PROCOL HARUM "A WHITER SHADE OF PALE (LIVE IN DENMARK 2006)" (reaction)

Check out Sight After Dark (Singer Sifa Graffiti and Guitarist Dan Berg) reacting to “"A Whiter Shade of Pale" (Live in Denmark 2006) by Procol Harum!
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[@bella-xp7qd]

Gary was 61 here. His voice sounded richer than when they recorded this in 1967.

[@davidrauh8118]

Yes they are British. The song was their first hit in 1967. Gary Brooker, voice and piano, just recently passed away this year. Even though he had a bit of raspiness in his voice, I think makes it that much richer. This has to be the best version of this song ever. Procol Harum was a name of a cat and translated from Latin means Beyond These Things.

[@s.mcpherson6354]

While I agree with everything you said, I can't help but note that "This has to be the best version of this song ever," depends on who we ask. On the break between the opening overture, and when they orchestra rejoins with the piano, the second violin must have bumped a machine head on just one string. I'm taking an easy guess that the lady playing first violin likely has perfect pitch. As soon as they come back in, she's like, WTF? But it's too quick and she can't narrow it down. Later, when he hits that string again, Bam! She looks straight at his violin, lasering recrimination. So, while you and I agree it's a great version, I suspect parts of it were quite painful for her. :-D I think he got a chance to fix it though, because later, it's either fixed, or she's really good at putting on a fairly brave face. That said, she certainly doesn't look as serene as she does before that happens. As much as I love the song, that part always makes me laugh.

[@singluna888]

Thank you. I grew up with them. Either I never knew they were British,or,I forgot. I love his voice.

[@giuliogrifi7739]

Thank you !

[@patticrichton1135]

Gary Brooker died on February 19, 2022, not this year. 😊

[@georgelynch6139]

The Danish Symphony Orchestra and Choir are renown for their unique performances and guest artists. They won the award for best Symphony Orchestra in 2023. Have seen them twice and already have tickets for 2 performances in 2024 at the Danish Radio Konserthus in Copenhagen, their concerts sell out so you have get seats almost a year ahead.

[@Ray1969.]

Gary Brooker looks like Greg Popovich if anyone. This song is one of only 47 all time that has sold over 10 million singles. Could be the best live performance ever!!

[@laureltaylor4535]

A masterpiece

[@frankmerris8821]

this version gets me emotional for some reason everytime

[@daleennis3140]

Gary Brooker was his name,I was 29 years old when it first came out.Gary passed away in Feb 2022,he will be missed.Amother song is The Salty Dog,and Conquistador.

[@musicairplanes4884]

Nothing else compares to the tone of a Hammond organ. I really wish that more modern bands used them.

[@wasp6594]

Couldn't agree more. Which is why I'm a fan of Jimmy Smith.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

I first heard this song when it was a hit in 1967. I was an au pair from Denmark in Westport Ct. This version have to be my favorite, since it is from my country. Also it is from a castle that was located very close to where both my grandparents lived.

[@jamescanole3940]

They are a British rock band from the 60's and 70's. This song was their first and biggest commercial hit. However, they produced a lot of great music after this. Gary Brooker is the lead singer and wrote the music to this song. Such a great melody. Gary loved J.S.Bach and sampled at least one of Bach's pieces in a later Procol Harum song. Sadly, he died in February of last year.

[@edgarsnake2857]

I saw them many times as a five piece band. They were always epic. Love the reaction.

[@peters7025]

I love how happy Gary looks. I guess this might have been how he heard it when he wrote it and finally he gets to hear it. Great performance. You must check out the original. In the UK this song is iconic and one of the most played ever on radio. It’s 60s by the way. It was one of the sounds of the 60s for my generation

[@stevewest4994]

I think that is the look of someone thinking, "Yes, we absolutely nailed it tonight!"

[@mitzifrancis9843]

The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Choir are so unique! You must watch their performance of selections from the Ennio Marricone score from the Clint Eastwood classic movie The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. I promise, it's time we'll spent!

[@darthmoll2u]

Agreed. They do really good stuff with pop music.

[@barrypos55]

Gary Booker's voice just got better...I was 12 when this first came out!!!

[@bobbiehall8787]

R.I.P Gary Booker

[@chazblitz]

Procol Harums drummer back in the old days was BJ Wilson and he was Jimmy Pages first choice for The New Yardbirds drummer. He opted to stay with Procol Harum and some unknown dude named John Bonham got the gig and they changed the name to Led Zeppelin. Robin Trower was their guitarist until the Broken Barricades album. I've seen this video many times and still haven't tired of it.

