
I prefer this to the original even though I grew up with the 60's version. Gary's voice is grittier and of course the arrangement and orchestra really bring out such emotion. Wonderful song, incredible performance. RIP
@@greg2976 I'm 47 now and only heard this in the past two or three years. I love seeing all the young people discovering music. Reminds me of when I found Bowie as a youngster when I discovered loads of his records in the wardrobe at home. 😎 I spent the whole summer in doors that summer just marvelling at all unbelievable music my Dad had.
This absolutely great gorgeous song was released in 67. This phenomenal performance was in I believe 2006. Gary Brooker was a fantastic singer. So glad I grew up in the 60s, so many great singers and sooooo many great songs.
I listened to this song as a teenager is Australia and there was so much variety and depth of music in the 60’s and 70’s that is wonderful to discover.
Very beautiful and one of my favorite songs and concerts of all time. What's special too Maddy, is that from time to time, Gary Brooker would insert other additional verses, which to me, makes him and the song itself very unique. I believe it to be a song of love and betrayal. She turns a "Whiter Shade of Pale" when he realizes that she's lying to him and confronts her, seemingly calmly, as he "Wandered through" his "Playing cards". In another version, he says that he "Took her by the looking glass"or mirror and says that it (The Mirror), "Would not let her be one of sixteen Vestal Virgins" who were leaving for the coast. Of course, these are my thoughts about this beautiful song. I was privileged to perform this song with my brother between sets and during the break when I used to play publicly. Our bass player, Tony Ivey, told me not to do it and that the song needed a keyboard. I said, "Tony, my brother and I are going to do the song, with a guitar and a mandolin. We did it and received a standing ovation, which made us feel great. Anyway, this song has been imprinted on me and I've enjoyed it ever since I first heard it growing up in the 70's. Thank you for sharing it Maddy.
I remember hearing this song my junior year of high school (1969) and fell in love with it. I still love the original, but this version is amazing. Thank you and hopefully you'll reach a generation of music lovers who will appreciate the music of my generation. We had some pretty great music! RIP Gary Booker
I heard this in 1967 when I was 8 years old. My brother is 10 years older than me and I listened to everything he listened to. The album version is good, but with the orchestra and Gary Brooker's older voice, it is outstanding. I loved the astonished look on your face when you heard the choir. I felt the same way the first time I heard this version.
I had a brother who was 8 yrs older than me, in 67' I was 9 and he had the album I immediately thought that this was the most beautiful song, and this version with the orchestra is even better.
They were my favorite band back in the 60s and 70s. Gary's voice and their magical music were so powerful. Definitely listen to more of their music. A couple songs I would recommend are A Salty Dog and Homburg.
It's so refreshing to see an attractive, well spoken young woman with such grace and elegance exuding intelligence and self confidence. I couldn't keep myself from subscribing. You give me hope for the future, Maddy. Your parents must be so very proud!
This song was "born" in 1967, when I was 15. So grateful that it's been around most of my life!!! This spectacular song will outlive us all!! SHEER PERFECTION!!!🎵🎼🎶🎤🎹🥁🎸🔥🔥🔥💕💕💕
Actually it wasn't the first time an orchestra was added. Try looking for "Procol Harum with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra". All of their early songs.
Epic performance by all concerned. Procol Harum are my favourite band of all time and I have seen them live 8 times (not enough).Always enjoy seeing someone react to this as it reminds me of the first time I heard this as a school boy in 1967 and was taken to some beautiful mystical place.There are many great songs by Procol Harum to enjoy maybe A Salty Dog or Grand Hotel for starters.
I often wonder if the 60', 70's and 80's were the golden period for civilization. Some of the most wonderful, artistic music was created then. And this is a prime example.
I saw Procol Harum 3 times. The first time back in 1972 (The Eagles opened for them). They were one of Rock's greatest bands and Gary Brooker was one of the greatest voices ever. His loss in 2022 was huge. I was fortunate to meet him a couple of times. I highly recommend their final album "Novum." It's sad to think that there won't be any new music from them. We cherish what they did leave us.
So lovely to see you enjoying this epic tune, given the orchestral backing it so deserves. I would love you to hear the original vinyl version (with video) to understand how it first hit us. As a 72 year old hippy, I must agree that what you do is so important, keeping the music of our generation alive. Thank you.
Incredible live performance. To see all that musical talent joining for the purpose of this one song is amazing. So much talent. THey just kep.t adding layer on top of layer
This was one of the first songs I learned on the organ when I was 6 years old. It's really simple to play but is so perfect in every way. Again, better than the original. It made a 61 year old fart shed a tear. Ps, you have the most beautiful skin I've ever seen maddy. Great music played by great musicians is the best tonic on the planet. Keep it up young lady. ✌️♥️🇬🇧
forget all the past moments and/or memories (although I've no doubt those are ALL precious and special) I'm just saying this is simply an amazing performance from all. beautiful. thank you for sharing the song and your reactions, Maddy.
Just saw an interview with him where he discussed how in 1968 they opened for the Bee Gees in Germany and he watched their show every night amazed by the orchestra's backing of the Gibbs' vocals. Said it inspired him to do the same
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 was even as he got older. "Conquistador" is another great song by Procol Harum. Sad to hear of his passing recently.
I can tell you have a beautiful soul... so glad you liked the performance... the original one came out my first summer in NYC...i could feel the nostalgia...of days gone by...a longing for a by-gone era... when life was a little kinder and sweeter...
Love hearing and seeing reactions to the music I was fortunate to grow up with. I know each generation feels like their music was the best, but they don't make music like this anymore!! Thank you!
Suggest that you listen to a rare version of this song - with all 4 verses - it is incredible. The band sang this song regularly for over 50 years! And Gary Brooker RIP 🙏sounded almost the same every year. One of the finest rock ballads ever.
First listen to the original from decades ago (1967). It was hauntingly beautiful and tear producing back then (well at least for me), but this orchestration takes this masterpiece to a whole new level. I agree with you Maddy, the layers that keep being added on (the strings, then the English horn, then the band - drums, organ, bass etc... then the choir, and finally the brass at the end -) add to the beauty but never take away from the vocals. I will NEVER tire of listening to this.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful songs ever! Loved growing up with these songs, watch them go up the charts, the DJs, and a transistor radio. Life was good!
THE Anthem for the Sixties! I was 14 when this came out, there was just something about this song that spoke to and from the heart of a whole generation! Its a mysterious song, haunting and evocative, and brings tears to my eyes every time!. Great that this performance paid true homage to a classic song! Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa.
I've posted this before about this song and I've had many people agree with me and also many people disagree with me. But here's my thoughts on the lyrics and any possible meaning to them. In my opinion, the key words in the entire song are "as The Miller told his tale". The Miller's Tale in "The Canterbury Tales" is a tale of infidelity, specifically of a wife cuckolding her husband. Thus, to me, this song is a song about infidelity. "Her face at first just ghostly turned a whiter shade of pale", i.e. the color left her face after she was confronted by her partner with her infidelity. "She said there is no reason and the truth is plain to see", i.e. there really is no reason I've been sleeping around but it's plain to see our relationship is over. "But I wandered through my playing cards and would not let her be", i.e. what card can I play so she won't leave me? "One of sixteen vestal virgins who were leaving for the coast", i.e. the girls are taking a girl's trip to the beach and we all know what often happens on "girls trips" to the beach, don't we? "And although my eyes were open they might just as well have been closed", i.e. he thought he was aware of things but everything took him totally by surprise. IMO this is the most rational "reading" of these lyrics since the tone of this song is very sad. (And it's absolutely OK to disagree with me interpretation.) P.S. The woodwind solo in the orchestral introduction was an oboe. :)
This live performance is just absolutely outstanding. Gary Brooker is absolutely on point with the vocals and piano, and the musicians along with the choir are incredible. This song is simply an evergreen classic, that has stood the test of time. I salute you. RIP G Brooker
There is also a video on youtube of him singing this song when he was about 18 years old.......he only got better with age.....and I thought Procol Harum was great in 1969......Thanks Maddy.
Not clarinet, it's an obo. Clarinet has one reed and a mouthpiece similar to a saxophone whereas the obo has two tiny reeds slapped together. LOL And she played it soooo well with that beautiful tremolo. This is my all time favorite collaboration. I always love your reaction / review. As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
@@MaddyReactions Sure. I was in band and orchestra in school. Played lots of instruments but I did not like the obo. It's difficult to work with. My overall fav was the clarinet although the others were just okay to me. Have a great day.
thankyou Maddy this was my Mum,s favourite song and yesterday was the 16th anniversary of her passing from liver cancer so it,s a wonderful tribute to her so thankyou again and enjoy your weekend or your day
I so remember their original version. Little did I realize there would be a “classical” version in 2006. God bless you, Mr. Booker. I cannot stress that emotion enough. Thank you all! Thank you all!!
In the "Summer of Love", 1967, John Lennon of The Beatles had a paisley Rolls Royce that he would drive around London blasting "Whiter Shade of Pale" from exterior speakers. That was the original studio version without the orchestra. A classic that has aged very well!
Brilliant analysis❤ loved your reaction and emotional interaction. Such respect❤I first heard this song back in the day maybe 70’ ish time. Great songs from late 60’s thru 75’.
Procul Harem actually hail from my own home town of Southend-on-Sea in England. This song was actually their first record, released on 12th May 1967, coincidentally also the date of their first live gig at the London Speakeasy Club. One of their early supporters was the great Jimi Hendrix, who was in the crowd at that first gig. In fact he enjoyed it so much that he leaped on stage and played bass with them for one number. It’s pretty good going for a group’s first song to still be so loved and respected 57 years later in 2024.
The instrument that soloed early in the song was an oboe, not a clarinet. They are very similar in size and appearance but they have different reeds (mouthpiece parts). The clarinet has a single reed similar to a saxophone while an oboe has a double reed. The double reed is also part of a bassoon. The single reed is on the bottom where you can't see it except the plastic mouthpiece that holds it. The double reed is narrower but since there is a reed on top and one on the bottom, it's easier to see the reed itself. Double reeds have a more nasally sound. Great reaction, though!
