In depth look at BJ Wilson legendary drummer for the British Rock Band Procol Harum
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- Опубліковано 21 кві 2023
- guygelso.com
BJ Wilson was the legendary drummer for the British rock band Procol Harum, known for his unique and powerful drumming style. He played on many of the band's most iconic tracks, including "A Whiter Shade of Pale," "Conquistador," and "Homburg," helping to create the distinctive sound that made Procol Harum a seminal band of the 1960s and 1970s.
Born in 1947 in England, Wilson started playing drums at a young age and quickly became a skilled musician, blending jazz, rock, and blues influences into his playing. He joined Procol Harum in 1967, just as the band was rising to fame, and quickly became an essential member of the group.
Wilson's drumming style was characterized by a powerful backbeat, driving rhythms, and inventive fills and accents. He was known for his ability to shift seamlessly between different time signatures and grooves, adding complexity and depth to Procol Harum's music.
Sadly, Wilson's life was cut short when he passed away in 1990 at the age of 43. However, his legacy lives on through his incredible drumming on Procol Harum's classic recordings. In this video, we'll take a closer look at BJ Wilson's life, career, and impact on the world of music.
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When people ask me about the best concerts I have seen, and I've seen most of the best groups of that era, I have to say Procol Harum at the Santa Monica Civic I believe around 1969. Yes BJ was incredible as was Robin Trower and the rest of the band. To this day, one of the most memorable concerts I have ever seen. Saw them a few times after as well but this one was the best.
Saw them right after Trower quit, they were great!!!
Seen BJ live with Procol Harum four times in Montreal. He is in his own league. At a 1973 gig, all Procol's power went out aside from the drums. So we were treated to a 20 minute solo until the power was restored. Procol fell in with BJ and picked up POWER FAILURE from the solo break! It was a real drum clinic! Procol Harum was an all-star group, Trower, Brooker, (Reid), and Matthew Fisher, powered by BJ. Thank you for your historical documentary and exceptional drumming!
BJ was fantastic. His expressive drumming is a huge part of the song "A Salty Dog".
BJ was , and still is my favorite drummer..I'm 66 and I've been listening Procol Harum for many years and still continue today .BJ is unpredictable inventive and the group would be nothing without him.Thank you for pay tribute to his huge talent 😊
Great video!! BJ is the most underrated drummer in rock history. It's 2024 and can't believe Bonham, Moon, Baker and Wilson live on the same island at the same time and play gigs and record at the same time. England was Rock Atlantis between 1962 and 1979. The more I listen to Procol, my ear goes to BJ. The band seems to play for him. Not only the way he was sitting, also the stage presence, facing piano and drums, leaving the center to guitar, bass and Hammond. Procol is a miracle of good taste, dark humour and insane virtuosity, and BJ was a gift from heaven. A reminder of talent, and how we shall take care of those wonders among us.
Procol Harum is the best band of the era!! Killer band
I totally agree 👍
We saw Procol Harum 3 times 1974/ 77. The band was unique . I still play drums ( started in Dec 64 ) and BJ is still in my top 20 . His playing on the "live" Conquistador 1972 is a wonder.
Thanks for covering another underrated drummer. Toujours L'Amour!
I loved BJ’s playing since the time I first saw him in New York City on Procol Harum‘s first tour of the United States. I saw him several times after that with the band. His sound and his style has always stayed with me. He had a fluid time feel that is unmistakable in his grooves and fills. Well done!
Guy- Thank you. I heard Procol Harum live 1972 and was astounded by the drummer. Jean Krupa in a rock band. Noticed his "jazz" technique. Great musician. Greatly missed.
What a great choice: BJ Wilson, one of the most underappreciated of the great drummers to come out of the late 60s and early 70s, an era of so many fine players.
That first Procol album has great playing by BJ (and Robin Trower on guitar), with 'Outside the Gates of Cerdes' being a prime example.
Bill Eyden, a jazzer, came from Georgie Fame's Blue Flames, which was Mitch Mitchell's gig for about a year before Fame fired his band to go solo and Mitch joined Hendrix. (Coincidence: Prior to being Jimi Hendrix, the gutiarists stage name was Jimmy James and his band was the Blue Flames. So Mitch went from George Fame & the Blue Flames to the chap who had Jimmy James & the Blue Flames.
Worth noting that BJ and Jimmy Page are both on 'With a Little Help...', which is likely where Page decided BJ would be great for his new band. (Also on that track were longtime Eric Clapton pianist Chris Stainton on bass and Tommy Eyre of Aynsley Dunbar's Retaliation, latter-day Sensation Alex Harvey Band, and others on organ.) Denny Cordell, who produced the early Procol albums, produced that Cocker tune and album of the same name, which featured Page and Wilson on several tracks. Cordell also produced the debut Leon Russell album, which has Wilson on the track 'Hurtsome Body' (Ringo, Charlie Watts, Buddy Harman and Jim Gordon also drum on the album).
