Procol Harum

The ornate trappings of an old cathedral make the perfect backdrop for a band whose gothic feel was a large part of its initial success. Procol Harum was in fine form for this show recorded for the cameras on the venerable British outfit's final date of its extensive 2003 world tour. This isn't entirely the greatest-hits summary that some might have wanted. Eight songs out of the 21-track set list originate from The Well's on Fire, the well-received 2003 album the group was touring behind. Only vocalist/pianist Gary Brooker and organist Matthew Fisher remain from the original quintet, but except for the unfortunate omission of legendary drummer B.J. Wilson, who passed away in 1989, the sound hasn't noticeably changed with three new members as replacements. Actually both guitarist Geoff Whitehorn and ex-Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki have been members for well over a decade, both joining for a 1991 tour. It would have been a nice touch, though, to have invited original guitarist Robin Trower or longtime lyricist Keith Reid to guest for this gig. Regardless, this is a powerful show and the hits are well represented even with "Whaling Stories," "Power Failure," "Fool's Gold," and "Bringing Home the Bacon" all MIA. The new songs are predominantly bunched in the middle of the set, bookended by the recognizable tunes. It's an unusual arrangement, but one that works reasonably well. Thankfully the group doesn't include anything from its disappointing 1991 Prodigal Stranger release. The white-haired Brooker is in terrific voice throughout and the band is tight, sturdy, and plays with finesse. Snippets of "I Can See Clearly Now" and even "Layla" work their way into the set, throwing unexpected curves into established arrangements and loosening the groove. The band also has fun with the bluesy "Every Dog Will Have His Day" -- one of the more recent tunes -- a rocking highlight that shows there is more grit to Harum than the prog-classical they are known for. The production values, lighting, and camera work are exceptional. They smartly eschew the flashy, quick-cut MTV technique that wouldn't be effective with music and an environment this classy. The camera lingers on the musicians with editing that enhances rather than detracts from the show. The Surround Sound mix is also excellent, adding presence and a crisp live effect without being ostentatious. Interview footage with Brooker is a short but interesting extra that shows how articulate and reflective he is. Old timers who started with the band in 1967 and younger folks discovering Procol Harum for the first time will be equally impressed with this superb document that does justice to a legendary band. [Eagle Vision reissued the DVD in 2006 with an accompanying 11-track audio CD comprised of content from the show.] ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide