British guitarist analyses the EVERGREEN Procol Harum live in 2006!

Tonight we're taking a look at Procol Harum live in 2006 performing 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'!
Original video - • Procol Harum - A White...
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[@wingsofpegasus]

TIME STAMPS - 0:45 Performance 4:16 Analysis 6:45 Gary's Vocal 8:53 Constant Descending Bass Line! 11:22 Conductors Importance 13:03 Compositional Inspiration 14:20 Performance Part 2 17:42 Analysis Resumption 19:59 Brief Band History

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Thank you for this. Such a great song and such a wonderful performance. Thank you for all the work you put into these.

[@Divedown_25]

Fil, Please pin this comment so it stays at the top

[@pamelajohnson6199]

Omg...you talk too much...sorry, couldn't hang

[@robertheckler6785]

Please don't pay attention to the"you talk too much" comments. I appreciate all the detailed info conveyed in your reactions. Very enlightening. Keep up the great work.

[@pamelajohnson6199]

This is supposed to be a reaction video, not excise and biopsy and give a load of pseudo---interpretation for us...the ignorant and unwashed masses.

[@b42baritone]

RIP to Gary Booker who died today at 76. Great voice and a Great Great Great Song.

[@beatlessteve1010]

Man his vocals just blast right into your soul!

[@joanmanalo9421]

Not only his vocals but his passion on his craft..just absolutely superb.

[@mikewalker1885]

This is unreal, really, I watch it at least 3 times a week, it should be available on prescription.

[@akyhne]

The orchestra and choir belongs to DR, the national TV station in Denmark, but is at the same time also the national orchestra and choirs of Denmark. They actually have a very popular KZbin channel under the name DR Symfoniorkester. There's a lot of music genres on the channel, but they are mainly known for their interpretation of film music. Do a search on their music on "The Good, the bad and the ugly". It has nearly a hundred million views.

[@Imagine933]

I watch it more than 3 times.

[@kathleenlandolt5936]

I find it very therapeutic also. It's both calming and uplifting! It's so beautiful, it's overwhelming!

[@JennLM-nd1uu]

Me too ❤ RIP

[@pixie3760]

Absolutely!

[@paulcarr5918]

This is my favorite performance of this song by far. I think Gary Brooker's voice sounded even better as he got older.

[@garychambers5850]

Wish it was the same case with Sir Paul McCartney. Sad, he had one of the best vocals of the 60's-90's.. Guess he didnt take care of it?

[@camlendrim7609]

Thank you for analyzing one of the most emotion evoking performances of this iconic song of my youth. Also enjoyed the musical history of Procol Harum as you always include on your videos.

[@jiveturkey9993]

That's a fantastic performance of that song. His voice is perfect in that song aged extremely well. Sounds just as good as the day it came out if not better.

[@erickjohnson2138]

I think he sounds better. The small wear sounds warmer.

[@jiveturkey9993]

@@erickjohnson2138 can't argue with you on that one.

[@BOOMNERD51]

I'd say better, Gary's performance voice and stage presence have aged like fine wine! ❤️

[@garychambers5850]

I agree, I like this performance better than the original from 1967. Its The Orchestra, The Choir, .. Amazing! Gary's voice sounds just like if not better from 1967. The Song brought a tear to my eye.. It really pulled on my heart strings! 🙏🏿💞➕❤

[@Madmanmarque]

I never get tired of hearing this song! Especially this version.

[@andyk2607]

An incredible performance of a true classic. Gary's voice has aged so well and he sings this song with even more emotion live than the original version

[@johne7345]

It is interesting that his voice sounded so mature 40 years ago. Add the fact that this was Procol Harum's first single and an absolute home run product.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

This concert and this particular performance are beyond measure.

[@derickellisster]

As a assical opera singer for the last 30 years, I can only say that a performance like this is as close to perfect as you can get. The smaller things that I can see and hear, things which non musicians and the general public won't pay attention to are almost necessary and therefore add to the perfection of this live performance. As a singer, there is very little that I can say. His voice is iconic and laden with soul. The tennuto at the end of the oboe solo, the rit on the lead in to Gary's first verse, the chorus and dynamic interludes. Perfect

[@HitWaveMusic]

Please critique my cover version of this song that I posted 2 days ago.