[@willchristopher1899]

The song "Mr. Bojangles" was written and recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1968. Sammy Davis Jr. made his recording in 1972 for his album, "Portrait of Sammy Davis Jr." The song "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was written in 1966 and originally released in 1967.

[@timgilmour8802]

Procol Harum 1st concert I ever went to 1973. Loved them then, still do.

[@vanessa4u4evr]

To think that this guy still sounds JUST like he did over 50 years ago is unbelievable. Thank you for this reaction.

[@Grammichal]

BETTER❣️ Richer❣️ 1969 high school graduate here.

[@Jack-pu4rf]

The lady that looked out of sinc was only part of five backing singers, they sang different parts all totally authentic and live, The Danish National Orchestra are famous, listen to then perform the good the bad and the ugly, Garry Brooker never lost his voice

[@sylvainleseur1072]

You are young I am amazed that you know that ... Souvenir souvenir ... Thanks for sharing.

[@carstenhull2475]

The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Concert Choirs are a part of DR, the National broadcasting cooperation. They often makes summer concerts together with foreign bands and musicians. This Concert with Procol Harum and Gary Booker was at Ledreborg Castle. They've done a lot of film-themes also. Try to listen to ex. Once upon a time in the west, Godfather or Titanic....

[@tommyi6667]

Music for the soul

[@squidkid2]

And that boys and girls is how that's done. A thing of beauty is a joy forever! That Hammond B3 organ sound is all over the place in 60's music and even on into groups like Boston. This was from the late sixties so before Mr. Bojangles. I want to say 67 but don't quote me on that and they were quintessentially British. In fact one of the great things about the 60's was that there were the home-grown American sounds, like the Beach Boys, mixed in with all the more eclectic sounds of the British invasion groups like the Beatles, Stones and Procol Harum. Haven't been here in a while and it's great to see someone from my old stomping grounds of Nu Yawk.

[@berndschuster1547]

Thanks "Sight After Dark" for this good music from Gary Brooker - died Febr. 19. 2022- ; and the song is for all time one of the best songs forever.

[@shoutinchuck3363]

That voice has been well-preserved over all these years. Sounds great! One of my favorite hits growing up in the 60s. Agree with Sifa - the organ and the voice made this instantly recognizable. Thanks for the reaction SAD!

[@robotjg962]

While i was in Hollywood one night in the 70's I seen Procol Harum on the marquee of a little club. Don't remember the name but it had a balcony where my seat was, they were incredible.

[@marcieharreld286]

R.I.P. Gary Brooker!!! Playing to the Angels now!!!💕💕🎵🎼🎶🥁🎤🎙🎸🎹🔥🔥

[@karencrookshank4971]

My first ever 45rpm single. I was 10 years old. I saw Procul Harum at the Empire Pool Wembley, back in the day. Just Gary playing organ and singing with his amazing voice, and the other couple of lads in the band. Sublime. Iconic song, which never fails to make me cry, it’s so beautiful. RIP beautiful Gary. You’re so missed here in your homeland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧❤️

[@mikeglo168]

Great to see you are still on KZbin and performing! Thanks for this reaction.

[@phillyflyer12]

Also, check out their song 'Conquistador' from the same event. It is equally impressive. Plus, there's a blistering guitar solo.

[@robertberger5639]

Whiter Shade, as previously written, was '67. Jerry Jeff's recording of Bojangles was '68 and Sammy recorded it in '72. Btw, David Bromberg did a pretty good cover of it as well.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for the details Robert!

[@entwood]

@@SightAfterDark Bromberg's version is my fave. A must to check out.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

The best band ever in my opinion so well supported by orchestra and choir, it doesn't get any better than this.

[@johnsullivan659]

you need to see nightwish the best female voice ever!

[@sootikins]

That was great. So nice to see they used a real Hammond and not s synth with a "Hammond" patch. Nothing can equal the unique sound of Hammond + Leslie.

[@jahl14]

Tru dat!!

[@rayj1011]

Mr. Bojangles was written and first recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1968. The song achieved its greatest success in a folk-rock version that reached the pop Top 10 in 1971 with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. It went on to be covered by a wide range of artists, among them Nina Simone, Neil Diamond and even Bob Dylan. Sammy Davis Jr recorded it in 1972.