Usually, a piece of music in its original version is the best thing you can hear. I have known this piece since it was released in 1967, it has accompanied me all my life. Here Gary Brooker has managed to interpret A Whiter Shade Of Pale even better than he did in 1967. Unfortunately, he has already passed away. R.I.P. Gary The original version in 1967 had 4 verses. Because the song was much longer than usual at over 4 minutes, two verses were left out. Keith Reid said: "No problem, it works just like that." But with verses 3 and 4, things become clearer. Here are all four verses: We skipped the light fandango turned cartwheels 'cross the floor I was feeling kinda seasick but the crowd called out for more The room was humming harder as the ceiling flew away When we called out for another drink the waiter brought a tray And so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale. She said: "There is no reason and the truth is plain to see." But I wandered trough my playing cards and would not let her be one of sixteen virgins who were leaving for the coast and although my eyes were open they might have have just as well been closed And so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale. She said: "I'm home on shore leave" Though in truth we were at sea So I took her by the looking glass and forced her to agree saying: "You must be the mermaid Who took Neptune for a ride." But she smiled at me so sadly that my anger straightway died And so it was that later as the miller told his tale that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale. If music be the feed of love the laughter is its queen and likewise is behind is in front then dirt in truth is clean My mouth by then like cardboard seemed to slip straight through my head So we crash-dived straightway quickly and attacked the ocean bed.
One of hundreds of bands I and many others grew up with. And this is a great song and a great arrangement and an amazing performance. RIP Gary Brooker.
If you have time, you might enjoy checking out the original song. You will see (hear) that the violins and cellos are actually playing parts which were originally played on the Hammond B-3 organ through a Leslie speaker cabinet, a big part the sound of 60's rock and pop songs.
Every man wants to take his defining work as close to perfection as possible. He is aging here but his voice is not only seasoned but still excellent. This was his life's work of entertaining brought to wonderful peak. Stellar describes this performance, the seamless blending of the Orchestra and background singers was once in a lifetime...
I grew up with this but this version was stunning. Never heard this one before. Thank you Maddy. Edit: The lyrics is quite nonsensical but that is kind of the point. Its the music, the word composition and arrangement. It can mean whatever you want it to mean. A true classic. I was 3 years old the first time I heard this and the words meant jack shit to me, but the song and music just stopped me in my tracks. There was some wonderful music that came out in that period. If you ever gonna listen to an entire album ... Moody Blues and the record "Threshold of a dream" Love from Norway.
the lead singer just died about a year ago. and the camera man must have fallen in love with the blonde violon player as he kept going back to her in the video.
This song was written by this vocalist & original member of Procol Harum (pronounced: PRO-cuhl HAIR-um), Gary Brooker, & released in 1967. He absolutely KILLS it here in 2006, with the Danish National Concert Orchestra & Choir. He wrote the song at 19 yrs. old, & maintained he was inspired by being at college. However, a lyric says, "...as the miller told his tale", which refers to "The Miller's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales". It's a story of a wife cheating on her husband. That would indicate why the woman Gary wrote about "turned a whiter shade of pale". Thanks for your reaction.
Another fave from my 70s teen years and this recording is from my home country in Copenhagen/Denmark. Cool. Annie Lennox made an amazing cover of this tune too.
Gary Brookers vocal never changed, still sounds the same as the 60's. The Danish National Symphony Orchestra did an awesome job. My fav Procol Album is still "Shine On Brightly". Rip Gary, love your music. I'm 72 yrs old btw.
@@Weareeverything2023 I agree, he sounded great and he crushed it, I think doing it live you can tell his effort was over the top for the audience. What I was saying was his "vocals" have not changed which was amazing as most entertainers that age have.....
Gary Brooker and procol harem pure class I'm 74 years young and have listened to this beautiful creation hundreds of times over the years and it sounds as good today as it did all them years ago when I first heard it in my teens love it I call this an evergreen for obvious reasons loved your wonderful reaction god bless Gary Brooker sorely missed
LOL that was an oboe and the singer is Gary Brooker who passed away 19 Feb 22. This single was released in 1967 and sold over 10 million copies.
Ooooh epic
RIP Gary Brooker
How beautiful was that? Not often you find a 50+ year old rock song that can take on a full orchestral/choral arrangement and improve on the original. Not to mention a vocalist who can recreate his masterpiece after so many years and still knock it out of the park. Seriously. Well done, Maddy! Great reaction. 💕
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its being done more often and it works , check out "bring me the horizon" at the albert hall
That is because it iderived from the music of J.S. Bach, Sleepers Wake and Air on the G string.
I didn't think it was possible to make that song any better than it already was--but they managed to do just that.
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I differ. The original hit version was real, not pretentious.
@@gordonhaire9206Man, lighten up.
@@gordonhaire9206
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I completely agree with you,I was 11 when this song was new,and thought it beautiful . Now nearly 70 and got even better with this rendition.
'A Whiter Shade of Pale' was the wedding march for my wife and me in 1971.
We are still together all these years later and I am still amazed that my beautiful lady still reciprocates my love !!!
Thanks Maddy. Perhaps one of the best ever live renditions of a song and done so many years later. Rest in Peace Mr. Brooker. You were one of a kind.