[@akyhne]

You should look up the orchestra and choir. They belong to DR, the national TV station in Denmark, but is at the same time also the national orchestra and choirs of Denmark. They actually have a very popular KZbin channel under the name DR Symfoniorkester. There's a lot of music genres on the channel, but they are mainly known for their interpretation of film music. Do a search on their music on "The Good, the bad and the ugly". It has nearly a hundred million views.

[@anne-mariesindruprix4792]

@@akyhne Den ville jeg også have anbefalet.

[@maxmerton]

Oh please. I wish there was an Italian term for those classically trained musicians who mistakenly think that they notice things that mere mortals don’t. Arrogaccio, perhaps? 🤦‍♂️

[@gomogo2000]

Assical opera singer. That's a new one. Don't be so hard on yourself. 😉😅

[@deborahpaley21]

I love that little smile when you like particular parts of the song.

[@justafreethinker]

"Whiter Shade of Pale" for me is one of the most iconic, most powerful and absolute embodiment of what some of the 60's counter-culture and psychedelic movements. I know in my heart that hundreds of years from now, when someone hears this song, it will hit them hard in their soul because that is what masterpieces do. Bravo to Gary and the band and the Danish National Orchestra!

[@tullfan2560]

It's always hit me hard, and it still does today. A special song.

[@HitWaveMusic]

Go react to my cover version of this song that I posted 2 days ago.

[@thomaspick4123]

Hundreds of years from now…. What makes you think the world will continue that long? Don’t you read the Holy Bible? This earth age does not have much time left.

[@Albertanator]

Absolutely stunning...sounds as good as ever....John Lennon once called Whiter shade of pale the most beautiful song he ever heard.....and John knew a thing or two about beautiful music.

[@rickenbacker315]

@@ciccioaporta3774 I read the Beatles all loved this cut. Of course this was right when Manager Epstein had died. This was also, his favorite song, so they all sat and had a good cry with this song playing. Very emotional really..

[@lebe220]

Together with Uncomfortably Numb.

[@patty7beth]

The consistency and quality of his vocal quality is remarkable.

[@jillwright8993]

What an iconic song. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to sing a song 40 years apart and still sound as wonderful. I'm so blown away with this performance and his voice. Thanks so much for analyzing this.

[@johne6081]

It is striking how mature his voice sounded in 1967 and how similar it sounds in this recording. This is absolutely one of my favorite songs.

[@leglessinoz]

It's such a nice sounding oboe in the early stages.

[@ghtsw11]

It was the best use of an oboe that I have ever heard.

[@chadhansen9504]

I have to say that I am very impressed with your general analysis of just about any musician that you have analyzed. I'm even more impressed by the fact that you are as young as you are and have the knowledge that you do. Great work my friend keep it up

[@darthmoll2u]

Would only add the ability to appreciate a very broad range of music such as Fil demonstrates, is a very big plus in my book for a musician or anybody for that matter.

[@safespacebear]

"Whiter Shade of Pale" is just one of those timeless tracks. It's hard to imagine that it could have ever been created. It's just like the sun and moon, it just is. Amazing how strong his voice is at this age.

[@jimpaquette8007]

I never get sick of hearing this version of this great song it gives me chills every time I hear it just an awesome performance!!

[@tinfacesful]

I can't stop listening to this performance, His voice is magnificent. A perfect marriage of orchestral interpretation and vocal performance.

[@debravirden7130]

One of my favorite performances of Whiter Shade of Pale. The orchestra and choir added a richness to the song. His voice proves age is irrelevant.

[@thomaspick4123]

2006. This is the time Matthew Fisher was having his lawsuit to gain copyright in this song along with Brooker and Reid. Fisher won 40% rights from that point on, not from 1967. I wish Matthew could have been involved with this performance. Otherwise, a superb concert. It looks cold outside, but at least it’s not raining. Mark B. was a great drummer. I bet the internal problem between Gary and Matthew must have drove Mark B. back to his old band. The words are basically meaningless, a story about a drunk pickup. Reid’s words were much more meaningful on other compositions. Words are as important as the music. Where would Burt Bacharach have been without Hal David? Burt’s hits were few and far between after Hal left. Thus, the Novum album had some regurgitated highlights musically, but the Peter Brown words were in poor taste thematically.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Absolutely incredible, Gary's voice is still powerful as never before. Thank you Fil for sharing this presentation and your awesome analysis.

[@deedlerock]

As a life-long fan of this band, I've watched the performances from this concert for several years and wondered why there was no big reaction to it (they did all of their great songs btw). I've enjoyed recent reactions to this song by many young people, and having you break it down was the icing on the cake.

[@debraandreason6865]

Rest in peace, Gary Brooker 💙 this song is an absolute masterpiece and I will love it forever! 💙

[@bobjeaniejoey]

During the intro, Fil looks as if he's being rocked in his mama's loving arms. Then, when joining in with his guitar, it was if he was there in Denmark in 2006 for a minute or so, then he's back in mama's arms again for a while. Love your reactions, Fil!

[@stanyukica382]

One of the best live performances

[@MikeLyons2011]

Sublime, magnificent, transcendent...beautiful beyond words

[@larryfried7742]

I was amazed Fil. The performance is just simply put, EPIC. Gary Brooker sounds even better now than when the song first came out. The production quality is brilliant too. What a treat, yes?

[@kevinkilduff2064]

An interpretation for the ages! An Anthem for a by-gone era. Beautiful arrangement and delivery by all involved, but especially by Gary, who is top form. Great insights as usual. Your enthusiasm for this song and this performance is contagious. Thanks again, Fil!

[@jimmyg5636]

I love when a symphony accompanies classic rock artists It’s the best of both worlds 🤘

[@mmccartney6579]

You can thank The Beatles for it. Cheers! :)

[@daseguin]

Gary's musical inspiration in writing this was Bach, and many (maybe most) of their songs were classically inspired.

[@paulm749]

Start to finish, this performance is an absolute triumph.

[@Ladysensei]

RIP Gary Booker frontman and founding member of Procol Harum

[@bluetuber501]

I absolutely love this enhanced rendition of this song. Gary's voice is incredibly powerful as you said "39 years" later. I love all the emotion and power you can feel.

[@jackwalker1822]

Gary Brooker, such a songwriting genius in addition to being an incredible vocalist, piano player, and arranger of songs as well. Definitely one of the top songs ever written.

[@mourningknightprog]

There are no words to describe how beautiful and great this song is.

[@user-bg3be6dk4f]

to my ears he still sounds the same. Wonderful.

[@damialle]

Definitely an iconic tune, I never tire of hearing it (I was 15 when it was released, so it’s a memorable part of my youth). And with the orchestral and choral backing, it gives the song a classical feel that takes it from being a great 60’s hit to a timeless masterpiece. Beautifully performed by Gary Brooker, and a wonderful analysis by Fil as always.

[@fredericmirabella5807]

39 years later is the just the time needed for the lyrics to sound plain. To me this is the best version ever. Because it's written on a variation of Aria from J.S Bach it's no surprise it fit so well within the philarmonic intro and surrounding of this orchestration. The chorus just put it on wings. What a soul ! And copper section at the end make it sound like a victory march. "There is no reason and the the true is plain to see"

[@jerrymeadows5059]

I've seen this video at least two dozen times and it never gets old.

[@lynndow3185]

I have a 'bookmark' for it! I turn to it all the time!

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Never tired of this in over 50 years,the finest group ever in my opinion and thet should have been much bigger. They have many other great songs which seldom get played

[@pgrabar]

The original Procol Harum was really a super group - Gary Brooker a superb singer/pianist, Robin Trower an ace guitarist, BJ Wilson one of the best (and underrated) drummers ever.

[@kathryntreadway6647]

Bravo! Wonderful to see the old rockers giving such incredible performances!

[@walterfechter8080]

This wondrous tune resurrects great memories of a special lady, my band mates and I -- so long ago. In my mind, I can still envision my band between sets, a dance floor, my dj pal cuing up this tune for the very first time, a mirror ball spreading rotating shards of light across a dance floor, and a lovely lady slow dancing with yours truly. Truly great music sets the stage for a mood and memory which will never pass away. Thanks Gary and the rest of the musicians/vocalists. Thank you, Fil, for sharing and doling out some great information. Cheer-o!

[@jjackflash8907]

Always loved the Hammond organ with the Leslie speaker, a fixture on 70s rock. no other sound the same ,iconic.

[@HitWaveMusic]

I did a cover version 2 days ago on a keyboard and it sounds just like the same organ. See if you can tell the difference 😉

[@jjackflash8907]

@@HitWaveMusic Agree the organ sounds like a hammond but there is no mistaking the sound of Leslies and the waves of sound they produce, that doppler affect that I haven't heard from another sound source. I have a guitar pedal that sounds a little like it but I can tell the difference. Still thanks for the tribute for Mr. Booker, he will be missed. I'm 72 and it seems like my musical heroes are going fast. So sad.

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

I love the orchestral resolution around 3.00 and the "amen" ending...

[@BTom16]

A perfect song, perfect choir, perfect orchestra, with the correct singer. A masterpiece. RIP, Gary Brooker. You brought great beauty to this mortal coil.

[@DeSi-um8gf]

Who here for Fil's smile? ☝️😁

[@danjestic9199]

Fil is just one amazing person

[@user-qi7cc9ti5e]

Love this song, I am 70yrs and grew up with this song and all the incredible music in that time brings back so many good memories, wow Gary has lost his voice at all, in fact love this song even more now xxxx

[@nancyloomis3046]

This song from 1967, when I was but 11 years old, will take me back to the mid 60’s faster than anything. It’s almost a haunting song, but I love to hear it although I have no idea of the meaning of the words. There were lots of memorable songs from the 60s, which I think is probably the greatest decade of music that we’ve seen in modern history. But a WSOP, by Procol Harem with Gary Brooker singing lead, is certainly one of the best, if not one of the most iconic, from that decade.😅

[@Nan-59]

1967. I was 8 years old. The 60’s were an incredible time, even though I was a bit young, they ran right smack into the 70’s which were still incredible…. What I remember of them!❤❤✌🏻 Have a good one!

[@axiomist4488]

When the organ started the solo and the choir came in and blended with the organ, I began to cry. It was sublime ! This piece is something even the Beatles (with all due respect) could not have written . Gary's voice is still beautiful, even after all the years . The lyrics are as amazing, or maybe more, than the organ (I dont know !) They get lost somewhat in all the sounds here. How wonderful it must have been , being there in Denmark, listening to this, live ! Gary must be a genius, to have written this .

[@alskjdfsldkjf]

My favourite song… but let’s not ignore Keith Reid, who wrote the lyrics that made it the classic that it is…

[@montedyoung3247]

What a voice!

[@JoeKaye959]

I love to watch Fil watching things.

[@drewpall2598]

Welcome to the club! Joseph Kaye. 👀

[@marileneparanhos3454]

@@drewpall2598 may I join to club too, Drew?

[@drewpall2598]

@@marileneparanhos3454 More the merrier as they say! 😊

[@thudstamper7965]

About time, Fil. Whiter Shade of Pale is one of those songs that will float on forever.

[@harrisgearheart1277]

One of the few performances I've seen where I can say with confidence that the Captain is enjoying the ride as much, maybe even more, than the passengers. His being a little seasick notwithstanding. ty.

[@dougpoulton5544]

The string section turned this into a serious piece of music you can see in their faces. Although not shown in this video, Gary made it a point to thank the violinists at the close of the song. Great concert, I have the DVD and watch it often. Some songs are just timeless.

[@jrichard711]

Didn't know that there was a DVD. Thanks.