Originally, Traffic members Stevie Winwood (guitar) and Jim Capaldi (drums) were on the 'Help From My Friends' session. But after 32 attempts and still not nailing the 12/8 groove, Cordell sent them packing, bringing in Page and Wilson, both of whom were familiar with 3/4, 6/8 and 12/8 time signatures; Page from doing sessions and Wilson from Procol's repertoire.
BJ was very unique in the late 60's/early 70s because he was one of the better rock players who was not a jazzer like, say, Mitchell, Ginger Baker, Jon Hiseman, etc. Even Ian Paice, a huge fan of Buddy Rich, was very jazz-oriented. Wilson also had a boys brigade band background in snare drumming, so he was rhythmically proficient, mixing both closed and open stickings around the kit. His 'symphonic' rolls, paradiddles, cowbell patterns, deep grooves, funky feel and hand-foot independence coupled with his skill for playing for the song whilst adding his own creative flavour made him something of an early Steve Gadd in the rock scene.
Your demo tune selection was also great. 'Bringing Home the Bacon' is a particular fave, as are 'The Unquiet Zone', 'Nothing But the Truth', the solid 'Poor Mohammed' and locked-in 'Outside the Gates of Cerdes'.
Though BJ's replacements, the excellent Mark Brzezicki and then Geoff Dunn, did admirable jobs, BJ was irreplacable. As you noted, he was to Procol Harum what John Bonham was to Led Zeppelin.
Once again, a great choice. Thank you.
Great additional info - thanks!
Cocker's first record had enough juice to get him on the charts here in the States. It's great to know all these other connections - I always wondered how things progressed the way they did from Cocker all the way thru to the Bangladesh concert. I think Page played on of his greatest solos on Bye By Blackbird there.
I always thought of BJ in the same breath as Mitch Mitchell. As a guitar player I found them the most moving and inspirational.
I think the best rock music has a "intrepid" feel, and BJ in Procol is the epitome of that vibe. Still cheers me up and gets me going when I'm feeling down.
Cheers!
That’s so crazy how low he sits, reaching up for everything seems like it would difficult. It’s strange how each player finds their own way to set up.
I had the pleasure of meeting BJ several times and once asked him why he set up his kit the way he did. He said there was no mystery or big philosophy to it, that was just the way it felt most comfortable to him. He also said that when Robin Trower left Procol Harum in 1971, he tried to make BJ go with him, which almost happened, only Reid and Brooker "bought BJ back", reportedly with an MGB. ("Not many people know that.")
Procol Harum was one of my favorites, but didn’t know much about B.J.. very creative drummer. Sad about his downfall. He is remembered as one of the greats in music. Thanks for this informative video bro. Aloha
No problem! Thanks for watching…
Hi Guy, I just discovered your channel this evening and have been enjoying it!
First, I wanted to say that it’s great that you featured BJ Wilson. He is a great drummer and his playing unique. He doesn’t receive enough attention and your video demonstrates why people should check his playing out.
I wanted to also say that I really have enjoyed your playing in Zebra. I have always thought your drum tone is great and love where it sits in the mix. Your playing has always struck me as a great mix of technique and feel. There is a swing that doesn’t sound robotic as some of the technical players do.
The Zebra debut album is one of my all time favorite albums. So, thank you for being part of something that has given me so much enjoyment through the years.
Thanks my friend…your the reason the band has kept playing for close to 50 yrs!!!
Don’t Forget he played on the first record of joe Cocker and on Berlin of Lou Reed
"Simple Sister" is one of my favorite drum performances ever. I learned about it years later because I was a bit too young to appreciate Procol Harum in the early 70s. The film of Wilson playing that low on his set is mind blowing as well. But he definitely was one of those great British drummers and helped Harum's music just jump out of those speakers and grab your attention. Thanks Guy!
Fantastic! Inimitable BJ Wilson. R.I.P. BJ Wilson.
Thanx for bringing BJ to people's attention. One of the greatest drummers that I have ever seen. Great on recordings, but murderous live. RIP...
Couldn't agree more!
Whenever I went to see Procol H my eyes were mostly on BJ because his drum style was (to me) totally unique. He was a great man and I'm so sorry he was hit with depression later in life. Totally a one off unique percussionist!
BJ was a one of a kind player, very different.Thanks for commenting
Excellent video Guy. BJ was a very unique and extremely talented drummer definitely one of my influences
I love music history. It's all about the back stories of the people who make the music. Good stuff!
Been playing the music of Procol Harum for over ten years with my band SormoRock and yes, finding drummers able to fill BJ's spot has always been a daunting task.
Yes, he is tough to understand his playing…thanks!!
A much overlooked, yet brilliant drummer.