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This was one of my favorite songs back in the early 70s. When I was introduced to this new version, I actually cried. It was a beautiful song back in the day. THIS is exquisite!
❤️❤️❤️
I cry every time. RIP Gary Brooker. One of the all-time best voices in Rock history.
This performance illustrates. how 60's and 70's pop and rock songs many times had more depth than perceived at the time they were recorded and released. Procol Harum was basically a 4-piece rock band that got a big hit with "Whiter Shade Of Pale" in the 60's. Now, sixty years later, there is enough in the song to re-score it for a full orchestra and choir. I consider myself very fortunate to have been a teenager during the time great songs like this were released.
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I agree with yoy in all, i m 63 old.Regards from Argentina.
There is no doubt 60s and early 70s had the deepest lyrics as well as melodies. Regards from Thailand.
This is undeniably true, with the caveat, "many times."
There are probably a number of factors involved even though the motivations of the songwriters at the time varied. I think a big part of it was that there was a struggle for legitimacy for the genre during that time.
I think it is kind of ironic that in order to break "new" ground with today's audience that they improve Whiter Shade of Pale by adding a classical orchestral arrangement. One of the things that made the song stand out back in the sixties was that it opened with a lengthy electric organ solo doing a variation on an orchestral suite from Bach.
Some of the market forces that produced pop music during that same era haven't changed, however, and did produce songs that are arguably just as crappy as new music today.
I was fortunate to be a teenager when we were exposed to music like this.. one of the best.. and they called us damn hippies..
He has sadly passed, this was a world wide smash hit in 67 and the melody is based on Air On A G String.
Wow
Indeed by Bach, one of the greatest classical composers ever!
How quickly time moves. Just yesterday I was listening to this song on my little transistor radio with a mono ear piece, pardon me while I wipe the tears
I agree that this is better than the origiinal studio version!❤
significantly better and not just the orchestra and choir, but Gary Brooker's voice is deeper and richer than when he was young. Put it all together and a masterpiece was created. This version is part of his legacy and has timeless appeal. Never gets old
Definitely
I respectfully disagree. The studio version is one of the highlights of late 1960s baroque pop. This version (albeit great) is a lot more schmaltzy than the haunting, psychedelic pop of the recorded version from 1967.
Great reaction,to a fantastic performance RIP Gary Brooker.
One of the best live performances ever
Definitely
THE Best IMO.
In my mind, this is unquestionably one of the greatest songs ever written and this performance is fantastic!👍
Oh no! (Oboe?) That was no clarinet 🤣 Great reaction to a brilliant performance - your face when the choir came in was priceless!
Glad you enjoyed it
But do you now know the difference between an oboe and a clarinet?@@MaddyReactions
Got this from a professor who explained this song very well.
Procol Harum is the band, it means "Beyond These Things" in Latin. Gary Brooker is the lead singer, Keith Reid the lyricist.
The Miller's Tale is a story out of The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in England from 1387-1400. At its most basic, it's the bawdy tale of an old and dull-witted carpenter who is betrayed by his much younger wife. This is the key to the song.
The girl is about to leave the older man ("her face at first just ghostly"). She hears The Miller's Tale and blanches at her own sexual indiscretion ("turned a whiter shade of pale"). She avoids telling him why she's leaving ("there is no reason"), and he's blind to the indiscretion ("although my eyes were open, they may just as well have been closed"). He attempts to reason with her (“I wandered through my playing cards”), and so prevent this young, supposedly faithful lover (“Vestal Virgin”) from leaving him for good ("for the coast").
So cool!
Thanks for this information, I’ve loved this song since the 60’s but had absolutely no idea what it was about
It borrows from The Canterbury Tales, but the story has been transferred to the Titanic.
Procol Harum - Latin meaning “far beyond these things”
Wow! Thanks for that 🩷
Thank you! All these years and I didn’t know that.
Mike from the UK here. This was a huge hit back in the day. Released in 1967 and followed up with the single “Conquistador”. Fantastic how it has held up as a gorgeous piece of music.
Love this one!! Sadly, Gary passed away in '22. It was brought to my attention how this song was "layered". It starts out with strings, then vocals, then organ, then drum (which gives it a heart beat), then choir & finishes with brass. By far one of my favorite songs to watch
So sad 😞
The classical piece played by the Orchestra in the beginning is Bach‘s „Air on a G string“ (from his Orchestral Suite No. 3 BWV 1068) which shares parts of the chord progression of „a whiter shade of pale“ and was the inspiration to the song. The singer Gary Brooker died in February 2022. RIP!
Wow, so lovely 🥰
Am a 65 year old man. A teenager in the 70s. The greatest rock music ever in the 60s and 70s. This song is one of the greatest
it is about love lost. His girl friend is leaving for the coast going away . A beautiful song that held the test of time. The song by Mr. Brooker of Procol Harum came out in the late 60s. Sad that we lost him in the last couple years RIP. Thank you Maddy
If you can still sing a song like this so perfectly 50 years after you released it, you are a special person and this was a special concert.
Also, I am not ashamed to admit that this version caused me to shed a few tears. Absoulutely magnificent.
Actually, this performance was in 2006, so 39 years after being first released. Still a great voice, though 🙂
Agreed!!
DAMN STRAIGHT!!! ♥️♥️♥️
I recommend A Salty Dog from the same concert. Love your reaction to one of my favorite bands. Thank you.
This so much better than the 45 I still have. Way more emotion.
This is indeed an extraordinary performance, and perhaps the best version of the song. Let us not forget however that Procol Harum has many other gems in their catalogue. After all those years, it is about time that people move 'beyond the pale' and discover albums like Shine on brightly (especially 'In Held twas in I'), A Salty dog (with the title song also interpreted during the Danish concert), Grand Hotel (containing an absolutely extraordinary piece entitled 'Fires which burnt brightly'), Exotic Birds and Fruit ('Nothing but the truth', 'As strong as Samson', 'The Idol') and The Prodigal Stranger ('Holding on'). There are many other precious pieces in most of their records. Now that Gary Brooker and the lyricist Keith Reid have both passed away, we should honor their memory by listening to their songs and reading attentively their lyrics. Brooker and Reid are personal heroes and one of the best pair of songwriters of the 20th century in the Anglosphere, together with Burt Bacharach and Hal David or John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
1967
Just love when youngins finally hear our music 🎶 😅
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Great reaction Maddy! I love it when a beautiful, classic rock song from my youth is given an orchestral/symphonic treatment. It adds a whole new dimension and sound.
I am 68, and as rudymorgan stated, keep this music alive forever. This and other full orchestra backed rock bands of the 70's are so special. Thank you
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Love this song reminds me of when I used to wake up on a weekend when my Mom was doing the ironing and playing the old vinyls and this is one of my Dad’s favourites. Thank you for reacting to this takes me back to a time where I was a carefree kid just getting a musical education with so many great songs❤.
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The one and only Gary Brooker. Spectacular voice. RIP. BTW, not a clarinet, an oboe. The lore of this song is that GB went to a party and the references in the lyrics are about that night.
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You're somewhat right about the lore, except that GB didn't write the lyrics. It was all written by the lyricist Keith Reid (a non-musician, never part of the band but collaborated in songwriting with GB). But yes, Reid got the title and starting point for the song at a party. He overheard someone at the party saying to a woman, "You've turned a whiter shade of pale", and the phrase stuck in his mind.
There have been many interpretations of the lyrics, many trying to point to an event (usually of a sexual nature), but Reid describes his purpose as evoking a melancholic atmosphere instead. In an interview in Uncut magazine he stated: "I was trying to conjure a mood as much as tell a straightforward, girl-leaves-boy story. With the ceiling flying away and room humming harder, I wanted to paint an image of a scene. I wasn't trying to be mysterious with those images, I was trying to be evocative. I suppose it seems like a decadent scene I'm describing. But I was too young to have experienced any decadence, then. I might have been smoking when I conceived it, but not when I wrote. It was influenced by books, not drugs."
Brooker and Matthew Fisher set the lyrics to music and made it simply perfect.
The entire production is a pure piece of musical art. If you could hang this song on a wall or in a museum, you surely would! Remarkable x
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Truly!!
I first heard this back in the late sixties/early seventies and was amazed at how good it was.
The original starts out when the organ kicks in on this one.
Rest in peace Gary, a voice for the ages.
Oh wow!
Thank you "MaddyReactions" for the wonderful song: A whiter shade of pale from Procol Harum! The original is from 1967 in the Beat-Ära with hippies, flowers and long hair. And thank you Gary Brooker for the good music all time and RIP Gary (he died February 19. 2022. 😮💨
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I prefer this to the original even though I grew up with the 60's version. Gary's voice is grittier and of course the arrangement and orchestra really bring out such emotion. Wonderful song, incredible performance. RIP
I concur with your statement! I'm 64, and love this version!!!!
@@greg2976 I'm 47 now and only heard this in the past two or three years. I love seeing all the young people discovering music. Reminds me of when I found Bowie as a youngster when I discovered loads of his records in the wardrobe at home. 😎 I spent the whole summer in doors that summer just marvelling at all unbelievable music my Dad had.
Lovely
This absolutely great gorgeous song was released in 67. This phenomenal performance was in I believe 2006. Gary Brooker was a fantastic singer. So glad I grew up in the 60s, so many great singers and sooooo many great songs.
Such a great song
I listened to this song as a teenager is Australia and there was so much variety and depth of music in the 60’s and 70’s that is wonderful to discover.
Very beautiful and one of my favorite songs and concerts of all time. What's special too Maddy, is that from time to time, Gary Brooker would insert other additional verses, which to me, makes him and the song itself very unique. I believe it to be a song of love and betrayal. She turns a "Whiter Shade of Pale" when he realizes that she's lying to him and confronts her, seemingly calmly, as he "Wandered through" his "Playing cards". In another version, he says that he "Took her by the looking glass"or mirror and says that it (The Mirror), "Would not let her be one of sixteen Vestal Virgins" who were leaving for the coast. Of course, these are my thoughts about this beautiful song. I was privileged to perform this song with my brother between sets and during the break when I used to play publicly. Our bass player, Tony Ivey, told me not to do it and that the song needed a keyboard. I said, "Tony, my brother and I are going to do the song, with a guitar and a mandolin. We did it and received a standing ovation, which made us feel great. Anyway, this song has been imprinted on me and I've enjoyed it ever since I first heard it growing up in the 70's. Thank you for sharing it Maddy.
