Drummer reacts to "A Salty Dog" by Procol Harum

[@ArniePorter]

This song sung by lead singer Gary Brooker is about a pirate ship and it’s crew’s experience when ship wrecked, dying and passing over to the other side. If you listen to or read the lyrics it all makes sense.

[@winstonelston5743]

I think of Dead Man's Bay near Steinhatchee, Florida, the historic marker regarding a failed expedition of exploration. As for the seagulls, check the liner notes for the _Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra_ album. The group gave their audiences their money's worth, and more. Imagine an alien radio-astronomer in a star system fifty-five light years away finding this in among the cosmic background noise?

[@ChuckDrennen]

You must do "Conquistador "

[@edalisauskas7313]

Yes. Conquistador next!! The live version with the orchestra Powerful song. You’ll see

[@jellyrollnorton]

Procol Harum’s big hit was “A Whiter Shade of Pale." A lot of people react to a live version, but it was the studio version we heard and loved first.

[@julianbarber4708]

And Homburg.

[@jrusso4753]

Lee, the Procol Harum rabbit hole is very deep. They were masters of story-telling music. Not really a bad tune in the catalog. To really gain perspective you need to compare this to other "hits" in 1969. There was very little on the radio that could compare to Procol Harum. I personally consider them the first prog rock band and they highly influenced my own musical writings and performances. Thanks for the reaction. Love your channel. Peace and love to all.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

You obviously love them as I do.I have listened constantly since the first time I heard their awesome first song back in 1967,have everything by them and have seen them live 8 times.You are right to say there's hardly a bad song in their catalogue. Good luck with your own music you couldn't have a better influence than Procol Harum.

[@jrusso4753]

@@jeffreybooth5129 8 times? You have me beat by 4! First saw them on a triple bill. Procol Harum, John McLaughlin and Leslie West. If you haven't seen Brooker with the Danish Orchestra, do so. Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmG2naiCjdOihtU

[@jeffreybooth5129]

@@jrusso4753 it's OK thanks I have the dvd.

[@RoaryJP]

This might not be the best example but the drummer here, BJ Wilson, was a phenomenal drummer. You can really hear him shine on the live version of Conquistador (Edmonton 1972), or on 'Bringing Home the Bacon', or 'Power Failure'. He also played with Joe Cocker (A little help from my friends) and was the drummer for the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack.

[@gregjones861]

Yes! And what a unique, incredible feel he has.

[@RoaryJP]

@@gregjones861 He was amazing. His sizzle smooth snare work on Grand Hotel - just terrific. I put him in a group that I refer to as "clever" drummers. Not too flashy, not using odd time when unnecessary, just tasteful and smart drumming. BJ, Barrie Barlow (Tull), Dave Mattacks (Fairport), and Gerry Conway (Cat Stevens) are in that group.

[@tool_fighter]

No. He really was the best drummer. He could fill the shoes of anyone in the top ten greatest drummers but. One of them could fill his shoes. As Jimmy Page once said, “ nobody can touch NJ Wison. It’s amazing to me that he isn’t in any top drummer lists, but then again those lists are more biased towards the popularity of the bands.

[@PaulHilburger]

Gary Brooker was an amazing vocalist. One of the best in Rock/Prog Rock

[@andrea-v2s]

by far

[@ScottDeBerg]

“Simple Sister” off their Broken Barricades album is a rocker. Keep up the great work. And check out the live version of this song.

[@andrea-v2s]

imo one of the best songs EVER!

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

That was the late Gary Brooker on vocals. The mellotron provides the orchestral strings sound. Robin Trower solo is a treat, his"Bridge Of Sighs" like this album is a staple on my list. Peace and Love from the grandson of a Portuguese fisherman!

[@rdmtimpaz]

Not a mellotron - those were real strings (arranged by Brooker, no less).

[@tool_fighter]

That was a real orchestra

[@OU812cheeto]

I love the picture this song paints. You can see every scene. Brilliant.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

My favourite band of all time, They have so many great songs and must be the most underrated band ever. Yes please do more Procol songs i dont think you will regret it and i will definitely view even though i have e all their music .

[@bigdave1302]

Procol Harum's drummer, BJ Wilson, was Jimmy Page's first consideration for 'The New Yardbirds,' which became Zeppelin. Jimmy and BJ Wilson both played on Joe Cocker's version of, With a Little Help From My Friends.

[@erictownsend8870]

Led Zep also considered Barriemore Barlow when John Bonham died - two of my favorite drummers!

[@richgaluppo4417]

Might I suggest their "Shine On Brightly" lp in it's entirety. Welcome to Gary Brookers house, PROCOL HARUM.

[@silvertube52]

It's Gary Brooker on vocals and piano. The song is mostly Gary and the drummer B.J. Wilson with a string section. One of many wonderful melodies written by Gary Brooker set to the poetry of Keith Reid. Other PH songs to hear include the 18 minute epic "In Held Twas In I", "Simple Sister", and "Whaling Stories". Then again, I love "The Devil Came form Kansas" so the list of great Procol Harum songs is a long one.

[@allengator1914]

You should do their song "Conquistador", which is their 2nd biggest hit after "Whiter Shade of Pale", next.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

Try their many Live videos from the 70s they are very good Lee !! Procol Harum and The Moody Blues both with albums in 1967' are really Classic Progs 1st bands even though most thinks it's King Crimson in 1969' !!! 🎶

[@brewstergallery]

As you are a drummer you should pay attention to the insanely fluid advanced playing by B J Wilson. His set up had his snare up around his chest and he was nicknamed an Octopus in a Bathtub. You can see him solo in a 1976 live video called Power Failure. Yeah this is a story that I think is about a shipwrecked crew on an island who are just realizing that they are dead.Their most famous song is Whiter Shade of Pale, but check out Conquistador, Broken Barricades, Simple Sister, Whiskey Train, Shine On Brightly, Power Failure.....

[@mantroid]

That is a crazy drumming style! He also has a killer left wrist like non other than Buddy Rich.

[@gregjones861]

I second ALL of those tracks.

[@stephenmichael8837]

They make my top 10 favorite bands. They were so very inventive and used orchestration in amazing ways. Thanks Arnie so many great great tracks. Keith Reid writes all the Lyrics. They were terrific in concert. 3 times ‘69 ‘70 ‘72 I think

[@jeffreybooth5129]

My personal favourites, been lucky enough to see them live 8 times.Always good to hear of other Procol fans.

[@stephenmichael8837]

@@jeffreybooth5129 you’re a lucky man (not an ELP reference) I did see Brooker with Ringo’s Allstar band that was good.

[@brucehenninger2662]

It's already been mentioned by a couple of previous commentors, but PH's 17-minute suite "In Held T'was In I" from 1968 was one of the very first big prog epics, and in some ways set the template for more famous side-long epics to follow such as "Tarkus," "Supper's Ready" and "Close to the Edge." Recommended.

[@johndoe-gt6gp]

This was such a phenomenal, creative album from start to finish. I wore out several copies of it.

[@WhatIs7XSix]

Gary Brooker wrote and sang the music , Keith Reid wrote the crazy lyrics, as they did for all Procol Harum songs. This is one of their easier songs to understand. I think Procol Harum was classified as psychedelic rock = and most songs were a trip. They were unusual for their time (or any time) but were very popular in the '60's & '70's.

[@marksmith9566]

Always loved this album.

[@rickharper3940]

best drum sound ever

[@brainawayfilms1687]

Gary was from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England - a proper maritime town.

[@jazzzman8050]

A very influential and wide ranging band, with the sort of classical touches that spawned prog rock just a few years later (PH began in ‘67). Their first 5 albums featured Robin Trower on guitar, and the mix of stately piano and organ, powerful drumming and Gary Brooker’s voice with Trower’s gritty guitar is well worth the deep dive! Keith Reid’s lyrics ranged from sheer poetic genius to depressing drudge…an absolutely unique band! 👍

[@jeffreybooth5129]

THE BEST BAND EVER IN MY OPINION.

[@freezademusic7745]

It would be great if you could listen to Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. It is the British band's first live album released in 1972. It was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on November 18, 1971. In my humble opinion it is one of the 5 or 10 best rock works in history.

[@shemanic1]

Memories are made of tunes like this & their great hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale." I also love "Conquistador" & "Walpurgis Night"

[@erictownsend8870]

One of my favorite albums of all time, in fact several Procol Harum albums are (I'm also a #1 Tull fan). Keith Reid wrote the lyrics for Procol Harum, then sent them via snail mail to Gary Brooker (main vocalist, piano, most orchestral arrangements, various other instruments, and wrote the music for most songs). Robin Trower did not appear in this song but all the others on the album, and he wrote one fantastic song on this album that he also sings: "Crucifixion Lane." I recommend the song "Simple Sister" from their 5th album, the last one with Robin Trower, out of many I could recommend. B.J. Wilson is one of my favorite drummers with unique rhythms perhaps more noticed on other cuts.

[@bluecrueful]

The drums in this are epic

[@paulkingartwerks7981]

Great Band! Great reaction. Try: "Whiter Shade Of Pale", "Conquistador", "Whisdey Train" and "Simple Sister".

[@L33Reacts]

I'll add them to the list! Thank you.

[@gerrydantone6834]

This song was the beginning of progressive rock. The live version of this, and "Whiter Shade of Pale," in concert in Denmark are incredible. "Whiter Shade of Pale" is one of the top singles of all time. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaWZm6x7e8poja8si=DyWUDlG4PorurD5t

[@dekk640]

Gary Brooker an absolute legend.. You need to check out Whiter Shade of Pale live in Denmark it will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your face. Keep up the good work, still my favourite reactor. Love, Forever Changes worth a listen.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

He was told he must first spend five years in contemplation. After the five years, he was ushered into the Dalai Lama's presence, who said, 'Well, my son, what do you wish to know?' So the pilgrim said, 'I wish to know the meaning of life, father.' And the Dalai Lama smiled and said, 'Well my son, life is like a beanstalk, isn't it?' *In Held ’Twas in I*

[@erictownsend8870]

There are about 10 or more cuts I'd recommend for next listen, but in the interests of time I suggest Simple Sister, from their 1971 album Broken Barricades (their 5th album). It really shows off the whole band: Gary Brooker vocals and piano, Robin Trower guitar, very unique drummer BJ Wilson, bassist Chris Copping, and Gary's orchestral arrangements. It's a hard hitting cut versus A Salty Dog. One of the other mainstays Matthew Fisher (organ) had left before this album, and after this one Robin Trower went solo for a long guitar god career.

[@chitownlee]

This is my favorite of their's.

[@kurtkish6970]

Such a cool album cover!

[@rhondamcewananderson3968]

I just love this band! 🎶❤️

[@kurtkish6970]

Please do this whole album. “The Devil Came From Kansas”!!! Procol Harum needs their own Day- Maybe Procol Wednesdays? Do it!

[@fixzeichner5592]

The devIl came from Kansas is also my favorite Procul harum piece.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

I wouldn't argue with a Procol harum day,best band ever in my opinion.

[@davidbarker77]

Congrats on 10k. That’s a meteoric increase. Well done. Play great music and they will come. I look forward to many more reactions, Lee.

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

this song always had such a lonely feel to it..

[@pauldover1403]

That's a great choice, I love the early Procol's music. You might have heard "A Whiter Shade of Pale" before which is their biggest hit and still a favourite nowadays, Brooker's vocals are very distinctive as are the piano and organ. The cover picture was based on the logo for Player's Navy Cut cigarettes, a famous brand in Britain.

[@paulnixon9861]

Described as one of the most "unclassifiable" of groups, which accurately describes the variety of their output. Probably most famous for "Whiter Shade of Pale", I'd also check out "Homburg", "Conquistador", and "Kaleidoscope"

[@ShiverHinge]

Morphic resonance at its finest!

[@diogenesagogo]

A sand so white And sea so blue No mortal place at all Desmond Morris (The Naked Ape) had a theory that we evolved on the shoreline, which I find very convincing.

[@onemerlin]

Tastes differ, and this was the one of their songs that never quite clicked for me. "Conquistador" and "Whiter Shade of Pale" were the tracks that really grabbed me.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

They have many more great tracks I have everything they ever did.

[@stephentierney9266]

Procol Harum’s greatest gift might be Robin Trower. Influenced heavily by Hendrix,his bluesy playing at the top of my playlist. Check him out bro.

[@jellyrollnorton]

Yay for 10K!

[@glenndespres5317]

Grand Hotel from 73 is something you might like.

[@pete3883]

69 in Atlanta, listen to 1000 times, still don't comprende ?

[@aabbo2]

R.I.P. Gary Brooker

[@phildiamond8549]

Juicy John Pink my favourite.

[@erictownsend8870]

Another great pre-prog band was Spirit, also with an unusual drummer.

[@davidrauh8118]

Gary Brooker, piano and voice, wrote the music for almost their entire catalog. Keith Reid always wrote the lyrics. Similar to the collaboration of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. But Procol Harum would use orchestras from time to time. Check out A Whiter Shade of Pale, Live in Denmark.

[@1967PONTIACGTO]

From this album try "The Devil Came From Kansas".... and try the song called "Shine on Brightly" from their album of the same name

[@crosebore3781]

The album on Tony Banks top 10

[@willemvandeursen3105]

I have wondered where lyricist Keith Reid based this song on, what the inspiration was. Now the band had on the same album another song with a similar sea theme; 'The Wreck of the Hesperus'. Which also happens to be a mid-19th century poem by 'acclaimed' writer Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. So I looked up that poem. And was disappointed; Mr Wadsworth Longfellow based his poem mostly on a newspaper item about this ship that was wrecked in a storm, but what struck me was the emotionless newspaper mood-- the drama in his description of a ship's demise, was not there! So, going back to Procol Harum, I found that Keith Reid's 'Hesperus' lyrics contained tragedy and drama. 170 years later, Reid outdid Wadsworth Longfellow!

[@maraboo72]

Almost always this fantastic band is only known for "A Whiter Shade of Pale" what is very close to a severe crime. They influenced a lot of musicians including the young Genesis f. e. . This specific album contains some great tracks and some not so strong ones as well. But after that they made some albums without any weakness I think. There is "Shine on Brightly" with the "In held Twas in I" suite which takes almost the whole side 2 and can be seen as a role model for songs like "Supper's Ready". "Home" and "Grand Hotel " are my favorite albums and have the potential for the 10 magic albums for the desert island. And of course they released a live album that is extra class "Live in Concert with the Edmonton Orchestra". As someone already mentioned they are worth something like a PH wednesday imo. I had to wait to 1992 until I finally saw them and it was great. In 1995 I saw them in a show directly before Jethro Tull. Not so good for Tull. They paled. (And I love Tull since their 1st album, too.) The drummer needs to be mentioned. B. J. Wilson was Jimmy Page's first choice for Led Zeppelin. He refused and stayed with Procol Harum. I see that as a win - win - win. One for Procol Harum, one for Led Zeppelin (Bonham is adequate for their music) and one win for the audience.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

My favourite band of all time and it's always appreciated when I hear others share my enthusiasm for this great band. In Held Twas in I would be great to see someone react to.

[@jpirard]

GARY BROOKER was the main lead vocalist

[@erictownsend8870]

I can't really choose a favorite album among the first 7 albums! If forced, it would be between A Salty Dog and Broken Barricades.

[@wowwhywow]

A Salty Dog is VAGUELY a concept album. There are really only 3 or 4 songs that would be arguably "linked"... The Wreck of the Hespuerus,Pilgrim's Progress, Devil Came from Kansas, Jiucy John Pink and Crucifixion Lane could be conceptually connected...Iguess... but you would have do do a lot of immagining. Having said that... it's a great album... a classic.

[@marksmith9566]

Try Klaatu "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft Song by Klaatu"

[@pete3883]

18th century Brit naval tune, after drinkin'

[@moonrich3492]

Give a listen to the live version of Power Failure with a solo by one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, B. J. Wilson. (Reportedly, B. J. was first choice for Led Zeppelin drummer, but he declined.)

[@DonBolton-d6t]

It was an album created in the Abbey Road studios and they had free rein with all the instruments there. Listen to their later works like the album HOME for another side of their works. Drummer BJ Wilson was a god not shown here

[@Tsongkapa1]

In Held Twas In I

[@wheelz_A-OK]

Yes, you clueless

[@captaincoconut8967]

This is a great band with better songs than this plus robin trower is the guitarist in this band