[@wasp6594]

The Hammond organ line of “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's “Sleepers, Wake!” and “Air on the G String” but contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach although it makes clear references to both pieces.

[@chopa2less]

Jerry Jeff Walker wrote and recorded "Mr. Bojangles". The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band made it a hit. Sammy Davis Jr. recorded it later for the polyester crowd and made it a signature song and dance number for his act.

[@jahl14]

Salty Dog. Same venue

[@ronparsons8786]

This is not any mere performance This is a GD religious experience

[@ugadawgs1990]

These lyrics speak to the love of a mother and child. So beautiful. Gary Brooker said he wrote it for his mum. ❤

[@CharCanuck14]

The lyrics were written by Keith Reid who passed away March 2023.

[@ugadawgs1990]

@@CharCanuck14 , the song has been around since way before 2023. This song’s about his mum.

[@CharCanuck14]

@@ugadawgs1990 I'm not certain why Keith's death in 2023 has anything to do with him writing the lyrics for this song in the mid 1960's.

[@ugadawgs1990]

@@CharCanuck14, that’s my point. Couldn’t agree more. I think Brooker’s mum passed away long before 2023. The line about virgins is his honoring his mum’s wish he stay pure til marriage.

[@CharCanuck14]

@@ugadawgs1990 I heard that some of Keith's lyrics for this came to him while at a party. Not certain where I got this info. I also heard that the line about the miller's tale came from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" which Keith said he had never read. Who knows what's the true meaning behind the lyrics. I didn't know back in '67 as a teen and still don't know......just absolutely love this song. Cheers from Canada

[@zunbake3]

A former Drummer of mine was there at that Concert. He was a back up Drummer to the band.

[@berndrebhahn9862]

Grandgrandpa 72 here. He name the Band after his Cat. ( True ).,🤭😃

[@dib000]

This came out in 1967 bo jangles was written in 1969 SDJunior recorded it 1972, so this was first.

[@jamesengeman8836]

I saw Procol Harum many times since 1967. In my opinion these guys were the most overlooked band of psychedelic and progressive rock. AWOSP was the most requested song in Great Britain for 50 years and Procol Harum isn't even in the rock and roll hall of fame. Most everyone is familiar with "A Whiter Shade of Pale" to some degree. Procol Harum, over the course of more than 50 years, released nearly 2 dozen albums. Their second album, "Shine on Brightly" and their third, "A Salty Dog" are must haves. This performance displays the immense talent of the leader of the band, Gary Brooker.

[@AmberPearcy]

💛💛💛

[@carolhayar3037]

Yes, British. Gary Brooker, lead singer & founder of the band began in '67, he passed away last yr. For anyone interested, there is a video "Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale | The story behind the song | Top 2000 a gogo” where Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid supposedly tell the story behind 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpeaZIutn798fLM); many people believe it was about a drunken one-night stand. I did not watch that video so i don't what was said but it's also been written that Reid died before he revealed its meaning. Procol Harum is supposed to have been the name of a friend's cat -- the name is a mis-spelling of the Latin phrase Procul Harun (roughly meaning “far beyond these things”), or that it was a corruption of Procellarum, a vast ocean on the Moon. This is the Danish National Concert Orchestra, which fits beautifully for this piece, & filmed by Ledreborg Castle in Denmark .The song has been the most played song in the U.K. for the last 75 yrs. It was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's “Sleepers, Wake!” and “Air on the G String” but contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach although it makes references to both pieces. Thank you -- New subscriber.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks so much!

[@thomasvieth578]

I really like the word "seasoned"; i may used that in the future, because I guess I'm seasoned myself. Thank you

[@Ray1969.]

Actually the song was written by band member Keith Reid. Gary along with organ player Matthew Fisher made some slight tweaks and put it to music Gary had been working on

[@christopherhuot2826]

To still have those gr8 pipes is amazing 😅

[@-R.Gray-]

It's too bad that Robin Trower wasn't part of the band for the original recording of this, Procol Harum's biggest hit, so people who just know the radio hits aren't aware of his guitar contributions to the group. Trower had an earlier group with singer Gary Brooker called The Paramounts, who used to open for the Beatles. - Also, R.I.P. singer Gary Brooker, who died last year. See the 1970 Procol Harum album "Home" for a good dose of early Trower.

[@mrheem44]

As I understand it they were somehow named after someone's cat 😺😺

[@gavinhall6040]

Im proud they are British im just surprised americans dont relish the fact its their history too! Let embrace it! Especially ehen it sounds as good as this.