I remember hearing this song my junior year of high school (1969) and fell in love with it. I still love the original, but this version is amazing. Thank you and hopefully you'll reach a generation of music lovers who will appreciate the music of my generation. We had some pretty great music! RIP Gary Booker
Awww
I heard this in 1967 when I was 8 years old. My brother is 10 years older than me and I listened to everything he listened to. The album version is good, but with the orchestra and Gary Brooker's older voice, it is outstanding. I loved the astonished look on your face when you heard the choir. I felt the same way the first time I heard this version.
Epic
I had a brother who was 8 yrs older than me, in 67' I was 9 and he had the album I immediately thought that this was the most beautiful song, and this version with the orchestra is even better.
Absolutely jaw dropping performance
They were my favorite band back in the 60s and 70s. Gary's voice and their magical music were so powerful. Definitely listen to more of their music. A couple songs I would recommend are A Salty Dog and Homburg.
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I'll second that A Salty Dog recommendation.
It's so refreshing to see an attractive, well spoken young woman with such grace and elegance exuding intelligence and self confidence. I couldn't keep myself from subscribing. You give me hope for the future, Maddy. Your parents must be so very proud!
This has to be the best performance of the best song ever written, love it, I am 68 and this song never gets tired, R.I.P Gary ❤
This song was "born" in 1967, when I was 15. So grateful that it's been around most of my life!!! This spectacular song will outlive us all!! SHEER PERFECTION!!!🎵🎼🎶🎤🎹🥁🎸🔥🔥🔥💕💕💕
So good!
@@MaddyReactions definitely!! 🎵🎼🎶
This is epic how they took a rock song that was released in 1967 and added a orchestra and choir and his vocals are spot on
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Actually it wasn't the first time an orchestra was added. Try looking for "Procol Harum with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra". All of their early songs.
Good thing I didn't attend this outdoor concert. I would have been so mesmerized by this spectacular rendition, I would have fallen into that lake.
Epic performance by all concerned. Procol Harum are my favourite band of all time and I have seen them live 8 times (not enough).Always enjoy seeing someone react to this as it reminds me of the first time I heard this as a school boy in 1967 and was taken to some beautiful mystical place.There are many great songs by Procol Harum to enjoy maybe A Salty Dog or Grand Hotel for starters.
Yesss!
John Lennon said that "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was the best rock and roll song ever written.
Elton John said the same thing.
My favourite
It's a love song
Its a love song
He said it was the best song he'd heard "in a while"
I often wonder if the 60', 70's and 80's were the golden period for civilization. Some of the most wonderful, artistic music was created then. And this is a prime example.
Right
I saw Procol Harum 3 times. The first time back in 1972 (The Eagles opened for them). They were one of Rock's greatest bands and Gary Brooker was one of the greatest voices ever. His loss in 2022 was huge. I was fortunate to meet him a couple of times. I highly recommend their final album "Novum." It's sad to think that there won't be any new music from them. We cherish what they did leave us.
So lovely to see you enjoying this epic tune, given the orchestral backing it so deserves. I would love you to hear the original vinyl version (with video) to understand how it first hit us. As a 72 year old hippy, I must agree that what you do is so important, keeping the music of our generation alive. Thank you.
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Incredible live performance. To see all that musical talent joining for the purpose of this one song is amazing. So much talent. THey just kep.t adding layer on top of layer
Right!!!
This was one of the first songs I learned on the organ when I was 6 years old.
It's really simple to play but is so perfect in every way.
Again, better than the original.
It made a 61 year old fart shed a tear.
Ps, you have the most beautiful skin I've ever seen maddy.
Great music played by great musicians is the best tonic on the planet.
Keep it up young lady.
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Hugs 🤗🤍
forget all the past moments and/or memories (although I've no doubt those are ALL precious and special) I'm just saying this is simply an amazing performance from all. beautiful. thank you for sharing the song and your reactions, Maddy.
Thank you so much!
Just saw an interview with him where he discussed how in 1968 they opened for the Bee Gees in Germany and he watched their show every night amazed by the orchestra's backing of the Gibbs' vocals. Said it inspired him to do the same
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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 was even as he got older. "Conquistador" is another great song by Procol Harum. Sad to hear of his passing recently.
Oooh
I can tell you have a beautiful soul... so glad you liked the performance... the original one came out my first summer in NYC...i could feel the nostalgia...of days gone by...a longing for a by-gone era... when life was a little kinder and sweeter...
So good!
Love hearing and seeing reactions to the music I was fortunate to grow up with. I know each generation feels like their music was the best, but they don't make music like this anymore!! Thank you!
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Suggest that you listen to a rare version of this song - with all 4 verses - it is incredible. The band sang this song regularly for over 50 years! And Gary Brooker RIP 🙏sounded almost the same every year. One of the finest rock ballads ever.
I discovered this video version of this classic song month ago..it brought tears to this old man's eyes
First listen to the original from decades ago (1967). It was hauntingly beautiful and tear producing back then (well at least for me), but this orchestration takes this masterpiece to a whole new level. I agree with you Maddy, the layers that keep being added on (the strings, then the English horn, then the band - drums, organ, bass etc... then the choir, and finally the brass at the end -) add to the beauty but never take away from the vocals. I will NEVER tire of listening to this.
You truly are on the other side with this classic Darlin! 1 of my all time favourites, I've always loved this song!
Definitely
Perhaps one of the most beautiful songs ever! Loved growing up with these songs, watch them go up the charts, the DJs, and a transistor radio. Life was good!
I'm so glad you got to experience this, Maddy. I loved seeing how swept away you were. ❤
Me too!!
THE Anthem for the Sixties! I was 14 when this came out, there was just something about this song that spoke to and from the heart of a whole generation! Its a mysterious song, haunting and evocative, and brings tears to my eyes every time!. Great that this performance paid true homage to a classic song! Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa.
I've posted this before about this song and I've had many people agree with me and also many people disagree with me. But here's my thoughts on the lyrics and any possible meaning to them.
In my opinion, the key words in the entire song are "as The Miller told his tale". The Miller's Tale in "The Canterbury Tales" is a tale of infidelity, specifically of a wife cuckolding her husband. Thus, to me, this song is a song about infidelity.
"Her face at first just ghostly turned a whiter shade of pale", i.e. the color left her face after she was confronted by her partner with her infidelity. "She said there is no reason and the truth is plain to see", i.e. there really is no reason I've been sleeping around but it's plain to see our relationship is over. "But I wandered through my playing cards and would not let her be", i.e. what card can I play so she won't leave me? "One of sixteen vestal virgins who were leaving for the coast", i.e. the girls are taking a girl's trip to the beach and we all know what often happens on "girls trips" to the beach, don't we? "And although my eyes were open they might just as well have been closed", i.e. he thought he was aware of things but everything took him totally by surprise. IMO this is the most rational "reading" of these lyrics since the tone of this song is very sad. (And it's absolutely OK to disagree with me interpretation.)
P.S. The woodwind solo in the orchestral introduction was an oboe. :)
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What a voice! This was a gift for all time.
This live performance is just absolutely outstanding.
Gary Brooker is absolutely on point with the vocals and piano, and the musicians along with the choir are incredible.
This song is simply an evergreen classic, that has stood the test of time.
I salute you.
RIP
G Brooker
There is also a video on youtube of him singing this song when he was about 18 years old.......he only got better with age.....and I thought Procol Harum was great in 1969......Thanks Maddy.
Not clarinet, it's an obo. Clarinet has one reed and a mouthpiece similar to a saxophone whereas the obo has two tiny reeds slapped together. LOL And she played it soooo well with that beautiful tremolo. This is my all time favorite collaboration.
I always love your reaction / review.
As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
Thanks for the info!
@@MaddyReactions Sure. I was in band and orchestra in school. Played lots of instruments but I did not like the obo. It's difficult to work with. My overall fav was the clarinet although the others were just okay to me.
Have a great day.
thankyou Maddy this was my Mum,s favourite song and yesterday was the 16th anniversary of her passing from liver cancer so it,s a wonderful tribute to her so thankyou again and enjoy your weekend or your day
I so remember their original version. Little did I realize there would be a “classical” version in 2006. God bless you, Mr. Booker. I cannot stress that emotion enough. Thank you all! Thank you all!!
In the "Summer of Love", 1967, John Lennon of The Beatles had a paisley Rolls Royce that he would drive around London blasting "Whiter Shade of Pale" from exterior speakers. That was the original studio version without the orchestra. A classic that has aged very well!
what a great voice 👍and the orchestra is beautiful. what a great timeless song ❤
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I read somewhere that this song is loosely based on the Canterbury Tales, you can hear it in the lyrics if you listen. ( pronounced Pro-cull hair-em)
Oooh
2:40 that's an oboe, not a clarinet. It's a double-reed instrument and absolutely captivating.
I’ve always pronounced it ‘PRO-cull HAIR-em’. And I’ve never heard this recording of it. It’s gorgeous! And very nice reaction. 🇺🇸
Thanks for listening
It was always Procul Har -rem not hairum!
Brilliant analysis❤ loved your reaction and emotional interaction. Such respect❤I first heard this song back in the day maybe 70’ ish time. Great songs from late 60’s thru 75’.
Saw them in 1977 on the Something Magic Tour at Hatfield Polytechnic (England) - fantastic gig!
Bet it was epic
Procul Harem actually hail from my own home town of Southend-on-Sea in England.
This song was actually their first record, released on 12th May 1967, coincidentally also the date of their first live gig at the London Speakeasy Club. One of their early supporters was the great Jimi Hendrix, who was in the crowd at that first gig. In fact he enjoyed it so much that he leaped on stage and played bass with them for one number.
It’s pretty good going for a group’s first song to still be so loved and respected 57 years later in 2024.
The instrument that soloed early in the song was an oboe, not a clarinet. They are very similar in size and appearance but they have different reeds (mouthpiece parts). The clarinet has a single reed similar to a saxophone while an oboe has a double reed. The double reed is also part of a bassoon. The single reed is on the bottom where you can't see it except the plastic mouthpiece that holds it. The double reed is narrower but since there is a reed on top and one on the bottom, it's easier to see the reed itself. Double reeds have a more nasally sound. Great reaction, though!
