Drummer reacts to "In Held Twas In I" by Procol Harum

[@gerrydantone6834]

I was fortunate enough to see Procol Harum twice in the last 10 years, once at smallish venue, The Place at Westbury. They were fantastic, and though Gary Brooker was getting on in years, he never sounded better. His passing was a great loss.

[@DonBolton-d6t]

The name of the piece In Held ‘Twas In I represents the first word in each movement. Lyricist Keith Reed wrote poems that Gary would receive and use them in music he had been writing. If you follow the words expressed it is a journey of introspection and self discovery that Keith portrays eloquently. It read just as a poem is moving in and of itself. The music delivers it in a pre interpretive mood. I saw this performed live at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra and a full choir. In a rare appearance Kieth read the words for the opening “In”. This was back in 73. The remote partnership between Kieth and Gary existed through all of the Procol Harum songs. At times the lyrics would get macabre, spiteful, and heavy hearted based on events in Kieth’s life. Check out the song Fires The Burnt Brightly… it is Keith expressing feelings from his divorce… Procol was known for Whiter Shade Of Pale but their entire catalog is incredible though largely unknown except for ardent fans.

[@PittDaddy]

I spent most of my high school and college years listening to Procol Harum in the 60s-70s. I was privileged to see them live 5 times. We were so lucky to have this music to listen to. To me, this was the best of their albums followed closely by Grand Hotel. It still moves me 50 years later. I'm glad you are being introduced to these incredible bands. I was a keyboard player in a garage band back then and spent hours learning their songs. Definitely listen to Repent Walpurgis, Shine On Brightly (the title song), and Homburg.

[@waynecox3958]

I always follow this with GRAND HOTEL. Try it. We'll like it.

[@wowwhywow]

The title of this song is an anagram of the first word of every section of the poem by Keith Reid that was the basis of this song. The poem has 5 sections... the first starts with IN, the second starts with HELD the third, with T'WAS, the fourth part (which has music written by the organist Mathew Fisher instead of Gary Brooker) starts with IN and the final part starts with I.

[@brumleytwitch6265]

BJ Wilson is a drummer to take notice of. I saw Procol Harum a half dozen times from '71 to '76 (one time, at which the Eagles were the opening act), and BJ was always impressive.

[@brewstergallery]

The Octopus in a bathtub ! That solo by the late great BJ during the live Power Failure is insane.

[@tool_fighter]

Greatest technical drummer in rock.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Thanks for being brave enough to do this epic Procol harum track.I know you have done a handful of their songs now and i think you have realised why they have lots of devotees. They were definitely underrated in the U.K. and deserved far more acclaim. Maybe Grand Hotel or Whaling Stories could be next,but whatever you decide to do by them is fine by me.

[@johnclibbens6803]

Brilliant album.

[@davidhanson8681]

"Simple Sister" is PH's best rocker. It has an insane instrumental interlude.

[@waynecox3958]

Don't forget Whiskey Train

[@-R.Gray-]

For a couple of songs on the 1970 album Home, where guitarist Robin Trower plays a bigger part, try "Whiskey Train" and "Whaling Stories". After 1971, he felt too constricted in this band, and started making albums under his own name, his guitar style heavily influenced by Hendrix. At 78 years old, he is touring with a new album.

[@jazzzman8050]

Trower’s solo on the Grand Finale here is when I first understood passion, as expressed through electric guitar. There’s some of that on the first album, too, once I recognized it. This album predates King Crimson and Yes by a year. For all the reasons you mentioned, a truly influential band, that got pigeonholed by their early “big hit”. I think you’d enjoy any of BJ Wilson’s drumming in PH. He declined Jimmy Page’s invitation to join “The New Yardbirds” to stay here. Brooker described Wilson as “an octopus in a bathtub” Anyway, nice reaction/review as always, and there’s a lot more to hear from this band! 👍

[@Ross-e9o]

First of all congratulations for presenting this masterpiece. Do yourself a favour and listen to it several times, it’s a journey that needs to be explored. Above all it’s an experience of life, sometimes in the abstract, sometimes in turmoil but ultimately it’s a story of the triumph of the human spirit. If you are not uplifted by the finale then you have no soul. Finally I’ll just say this. This song was written and performed in 1968, probably the apex of creativity in music. Sadly I don’t think a song like this would be given a passing thought or dare I say even published in today’s scene of superficial music. We should all be grateful for the creativity of Keith Reid and Gary Brooker and even more remarkable that they did this in their early twenties.

[@alanartme1]

In Held Twas In I...Each word is the first word to every song....