[@dougpoulton5544]

@@jrichard711 I found it on ebay about 8 years ago but just looked and they are getting harder to find. I'm surprised someone hasn't remastered it to blu-ray yet. I think there would be a market for it. The copy I have is standard DVD format, not blu-ray.

[@loveisall5520]

I loved them in the sixties, I love their music now. Thanks to our Danish friends!

[@yuvegotmale]

Without a doubt WSOP is such a landmark song....a song that a lot of us VietNam vets reflect back on ......such a powerfull song...thank you Fil for this.....

[@jryecart8017]

best wishes from USS LEXINGTON CV-16

[@tullfan2560]

With all those instruments in the song, none is better than Gary's voice. It's rare that a voice is that good, that captivating.

[@MSCJC97]

Great analyses, Fil. I came across this a few years back and was blown away by the entire arrangement. Anytime you can incorporate an orchestra into an already masterpiece is a wonderful thing. Well done, cheers!

[@akyhne]

The orchestra and choir belongs to DR, the national TV station in Denmark, but is at the same time also the national orchestra and choirs of Denmark. They actually have a very popular KZbin channel under the name DR Symfoniorkester. There's a lot of music genres on the channel, but they are mainly known for their interpretation of film music. Do a search on their music on "The Good, the bad and the ugly". It has nearly a hundred million views.

[@cherylnorris2742]

My late father referred to this song as the greatest piece of classical music ever made. He was, like this music, beautiful and cool.

[@jasonjoyner6940]

A timeless classic! You know you've hit it big when an orchestra is backing up your song.. Thanks Fil....

[@donnacollinsstrong2098]

Was this not one of the most beautiful songs ever. Really Really loved it! This is such an old song but never goes out of style. Thumbs-up to this... Beautiful Beautiful

[@patrickfilippone5249]

R.I.P Commander. You are greatly missed....

[@larlar8580]

This made me cry…the intro with the orchestra was just beautiful, then the song…perfection!

[@larlar8580]

…and the choir…just outstanding…I’m so glad I heard it. Thanks Fil

[@BearBudgetTurbine]

When rock is art...

[@ChuckHackney]

I listen to this version at least once a week. Why? At its' best, great music has the power to make you smile or bring you to tears, or make your spirits soar or make you cry. This song has the power to make you feel all these in one version. Maybe the greatest single song if the rock era. I wish more rock music had been set to orchestral music. Simply transcendant, of another plane of spiritual existence.

[@pixie3760]

This song still brings tears to my eyes. See you at the next gig Gary, until then RIP.

[@readtheinstructions1407]

Wow, what a voice, he could still belt it, even after all these years...impressive.

[@Dan-dg9pi]

A performance of our beauty. Really appreciate the little details that make it work so well. I am not a professional musician but it is really fascinating to hear your analysis that makes the song so much more interesting.

[@Xipify]

One of the few songs in rock&roll that's almost perfect. A great version. Thanks.

[@kensod6034]

Wow ... Gary can belt it out... He cuts thur it like a knife. Thanks professor. 😃 🎸

[@papaquonis]

What an experience the audience must have had. A nice warm summer evening, sitting in comfy chairs having a nice picnic in a castle garden, listening to Procul Haurum in top form and a whole damn symphony orchestra. I love a wild rock concert with the volume turned up to 11 and the crowd going crazy - but man, this really looks like a brilliant show.

[@cpbricef]

Gary, Rest In Peace. God bless you. Neil

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I like their brand of orchestral rock. I grew up in the Edmonton area and saw them perform with the ESO a few times.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Those concerts with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra were great. I saw 4 of them.

[@raeyearnd3260]

@@dwaynewladyka577 A great Album too

[@chuckschillingvideos]

That voice. Oh, that voice.

[@mr.marcus3123]

In 1967, when this came out, John Lennon in his newly purchased 'Psychedelic Rolls' would play this record over and over and over again! A mesmerizing musical masterpiece of a generation!