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Usually, a piece of music in its original version is the best thing you can hear. I have known this piece since it was released in 1967, it has accompanied me all my life. Here Gary Brooker has managed to interpret A Whiter Shade Of Pale even better than he did in 1967. Unfortunately, he has already passed away. R.I.P. Gary
The original version in 1967 had 4 verses. Because the song was much longer than usual at over 4 minutes, two verses were left out. Keith Reid said: "No problem, it works just like that." But with verses 3 and 4, things become clearer.
Here are all four verses:
We skipped the light fandango
turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
but the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
as the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
the waiter brought a tray
And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale.
She said: "There is no reason
and the truth is plain to see."
But I wandered trough my playing cards
and would not let her be
one of sixteen virgins
who were leaving for the coast
and although my eyes were open
they might have have just as well been closed
And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale.
She said: "I'm home on shore leave"
Though in truth we were at sea
So I took her by the looking glass
and forced her to agree
saying: "You must be the mermaid
Who took Neptune for a ride."
But she smiled at me so sadly
that my anger straightway died
And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale.
If music be the feed of love
the laughter is its queen
and likewise is behind is in front
then dirt in truth is clean
My mouth by then like cardboard
seemed to slip straight through my head
So we crash-dived straightway quickly
and attacked the ocean bed.
One of hundreds of bands I and many others grew up with. And this is a great song and a great arrangement and an amazing performance. RIP Gary Brooker.
Brilliant song brings back memories, and to sing it with the orchestra made it that bit more special.
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This is a divine song
Simply one of the finest live performances ever captured. Anytime frame any genre.
If you have time, you might enjoy checking out the original song. You will see (hear) that the violins and cellos are actually playing parts which were originally played on the Hammond B-3 organ through a Leslie speaker cabinet, a big part the sound of 60's rock and pop songs.
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Every man wants to take his defining work as close to perfection as possible. He is aging here but his voice is not only seasoned but still excellent. This was his life's work of entertaining brought to wonderful peak. Stellar describes this performance, the seamless blending of the Orchestra and background singers was once in a lifetime...
Very iconic performance of one of the classics!!
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I grew up with this but this version was stunning. Never heard this one before. Thank you Maddy.
Edit: The lyrics is quite nonsensical but that is kind of the point. Its the music, the word composition and arrangement. It can mean whatever you want it to mean. A true classic. I was 3 years old the first time I heard this and the words meant jack shit to me, but the song and music just stopped me in my tracks. There was some wonderful music that came out in that period. If you ever gonna listen to an entire album ... Moody Blues and the record "Threshold of a dream" Love from Norway.
the lead singer just died about a year ago. and the camera man must have fallen in love with the blonde violon player as he kept going back to her in the video.
Absolutely love this song and performance. Thank you so much for watching and reacting to it.
1967. I was 16 years old when this song was released. Loved it then and love it the same today at 73 years.
When this gets played I see my self as a little kid agin with all my family still here even for this short time it wraps me in memories and warmth ♥️
Thank you for showing interest and understanding of such old music, beautiful to perfection 🌹
Glad you enjoyed it!
This song was written by this vocalist & original member of Procol Harum (pronounced: PRO-cuhl HAIR-um), Gary Brooker, & released in 1967. He absolutely KILLS it here in 2006, with the Danish National Concert Orchestra & Choir. He wrote the song at 19 yrs. old, & maintained he was inspired by being at college. However, a lyric says, "...as the miller told his tale", which refers to "The Miller's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales". It's a story of a wife cheating on her husband. That would indicate why the woman Gary wrote about "turned a whiter shade of pale". Thanks for your reaction.
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Being from England i can assure you it isn't pronounced hair_um. The Har is prenounced like harp and um is pronounced like umbrella.
Procal Harum was the first band I saw in concert as a teenager around 1971 at Birmingham Town Uk. I suppose you always remember you first gig.
Another fave from my 70s teen years and this recording is from my home country in Copenhagen/Denmark. Cool.
Annie Lennox made an amazing cover of this tune too.
Love it! Every time I hear this I shed tears! Loved the band since the 70's
Aww
Gary Brookers vocal never changed, still sounds the same as the 60's. The Danish National Symphony Orchestra did an awesome job. My fav Procol Album is still "Shine On Brightly". Rip Gary, love your music. I'm 72 yrs old btw.
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I disagree, I think he sounds better on this version than the original. Fantastic performance.
@@Weareeverything2023 I agree, he sounded great and he crushed it, I think doing it live you can tell his effort was over the top for the audience. What I was saying was his "vocals" have not changed which was amazing as most entertainers that age have.....
He captivates with his voice! 😊
So true 🌸
Gary Brooker and procol harem pure class I'm 74 years young and have listened to this beautiful creation hundreds of times over the years and it sounds as good today as it did all them years ago when I first heard it in my teens love it I call this an evergreen for obvious reasons loved your wonderful reaction god bless Gary Brooker sorely missed