[@Humb7757]

You are always right with ‘Procol Harum’ the Catalog is so excellent and each album a beautiful rediscovery! …But live they were exceptional act! (The B.J Wilson drumming is the best)

[@Humb7757]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqXch6Rnrqiar6csi=GpZRsorTT92z1gTi

[@richgaluppo4417]

Top 10 1968 Psych track for sure. RIP Keith Reid 3/28/23. Good work by your contributor!

[@davidrauh8118]

It's was even better when they did this live with an orchestra and choir. Magical

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Fabulous Psychedelic track! So glad you've experienced it.

[@mrheem44]

This is great. Side one is even better . These guys made 7 great studio LP's in a row 67-74

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Your not wrong and the rest weren't bad either.My all time favourite band.

[@paulehney4581]

Now this is a deep cut.

[@IvorPresents]

And then they did Salty Dog. wonderful.album love the oft overlooked Wreck of the Hesperus classic piano.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

I knew Procol Harum "Shade of Pale" since I was kid, but I just know this amazing song from Transatlantic SMPTe in 2002. 'Well my son, life is like a beanstalk, isn't it?'

[@davidrauh8118]

By the way, the title In Held Twas In I came from using the first word in each section of the suite. A friend of mine said once the Grand Finale sounds like you're walking up the stairs to heaven.

[@JohnnyTalia]

There is a live version of this track (and others) performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and a vocal chorale. As good as the studio recording is, the orchestral version blows it away.

[@Humb7757]

So far away…Superior!

[@maraboo72]

What a pity for the people who only know "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and measure Procol Harum by that. They have to offer much more and I personally prefer this suite over their million seller. What, of course, does not mean that I don't love "A Whiter Shade of Pale", too. But among other features this one gives us the dirty guitar sound and dissonant chords of Robin Trower what prevents it from being too bombastic. Some Genesis members explicitely called Procol Harum as their influence and when comparing the structure of the suite to the structure of "Supper's Ready" f. e. this is not really a surprise. I think there is a direct line. They were obviously surprised by their success of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and so they had to release an album very quickly what means that their debut as a whole is not as strong as it probably could be under different circumstances. But this album at first prooves how great that band really was. I love every single track on it though I put two other albums even above it. The two strongest albums imo are "Home" and "Grand Hotel" and each of them contains at least one song I like even better than the suite. "Whaling Stories" from "Home" and the title track from "Grand Hotel" are a must know. Correction: Every song is a must know.

[@thescrewfly]

Speaking of Supper's Ready... when?

[@jeffreybooth5129]

They are my favorite band of all time and it's always a pleasure to hear from someone who shares my passion for their music.Home is probably my favourite album but it's so hard to be sure as they have done so many wonderful songs.

[@deancarter9210]

Matthew Fisher wrote the music and was the vocalist on the 'In the Autumn of My Madness' section. Reid always does the lyrics and read the 2nd spoken word section, Gary the opening spoken words.

[@JackPonissi]

Matthew also played the “immaculate” piano solo in grand finale

[@dennispope1355]

Great to see you enjoying this. Shine on Brightly and A Salty Dog are my favorite PG LPs. Of course, there are other fine ones too.

[@PJprog]

Just incredible.. think of The Beatles meets Van Der Graaf Generator. Love this... one of THE original long epic prog tracks !! 😍

[@L33Reacts]

Wow.....what a comparison. You are so spot on with that.

[@georgeseanor]

Listen to the live with the Edmonton symphony orchestra

[@deancarter9210]

Another 1968 early prog suite epic you might like- 'Ars Longa Vita Brevis' by The Nice, Keith Emerson's first band...of course also 'A Saucerful of Secrets'. Side 3 of 'Electric Ladyland', all of 'In Search of the Lost Chord'...

[@billhawkins1236]

One of my favorites. You should, ( if you haven't already) do the live version with the Edmonton orchestra. It flows better and isn't so disjointed.👍👍👍

[@JackPonissi]

I don’t think Trower did any vocals here, the spoken voice is Reid

[@L33Reacts]

I don't think I mentioned Robin doing vocals.... if I did then that's my mistake lol. That's cool Keith did the spoken word.

[@orchidwave2574]

I have a soft spot for the elegant weirdness of PH. They could do dirty grimy back-to-basics blues rock with the best of them, then do a 180 and present you with complex, mind-bending baroque prog rock without breaking a sweat. Then dabble with literally anything between the 2 extremes and at no point do you think 'well, that's not what I would expect from Procol Harum'...because what's the point of even thinking we'd know what to expect from them???

[@wyllye100]

This is an amazing piece of music, I have been listening to this album since 1968, and I can honestly say I never tire of it, Reeds words seem so deep and meaningful. I have been contemplating using 'The grand finally' at my funeral, it's just a shame I won't be able to hear it...or will I....a great review, Cheers.

[@tomhill9445]

You've got to hear "Transatlantics" cover of this. It's stunning !

[@arroyo284]

Procol Harum often utilize lyrics written by Keith Reid, and Gary and other worked out the music. Great musicians. Very unusual band. Shine on Brightly was a very interesting album.

[@wowwhywow]

Before I was a Zappa fan...I was a Procol Harum fan. It's nice to see this song get a little love.

[@kevindeschenes4537]

Haven't heard this in decades. Another excellent piano slash organ is the one man band Tim Blake (New Jerusalem) from 70's . Good listen

[@onemerlin]

If Robin Trower's guitar appeals to you, try out his solo work. Bridge Of Sighs, from the album of the same name, is a stoner rock classic, as are Too Rolling Stoned and Day of the Eagle. Big favorite of mine. Check out a live version of Bridge of Sighs here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqWvpHmpfN1_o6c

[@wowwhywow]

Here's a SHORT list of the musical groups and musicians that were influenced by this song ... Jimi Hendrix Emerson Lake and Palmer King Crimson Genesis Yes Rush Derick and the Dominoes Styx Queen Kate Bush ect ect ect

[@brewstergallery]

If you are getting into the prog try some others like Nektar " A Tab In the Ocean " and "Remember the Future" ; McDonald & Giles self titled LP: the early King Crimson LPs ; Gong LP's " Angel's Egg" "Camembert Radio" and "Flying Teapot" etc, Egg S/T and "The Polite Force" ; Captain Beyond S/T LP.......

[@strettoasino9006]

Nektars Recycle

[@randygray8921]

I saw Gary Brooker w Ringo and his all stars.

[@RoaryJP]

This is a great PH track but it doesn't really highlight what a great drummer BJ Wilson was, and since you're a drummer I think you're missing out. Give "Bringing Home the Bacon", "Typewriter Torment" or the live version of "Conquistador" (with the Edmonton Symphony in 1972) a shot. I would recommend "Power Failure" but there really aren't any good/clean recording versions on KZbin.

[@PJprog]

I know , I know.... I'm a fussy so and so.. but the title is...... In Held twas in I..... and a great epic it is too. Enjoy Lee. 😍

[@L33Reacts]

Thanks

[@PJprog]

@@L33Reacts 👍 Hopefully I'll be able to be onboard. 🙏😍

[@johnclibbens6803]

The first words of each of the sections…

[@martinparker1270]

You should check out Transatlantic’s cover version of this song!

[@DonBolton-d6t]

Some of the lrics In the darkness of the night Only occasionally relieved by glimpses of Nirvana As seen through other people's windows Wallowing in a morass of self-despair Made only more painful by the knowledge That all I am is of my own making When everything around me, even the kitchen ceiling Has collapsed and crumbled without warning And I am left, standing alive and wellㅤ Looking up and wondering why and wherefore At a time like this, which exists maybe only for me But is nonetheless real, if I can communicate And in the telling and the bearing of my soul Anything is gained, even though the words Which I use are pretentious and make you cringe With embarrassment, let me remind you of the pilgrim Who asked for an audience with the Dalai Lama 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 So the Dalai Lama smiled and said Well my son, life is like a beanstalk, isn't it? Held close by that which some despise Which some call fake, and others, lies And somewhat small for one so tall A doubting Thomas, who would be? It's written plain for all to see For one who I am with no more It's hard at times, it's awful raw They say that Jesus healed the sick and helped the poor And those unsure believed his eyes A strange disguise Still write it down, it might be read Nothing's better left unsaid Only sometimes, still no doubt It's hard to see, it all works out😮

[@silvertube52]

Yes, definitely an FM radio track 🤣although it didn't get as much air play as In-a-Godda-Da-Vida. I think that PH is not given enough credit by prog fans. Mostly because, although they did some truly great prog songs, they also did a fair amount of straightforward blues rock. I think the live album with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is a near perfect meld of rock band and orchestra.

[@docnflossie7351]

The devil really did come from Kansas 🎉❤🎉

[@tool_fighter]

Happy that you didn’t talk through key parts like most of these punters do

[@jpirard]

The 1971 version on Live with the Edmonton Symphony is better IMO More presense in the instruments and the live audience is awesome. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6PXfnxqlNdnoK8si=9gyNKYrCQ7HaLae6

[@unstrung65]

This was performed live , check it out .

[@AttackChefDennis]

Almost positive that this reaction was a Patreon request. Patreon requests are great things, you make good money with them but don't get so enamored with them that you do nothing but their esoteric requests. realize that they have more than likely very eclectic tastes & they're willing to give you money to watch you react to them, they really want you to, but don't forget the rest of your subscribers who are scraping the bottom of the barrel and don't have the money to give you.

[@L33Reacts]

I hear you brother. I post 5 videos a day usually... with a ton of variety. There is also a million bands and even more fans... so I'm doing the best I can 🤷