[@097534]

Summer of love 67 Procol The Who, Beatles. Mind blowing.

[@doloresschultz6804]

Now tr to get that song out of your mind; it won’t go❤

[@jasonking2976]

Mr Bojangles was written the year after Whiter Shade of Pail. The organ part of the song is kind of paraphrasing (probably not the correct term with music) Air on a G String by JS Bach.

[@johnpaul4784]

Legendary Gary Brooker

[@gcarap]

Gary Brooker's voice sounded just as good if not better here than it did in the original studio recording 40 years prior!

[@erikahlander3489]

Sammy Davis Jr was rather a child of the 50s (born 1925), but the song Mr. Bojangles is later, late 60, about a homeless white man referring to himself as Mr. Bojangles. The real Mr. Bojangles, Bill Robinson 1878-1949, was a black artist. (all according to Wikipedia). I guess Sammy Davis felt friendship with that person - on the border in a segregated American society. Both had all white audiences. You should read about both of them!

[@Grammichal]

“Mr. Harum” ??!!! Gary Brooker of Procul Harum!

[@SightAfterDark]

lol it’s a joke friend

[@adwood201]

Sammy Davis jr's version of Mr Bojangles came out a couple of years after this song.... I doubt one affected the other at all because the UK scene was at that time very disparate from the US scene. The Beatles were still new to the USA.....

[@wayneh.191]

The previous Procol Harum you reacted to was "Piggy Pig Pig" kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2jaZah-hMx1fM0

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Wayne!

[@gillesmorin9439]

In my case I prefer the original having dance so many time to this tune in my youth!

[@edsteadham1605]

why does this song have to end?

[@thomasvieth578]

The original motif comes from Johann Sebastian Bach and that's three hundred years ago. So, your question is rather futile, sweet people

[@Upe-f9c]

They´re british alright. If you get the chance to go to Denmark, why in the world wouldn´t you? Just a fantastic country (and by the way, I´m not danish).

[@SightAfterDark]

We hope to go ourselves one day!

[@xiurong888]

The Hammond Organ and the part the drummer is playing are a nod to the 67 original version.

[@kopynd1]

air on the g string is good Jonathon scot

[@georgs5870]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this iconic song. I personally don't like this „event-style-arrangement”, it's too „fat” for my taste, less is more.

[@ftlpope]

Now listen to Bach's Air from the orchestral suites.

[@kingstumble]

Sorry but I don't see any similarity with Mr.Bojangles at all. To start with Mr. B is in 3/4 time whereas Whiter Shade is in 4/4 or Common Time. If anything it is like Air On A G String by JS Bach having an almost identical chord progression.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulauvray1962]

RIP mister Brooker 🤔

[@huggyhuggsbears1265]

You two thinking the singer (Gary Brooker) is called Procol Harem)....Don't know whether to laugh or cry. And why is it youtubers constantly asking the viewers to help them out with info on the singer/bands?? Afraid of doing some work?? All the info you need to know is at your fingertips.

[@SightAfterDark]

You should learn what sarcasm and jokes are. Thanks for watching!

[@danielstartek1497]

Sifa can you say autotune?

[@julieheywood8832]

british

[@bertusduiverman4743]

Mr Harum? Give me a break.

[@SightAfterDark]

On your break, learn what a joke is☺️

[@thomaspotschka5387]

Geoffrey Chaucer, a poet of about 14th century, wrote the Canterbury tales! The millers tale is second one: about an old carpenter and the affairs of his much younger wife! That is what this song is about! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Miller%27s_Tale 8:50 8:53

[@buttjuice858]

This song has a melancholy feel to it because many young people slow danced to it at their high school prom and a year or two later, they were far from home in South Vietnam. For many young men, this might the last romantic moment in their lives.

[@karowak1]

Greg Popovitch

[@richardwilliams4954]

Must be democrats...have no clue what's gonna happen..1st rule of thumb..know the answer before asking the question ......

[@SightAfterDark]

You can do that on your channel. We engage with our subscribers here and they answer all the questions we have. That way music truly lives on.

[@juliecrane9647]

DICK Williams 🤣 🤣 🤣 Why would you write that about a music review? Bitter to the core? Do you chew lots of tums ? Wow .!!

[@ristovirtanen6396]

This is kind of deception because the orchestral prelude was not in the original version. Just five guys playing with organ doing the intro and interludes…🙄👌