Good work here! You do drummers a great service by drawing attention to BJ. He definitely doesn't get the credit he deserves. I'm a guitar player, so Robin Trower's sound caught my ear and I've been a Procol fan since Home. At the very least everyone should check out the first 4(?) records. Trower also doesn't get credit for his pre-solo career work with Procol, but for me it was him and Beck that were throwing it down at that time.
All that music is different but very powerful, and what you say about BJ being like the conductor is more than true. If you listen to the way the songs flow and build up you hear how he drove those songs. His parts were integral to their sound and power. Every drummer should study his playing paying attention to how much and how little he played as well as how dynamic he would be within a single song. He supports everything yet drives it all along. Like the best drummers, he's the engine.
There was also a cult within Procol fans that focused on him; there's a website somewhere out there that has a lot about him
THANKS again!!
Thanks … glad you enjoyed it!!!
What a blessing. Thank you for gifting the world this video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@GuyGelso Many thanks.
Thank you Guy. I've watched a number of your videos and just now understanding that you drum for Zebra. I'm not very familiar with the band beyond "who's behind the door " ,but I must say that song has always been so beautiful overall and the drumming superb. As for Bj Wilson, he is a treat! Lou Reeds " the kids" has a fascinating drum performance and reiterates your stating these early rock drummers didn't have a template. Who else could've filled a song so beautifully and individually? Perhaps many, but I'm so grateful for that performance. Thanks again!
Crazy, watching this on the 8th October 2023. BJ was a great drummer, he fitted Procol's music well, no easy feat with the classical bombast. Don't forget Queen were heavily influenced by Procol. Brian May has played with Gary Brooker many times and Roger Taylor performs on ''Shadow Boxed'' from Procols album, The Well's On Fire.
Excellent video on the far too often overlooked BJ Wilson. His ability to be so incredibly expressive and melodic really makes the songs he played on work. One of my favorites is in his beautiful outro to the title track on "Broken Barricades." It's a great track, if a bit too short, but wouldn't be anywhere near as memorable without BJ's drum work. That could be said for so many of the songs he played on, including Joe Cocker's "Little Help from my Friends."
Couldn't agree more!
My favorite drummer since the early seventies. Never felt so much pleasure listening to a drummer than with him. Actually, he played music more than only drums. Sad he died so young and tragically.
Yea, one of my all time favorites. Thanks for commenting!!!
Anybody know why and what he overdosed on ? So talented ❤
Thanks for featuring older drummers, that are before my time. Very interesting.
I loved this video. Might be worth remembering that A Whiter Shade of Pale in fact did not feature on the original (i.e. UK) version of the group's first album due to record label issues. The single had been released on Deram and the LP was signed to Regal Zonophone (primarily EMI's outlet for the Salvation Army). In the US, however, both the single and the album came out on Deram so there were no legal problems with putting the two together.
I’m 69 years old and can remember where I was and what I was doing when I first heard Whiter Shade. It may not have featured BJ, but it made me a fan for life just the same.
And he did all that incredible drumming using traditional grip.
Thank you for this tribute.. it's well deserved...Well hopefully somebody will watch this that's never heard of him..or procal harum..
Thanks for introduction to a unique drummer!Greetings from Greece
always break out the HARUM live performance from 2008 Denmark, for youngsters .... it still brings tears to many
Nice one Guy! I'm not very familiar with B.J. I'll have to do a deep dive! That setup he had is crazy!
A total original.
Yes he was…thanks!
Great video!
youve got nice influences :) so great :)
If you have any influence at Drumeo can you ask them to put more Procul Harum tracks on as the only BJ Wilson track is With a Little Help.
Sorry, I’m not in contact with Drumeo
Drummers, check out BJ's performance on the Salty Dog album. BJ is a paragon of power, restraint, taste, and bonhomie. Well worth emulating.
Grand Hotel is a Masterpiece
Indeed it is and not easy to play drums to.
The “Octopus in a Bathtub”!
That’s what Gary Brooker called him!!
@@GuyGelso Loved his classic play in With A Little Help From My Friends - could’ve been the first LZ drummer!
Can u do a video regarding Charlie Watt's drumming..?
long live the Octopus.....
❤❤❤❤
Cerdes (Outside the Gates of) is my favorite PH song
WILSON TALENTOSO BATERÍSTA EXTRAORDINARIO.
Guy you and I have basically the same exact drum influences.
Then you have GREAT taste in music…ha ha …thanks for commenting.
Great documentary and, yes, BJ was one of the best in MHO. But, I had liked it better if more footages of his playing would have been shown. Thanks for your good work, though...
Yea they problem is there is never any footage showing closeups of these legendary drummers, only an occasional long shot, so I play parts myself to give people a close up of how great these drummers were.
Him and John Desmore are probably the best drummers of their era I call them theatrical drummers they set the scene
you missed out carmine appice, superb technical & hard hitting.
