Procol Harum - Live in Copenhagen

Starring:Procol Harum
Studio: Classic Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Description

Out of the swirling ocean of psychedelia in July 1967, 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' hit the No.1 spot in many countries throughout the world. At the time it was a song that instantly defined something new: 'classical rock.' It's the melding of rock's electric guitar, powerful vocals and bombastic drums with thoughtful lyrics and the artful complexities of classical melody and arrangement. The very name of the group suggested something far deeper than ordinary pop music ... PROCOL HARUM. They were one of the most popular of progressive rock bands. Many of their singles outsold all rivals, and their most ambitious album tracks still have a strong foll owing. This DVD captures the band performing many of their most popular tracks in Copenhagen, Denmark on 15th December 2001.

Customer Reviews:

Value For Money.......2006-06-05

How much was your ticket to the last concert you attended? More than twenty dollars, I expect. How long did the band play, not counting chit-chat and intermission if there was one? Probably not more than two hours at most. So then, if you are a Procol Harum fan, you should have no qualms about dropping twenty dollars on this fine DVD.
It really gives you value for money. Not only do you get twenty mostly well-chosen songs and great shots of the band at play, but you get a slew of special features, the most important of which is an eight-song feature called Procol Harum: Uninhibited. On this, the viewer is invited to sit in as the band goes through a seemingly informal practice session that covers not only familiar Procol Harum tunes, but also a few old well-known sixties songs written by others that Brooker and Company like to cover such as Hey Joe and Morning Dew.
Some reviewers complain of the the band's lack of animation. Well, this is Procol Harum, not the Rolling Stones. The band is laid back, poised, polished, and rarely misses a note. Fans of the original band should own this just to see how well Matt Pegg, Mark Brzezicki, and Geoff Whitehorn ably fill the shoes of the musical giants who preceded them.
My favorites here are Pandora's Box, Homburg, Fires(Which Burnt Brightly), Beyond the Pale, A Christmas Camel, and the three great classics from the first US album: Repent Walpurgis, Conquistador, and A Whiter Shade of Pale. In the "Uninhibited" feature, my favorites are A Whiter Shade of Pale and She Wandered Through The Garden Fence.
Let me reiterate that Procol Harum-Live In Copenhagen provides lots of value for your money. If you are a fan on any level, you should get this if you have not already done so. It will bond you to the band's music for life.

Professional, polished but ho-hum.......2005-12-01

Procol Harum have been one of the my favourite bands for a long time. Brooker and Fischer are magical. But it was BJ Wilson who really gave the unit its power. And like him or not, Trower added raunch to the class that is Procol Harum. Maybe that's the problem with this set. It's cleanly recorded, immaculately played. But it just never gets in that Procol Harum sound, where all the disparate elements sound as one thrilling rock and roll ride. Brookers wonderful voice soars over a staid background that somehow never gels the way Procol Harum can. I still play this and love it for what it is. It is afterall Procol Harum. My tastes are just not as neat and clean as the sound on this puppy. My suggestion is to first purchase the new DVD Procol Live, which is an audio-enhanced version of the stellar Musikladen DVD from a 1971 performance. Although Trower is gone, BJ Wilson's percussive drive makes this an indispensible gem. A thrilling document. Now, that's Procol Harum as I love them. Another choice that bests the Copenhagen set is the Union Chapel DVD that offers a warm, cohesive sound and stellar playing.

Nothing's better left unsaid.......2005-07-07

First off, there is NO such thing as a bad Procol Harum anything.
That being said, I was left somewhat uninspired. The musicanship was great of course. Flawless lyrical soaring from Gary, Mathew playing his "parts" as one would expect. Artful guitar licks and bass playing. Drumming was weakest point but steady and acceptable. Maybe I approached this with too much life, but the performance as a whole had no fire. Sorry. I agree with a previous review that mentioned the lack of audience enthusiasm. Again as he said, this might be due to lack of production quality. No excuse for that though with today's technology.
I really don't care if Gary plays a grand Piano or his Roland, but I DO object to a portly guitar player wearing a T shirt, tight jeans and sneakers. At least Gary and Mathew had sport coats on. geeeeeze : ) Shine On!

Almost Perfection.......2003-06-24

The "almost" I am speaking of is the lack of enthusiasm in general. (The audience and the band). It's not really that noticable and might just be the way it was recorded... almost "through the board" type of recording. I don't think Procol Harum has to jump around like Mick Jagger... but there is a slight lack of movemnet in the DVD. Just a little stiff. I also agree that with another reviewer that I wish Gary Brooker would play a real piano. And of course B.J. Wilson's drumming is always missed but Mark B. does a great job. That aside...great choices of songs great performances and a very clear recording. This DVD makes me want all the Procol Harum remastered CD's and reminds me how GREAT this band is. Also...Just to get a glimpse of Keith Reid at the end is almost worth the price. Highly recommended DVD.

Quite Rightly , Very Exciting!!!.......2003-01-28

I have seen Procol many times over the years. From their early Filmore east concerts to their most recent shows in NYC. I must say , This is the best I have heard them on a "Live" recording since Robin Trower left the band in 1971.The band is tight and the dynamics are like that of vintage Procol Harum . Geoff Whitehorn plays with the emotion and feel remenisent of Robin Trower(who is 10's in my book) ,while still using his own style and technics. BJ.is a hard act to follow and I miss his playing very much . I give Mark Brezicki alot of credit for keeping in BJ's style but also using his own orginality . Matt Pegg does some very nice licks and blends in well also . As for Mr. Brooker and Mr. Fisher ,It's always great to see these to Pros working together! Procol Harum is truly a great band ,and with out a doubt an "orginal" band . Most of all if you are a real Procol fan this DVD is a MUST HAVE! THX.GC.

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