[@Nan-59]

I love that organ! It’s an entrancing melody! I’ve always loved it! 🥰 ❤✌🏻

[@BusinessButlers]

Thank you Fil and thank you Gary, RIP

[@matthewjamestaylor]

Thanks for sharing this Fil. I have watched this performance more times than I can count. I am also old enough to remember when the song came out. Amazing to us even then. It was so haunting and so different from everything else. Keep in mind that Yes and ELP were not there yet. This song is certainly one of the first prog rock songs and it still sounds great today. Finally, I would put Gary Brooker's voice up there with Burton Cummings and David Clayton Thomas. Two guys you should feature. Cheers.

[@garychambers5850]

I would put Gary's vocals above Burton Cummings and David Clayton Thomas.. Not too many vocalists to compare Gary with. Hes that good! He had a lot of competition back in 1967.. Paul McCartney being one, Gary Puckett, Even the singers from Three Dog Night. 🙏🏿❤

[@pcatful]

Gary seemed to allow himself a celebration after the organist nailed the last solo.

[@scottbishop2061]

By far my favorite song ever. Gives me chills

[@lovecrafthpl4620]

would argue that his voice is even Better at this point....

[@phil2bfree]

About 3 years ago, I asked Fil to analyzes Procol Harum. Now in Feb 2022, it is more pressing than ever with the tragic passing of Gary Brooker. Of course, Whiter Shade of Pale is one of the most iconic songs of the 60s. With its enigmatic, almost mystical lyrics and its accompaniment with a string orchestra, it is a far cry from the guitar-driven psychedelia of the era. The group was prolific & released 10 albums. Brooker also released four solo albums and wrote and sang for Eric Clapton’s band and with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, and he toured with Ringo Starr’s band Ringo’s All-Starrs. In 2003, Queen Elizabeth II made him an MBE - member of the Order of the British Empire - for services to charity.

[@MarieahM]

Quite amazing that Gary sings this better in his 70s than he does on the original track. I listened side by side and was astonished. IMHO the five best years of music ever were 1967 to 1972

[@morganlatte9688]

I could listen to this song a thousand times.

[@marciahuehn2365]

I learn so much about music from your reactions and comments...they allow me to appreciate it fully. Your smiles warm my soul and show your love for what you know and do❤.

[@JGLewis-jn2km]

I think that Gary Brooker's vocal performance on Whiter Shade of Pale is one of the best in rock history.

[@daseguin]

He wouldn't have even come close in 1967 to the vocal maturity he gained up to this. He aged like fine wine.

[@DeepsongProductions]

You are truly a master of analyzing songs, FIL Cheers

[@lynneforbes4420]

Thanks Fil, I could listen to you all night long! ❤

[@joycejean-baptiste4355]

Wow, amazing, Mr. Gary Brooker's vocal stylings were awesome. The orchestra and ja,zzy style mix is amazing. His voice is still very strong here. I was 12 years old the first time I heard this in 1968 on the radio. He was probably in his 20's. Soulful and strong voice. Thanks for the analysis.

[@joeltwinx3805]

This song gets you emotional without even knowing the words

[@jeremiahdixon9379]

Glad to have heard it first time around....... absolutely timeless

[@cpbricef]

Fil, I was surfing KZbin and I found this concert: "PROCOL HARUM - LIVE Osaka Festival Hall, 1972 EXTREMELY RARE." It's a bit esoteric but I love it. One more thing, IMHO, I think Gary's voice is like fine wine, it sounds better now, age has been good to him. Edit: "Whiter Shade of Pail" is the closing song

[@2msvalkyrie529]

He did ' Conquistador " at this same concert . It's been uploaded elsewhere. Words fail when trying to describe how brilliant it was.

[@wg7644]

You SIR are SPOT ON!!! love this commentary and your joining in with the bass.

[@brendancronin3796]

I love this version ...the orchestration is just sublime and what a voice.

[@user-qi7cc9ti5e]

Love you, your knowledge and appreciation of good music, can't wait to see and listen to your comments xxx

[@SandraRNCCRN]

Well done Fil! Absolutely fantastic analysis!

[@erickjohnson2138]

I enjoy watching you grin when you hear greatness. But a full blown smile tells me we agree on something.

[@geraldbrown640]

My favourite song of all time, perfect 🥰