Carmine had plenty of admirers. Wilson and Densmore are largely unsung. It’s a terrible shame.
When will there be a In Depth video of Phil Rudd of Buster Brown/ACDC
Maybe so…I’ll do some research and see what I can do with Rudd…thanks!!
Just found your channel and I was cought of guard by your unusual set up. So can you tell us (or if you have told it) why you play that set up. I am able to play either way and with either hand...so I am very qurious. I see alot of left handed players playing on a right hand kit...so...thanks in advance.
Thanks for commenting. As far as Tom setup. I use 10.12.8…I feel the 8 on the right has advantages and different tonality that are cool. As for HH’s I’m in the process of going to openhanded playing so I have one on each side (I’m right handed) I play as much as possible with LH on HH unless the feel isn’t there and I’ll move to my safety HH on the right.
Great video, but there is a slight misrepresentation at 0:46. The drum part on "Homburg" was played by Bobby Harrison, not BJ, since it had been recorded when Bobby was still in the band. There had been a big argument in the studio because the others wanted Bobby to play completely straight with no frills (pardon me, fills), which he finally did - albeit very sulkily. Subsequently, when BJ replaced him, a new version was tried out (an acetate still exists), but though BJ overall was by far the better drummer of the two, Bobby's version in this particular case worked better, and in the end BJ just added some fills to Bobby's drum track. Some later releases of the track (particularly the stereo versions) only have Bobby's drumming on them. Likewise, some alternate CD "bonus track" versions of early PH songs feature Bobby Harrison, not BJ Wilson. In the case of Homburg, the issue was subsequently settled in a court case which Harrison won (like Fisher very much later won his copyright case against Gary Brooker over the rights to the organ part on A Whiter Shade of Pale). Speaking with Bobby once concerning the matter, he told me he had bought himself a "very nice MGB" for the money. Incidentally, there was another drummer in the band even before Bobby Harrison, now only remembered by his nickname "Tubbs". If anyone knows the true identity of this gentleman, please step forward. ("Not many people know what").
Thanks for the comment. I dug deep after you mentioned this and did find an interview with Harrison stating this info….thanks.
Guy, have you covered Dave Mattacks yet?
After Procol's debut album was released they recorded a stereo version of AWSOP and of course BJ and Trower were both on that. BJ got fired from Joe Cocker's band because he was always drunk. Read that in a Procol Harum book.
So many self-medicate. Truly a shame
Was he on any joe cocker albums?
Yes, that’s him on Cocker’s Little Help From My Friends and he was his touring drummer for a few years. He’s on several of Cockers live DVD videos.
Great drummer. Sad ending. 😢
Yes very true, thanks for commenting
So many sad endings for so many great drummers… They live hard lives. Deafness often makes shut-ins of them, which engenders depression
You should check out Pierre Van Der Linden.
I will check him out … thanks!!
Poly-plethora about the history of drummers here. Was he the guy at Woodstock?
No. He played on the studio version.
Very impressive - and a really nice tribute to a fantastic drummer..! I have made more cover versions of PH tracks myself - here is one of my favorites where BJ´s playing really comes into focus: ua-cam.com/video/9o_RLuc8608/v-deo.htmlsi=VGFRhOY4gmRogI7S
There are no degrees of unique
"unique" means being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
Dude you need to find something better to do…nothing is going to change here.
I don't like Procol Harum at all .
I think the best album ever made was by Bob Ezrin ( producer , he was the person who made the sound of this album , not Lou Reed ) with Lou Reed .
This is a album briljant produced and with briljant musicians played.
When I heard the drum part on the song ' the Kids ' I was so very impressed ; it is sublime what the drummer there does and invented , to take that song to a much higher level ; incredible !!!!
The same goes for the song ' Lady Day ' ; that open drum style ( what I don't hear in all the other rock bands he played because it would't fit ) and his briljant bass drum work , it is amazing what an impact that has musically on those 2 songs.
I never ever heard that kind of drumming style from an other drummer : probably the cause is what he had musically in his head ; THAT WAS UNIQUE !!!!
In short : the drums parts on those 2 songs are the best I ever heard ; not only technically but mostly musically .
It is difficult to describe but listen to it , than you understand what I mean ( you don't have to like the song , lyrics or singing ) but listen to the musicians and special to B.J. Wilson ; briljant!!!!
Buddy Rich liked BJ's drumming too. BJ should have replaced Keith Moon in the WHO rather than Kenney Jones who was just alright.
That would have been great and probably would have made a strong second act for the Who instead of self-imitation. I’m not sure that BJ could have pulled it off though as he was a substance abuser by then. John Entwhistle would have loved to have him in his rhythm section for sure…
BJ Wilson. Awesome player in taste and all around musicality. Best trad grip player of all rock players in my opinion.
Guy.. you're a straight up beast.. what a great player you are