PROCOL HARUM Conquistador REACTION - Another masterpiece from these guys! first time hearing

PROCOL HARUM Conquistador REACTION
#procolharum
#musicreactions
#rockreaction

[@RicoBurghFan]

Gary Brooker remains one of the great rock vocalists in history. RIP you earned it.

[@dennishinkle5010]

Procol harum had a great guitarist named Robin Trower who later and now remains one of the best guitar players.

[@JimiBurleigh]

"Day Of the Eagle" - well the entire Bridge of Sighs" album, really - would be a good introduction to Robin Trower 🤘

[@angelbulldog4934]

@@JimiBurleigh Also "Too Rolling Stoned".

[@kb9788]

Terrific review as always! This is a cinematic song. that’s BJ Wilson on the drums. He was amazing, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page selected him originally for Led Zeppelin, he wasn’t interested and stayed in Procol Harum.

[@armbreaker]

@@angelbulldog4934 Also "Little Bit Of Sympathy".

[@richardkev3077]

I always loved this song. But it is amazing how few people even know it exists.

[@alanmusicman3385]

Disagree - perhaps depends where you live - but this still - very deservedly - gets a lot of airplay on oldies stations.

[@John_Chu]

This is a 45 edit from their 1971 live album with The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. It was their second highest charting single after "Whiter Shade of Pale." The remarkable guitar solo was played by Dave Ball. Robin Trower had left the band by this time.

[@mackssboo]

With the Edmonton (Alberta, Canada) Symphony Orchestra, 1971

[@thomastimlin1724]

Finally...someone who got off the Whiter Shade of Pale "ooh ooh it's a masterpiece, I think I'll play it a thousand times" endless merry go round and explored their other works....live orchestra recording is best

[@jeffreybooth5129]

The best band ever in my opinion ,so many great songs.

[@dina113east]

John Lennon considered Whiter Shade of Pale the best song to come out 1960's England. Many agreed with him. I have read he said he wished he had written it.

[@pilesovinyl]

One of the best live recorded singles ever...gave me chills then, and now. Thanks for checking it out.

[@jhamptonjr]

Robin Trower cooking on the lead solo! He's damn near 80 and still out there rocking!

[@johnniekight1879]

Robin was gone by this LP. It's Dave Ball. Got tix to see Robin 2 years ago. Still waiting for it to be re-schedule.

[@bumperu]

As a drummer I have always loved this song because those drums hit like a machine gun.

[@RegisWilkins]

Exactly BJ Wilson was a master drummer!

[@billburkhead9737]

This tune with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is definitely on my Top Ten of all Time list - don't lie - how many of you have stood in front of the speakers and conducted the orchestra like I have! The drummer leads the way - this is an amazing piece.

[@angelbulldog4934]

Most excellent live concert.

[@gomogo2000]

I wax going to suggest this video too. Amazing!

[@Cynthia...]

Well Daniel you already know how much I love this song. Thanks for requesting it! 🇨🇦🇺🇸❤️

[@danielvolk237]

Thanks for your kind remarks. And yes, I knew you liked it . I love it too. 😉👍🇨🇦🇺🇸🇬🇧🤴

[@donw804]

You said something very interesting, Harri.... You said you can't imagine anyone writing a song like this now. The fact is, no one these days writes anything close to the myriad of great songs that came out of the late 60's and 70's. Sad, but true.

[@didierchapelot5671]

Great you reacted to this masterpiece in its orchestral version. I would like to add three points. You're right, words were written by a poet since all the lyrics are from Keith Reid who was no musician but made a tandem with Gary Brooker (the singer, pianist and composer). That's the reason Procol Harum lyrics are so strong and deep. Another one is that, how you know, this was recorded live with a full orchestra (the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra) and we can feel it in this special energy running throughout the song. Last but not least, on drums, on drums, there is one of the greatest drummer of history, B.J. Wilson, the central member of the band, illuminating the music with his constantly inventive genius. Always thought he was the best and I've heard quite a lot. Glad to see how you appreciated it. Hope you'll hear more of this band who have made so much masterpieces.

[@jamestaylor2920]

This reminds me of Cervantes novel Don Quixote and the play Man of La Mancha. There is much discussed in this short song. It is a master piece of Spanish conquest that ends with their being thrown out or killed. His armor has long since lost it's sheen and he leaves now with respect. What imagery with so few words.

[@julieb.5860]

the conquistador in the song is dead, on the beach, all his belongings getting weathered, his horse 'needing company', and even a vulture. the encounter is brilliant and disturbing.

[@claypots47]

Keith Reid's brilliant lyrics.

[@davidbentley145]

The Conquistadores conquered all of south America too brother

[@danielvolk237]

Thanks David. I was writing a short synopsis and didn't want to confuse Harri with all the Incans and the South American countries. I believe Cortes and Pizzaro we're the main culprits, Cortes being the worst. 👍🙃

[@tgforty5]

I've been a huge Procol Harum fan since I was a teenager. The music to their songs was written by Gary Brooker, and the lyricist was Keith Reid. When it comes to beauty in rock, you can't get any better than Procol Harum and the Moody Blues.

[@jamestaylor2920]

"Breathe deep the gathering gloom, Watch lights fade from every room. Bedsitter people look back and lament, Another day's useless energy spent. Impassioned lovers wrestle as one. Lonely man cries for love and has none. New mother picks up and suckles her son. Senior citizens wish they were young. Cold-hearted orb that rules the night Removes the colours from our sight. Red is grey and yellow white, But we decide which is right And which is an illusion. "

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Best band Ever.

[@Russ-gy7tx]

Procol Harum's Gary Brooker who passed earlier this year, wrote and sang "Conquistador" as well as "Whiter Shades of Pale"

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Keith Reid wrote the lyrics,Gary the music a truly great partnership

[@hak4890]

Excellent reaction!! One of my very favorites. Another great from 1972. 👍👍

[@The5thGen]

Love this!

[@mlong1958]

Gary Brooker was a force of nature when he sang. RIP.

[@MisterWondrous]

This was a particular delight because, for the first time in my life, I could understand what was being sung. Your commentary helped to fill out my higher appreciation of this profound poetic masterpiece.

[@johnbrowne3950]

With the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

[@jenniferdudley8815]

All of their songs are like this one. Whiter Shade of Pale, Homburg, Salty Dog, Repent Walpurgis, etc... I really encourage you to listen to more of their songs.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

I totally agree with you, great to hear from other Procol harum fans.

[@Straydogger]

Salty Dog for sure!!!

[@jeffreybooth5129]

@@Straydogger he as already reacted to that

[@artistLife-gh3te]

This song seemed to be about the end of the Conquistador's lifestyle.I love Procol Harum's music.

[@diane-]

I love Procol Harem and haven't heard this for a long time. I love it, thanks for playing it. 💞

[@bikesnab1]

I have been waiting for someone to react to this tune!! Thankyou, thank you, thank you. In my top 50 tunes of all time.

[@edjasper92]

One of my favorite songs of all time.

[@CamusCombat]

I'm half Spanish via Mexico, formerly Texas. Most ancestors killed by Comanche. They were farmers. Great song.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

OH Goody. You hit the right one. I loved this. May I recommend Procul's "Homburg"" and "Salty Sea Dog" please? hey Harri!! x

[@davidrauh8118]

Gary Brooker wrote the music, Keith Reid was the lyricist. That holds true for 95% of all Procol Harum songs. One of the best songwriting teams ala Elton John & Bernie Taupin.

[@RoaryJP]

You have to give it up for BJ Wilson, the fantastic and creative drummer on this. Nobody else played like he did; he was so unique with his drum fills. In addition to PH you can hear his drumming in the Rocky Horror Picture Show and the Joe Cocker cover of the Beatles 'A Little Help From My Friends".

[@angelajakem366]

Always loved this song. Thanks Daniel for requesting.🇨🇦

[@danielvolk237]

Thanks for the nice comment. 🙃👍

[@beedeegee9374]

Ditto! I fell in love with it at the tender age of 10 when it was first released.

[@pathare3031]

I haven't heard that in years. 😊

[@nancygoodnough279]

Love this version the best. It was recorded with the Edmonton symphony orchestra and is much better than the studio version.

[@ridemhigher]

Have you seen / heard the 2006 version from Denmark?

[@nancygoodnough279]

@@ridemhigher yes, but this one is from the 1970’s when the were much younger and Gary Brooker’s voice was much stronger.

[@toddparke8535]

Keith Reid wrote all of Procol Harum's lyrics for over 4 decades. Gary Brooker, the singer & piano player, wrote 90% of the music with Matthew Fisher & Robin Trower writing to Reid's lyrics on early albums.

[@missblondie2393]

I always love this song. Great choice and reaction

[@dougieyou]

great song,love his voice.

[@joankralik6794]

Thank you for reviewing this magnificent song & the performer(s) who gave it such beauty & life. This style of r&r was called "baroque rock" & was popular from about the late 60's into early 70's. Obviously historical. theatrical, with wonderful lyrics like poetry & often in-character performances. Check out some of their older performances & you'll see they showed up to perform! RIP🙏🙏💖💞

[@jeepster7806]

Fantastic album still have it

[@jaq4608]

This is my favourite song by Procul Harum! The first album I bought for myself was one of theirs.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Me too the best band ever ,I have all their album's.

[@Dee-JayW]

Edmonton, Alberta CANADA 🇨🇦 symphony orchestra

[@winstonelston5743]

And as long as the technology exists to reproduce these sounds intelligent beings will listen with awe. I'm new to your channel, so I don't know if you've listened to _Procol Harum_ "Salty Dog". The 1972 Edmonton Symphony Orchestra recording is great, and the 2006 Denmark performance show how great Gary Brooker's voice just got better with age, and the song itself reinforces your assertion that their songs were poetry. The KZbin post of the 2006 version leads into another masterpiece, "An Old English Dream". Then there's the novelty song "Mable"....

[@SmartCookie2022]

Great track, so unique. Procol and Gary at his best with an orchestra behind him.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Glad to see you react to and enjoy another Procol harum song.They are simply the best band ever in my opinion and I might suggest Grand Hotel for your next reaction. They have so many great songs and must be the most underrated band of all time.

[@brianmasinelli9694]

My fave procol song. The live in Denmark version is worth a look.

[@janabraam7963]

Of course Gary Brooker is marvelous, as always but the orchestra compliments, the guitar, the drums & the keyboards, as well as the vocals. They are all fantastic together & fantastic standing alone. A magnificent piece.

[@octurn]

This song is popular in New Zealand where people are very into sheep. (I had captions turned on, amazing.)

[@stevegauthier9838]

It should be noted that the lyrics to this superb piece were written by the band's lyricist Keith Reid. Also it was originally released in 1967 without orchestration.

[@sixbladeknife44]

They have a great and deep catalog :)

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Absolutely the best band ever.

[@ericvanhavelte1611]

Great song. Do not forget BJ Wilson. So underrated 😢.

[@ukiahsguitarsolos3436]

The summer of 72. Great memories!

[@katfinn9352]

Hi Harri, gosh, another song I forgot about. I loved Procol Harum back in the day and this was my favorite song of theirs. I could hear that this was not the original, but great anyway to hear a live version of it. Thanks for your great reaction!

[@surferles589]

My favorite Procol Harum song. Recorded with LSO (live I think)

[@deborahpaley21]

Great song!!!! Good pick.

[@Cookies_crumbs]

This is one of my favorite songs. Love the drums.

[@emdusha5590]

Thank you for highlighting this often overlooked gem of Procol Harum!

[@Spinspiel]

Harri: Another choice cut, us Canadians love. Great British band recording this song live in Canada with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Was a huge radio hit in Canada of course. Thanks Harri.

[@drohegda]

What a blast from the past, i have not heard this Gem in years but it still gives me chills, best heard cranked up. Thanks Harri and Thanks to who requested this also. 🎸🎷👍😎

[@pb68slab18]

This gets better the louder you play it!

[@mathieubuchholtz460]

Thanks a lot! For me this brilliant live symphonic rendition from 1971 is the best version of this huge song. Better than the original studio recording.

[@andytschoepe1510]

I love this song. The narrator tells of a man who met his demise after failing to gain for the country from which he sailed. His observation of the skeleton decomposing on the beach in vain is awesome. Sword held high, indeed. I've been smitten by this song since I was 15.

[@damonhines8187]

A frequent and welcome listen on early-mid 70s FM radio in Toronto, at least, recorded with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Cool AF. I believe Procol Harum's lyrics were written by a non-performing member, Keith Reid, much as Pye Dubois served for Toronto's Max Webster. Please try Max's 'High Class in Borrowed Shoes', 'April in Toledo', or singer/guitarist Kim Mitchell's first solo hit, 'Go for a Soda'.

[@mikeloomis687]

Definitely one of the few and great Procol Harum's radio hits, but I think the "Grand Hotel" album was their pinnacle musically. Played it 1000 times over.

[@angelbulldog4934]

Yes! You should've heard it on Klipsch speakers. Incredible!

[@jeffreybooth5129]

HOME is probably my favourite album but they are all great and I wouldn't argue with any Procol fan about which is the best as it's almost impossible to choose.

[@wpollock1]

For another version see the 2006 Denmark live concert version.....it is so well done. Many know the Whiter Shade of Pale song from that concert, but Gary does this also.

[@larrywalker5374]

My favorite Procol harum song.

[@BeeLineEast]

Great song came out in 1972 if i am correct.

[@xiurong888]

The 2005 concert with the Danish Symphony, that is my favorite version of Whiter Shade of Pale, also has this song and Salty Dog on KZbin..

[@incensejunkie7516]

I absolutely love this song, and symphonic rock in general. Harri, a while back you reviewed a few Lighthouse songs, including "One Fine Morning". It was a band member from Lighthouse who recommended the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, with whom Lighthouse had already collaborated with, to Gary Brooker, and the rest is music history.

[@reginafromtexas2314]

My favorite Procol Harum song! Thanks for a great reaction.

[@hazelmaylebrun6243]

This is my favee all time song by Procul Harum. I love anything they do, but ever since I was a kid and heard it for the first time as I was getting ready for school in the morning, I have been in love with it. When that song came on before my day started, I knew it would be a great day, and time has not diminished my love for this song. It would be exhilerating to be in the orchestra playing along with it. Those horns (I'd be on the trumpet) and the drummer is having a blast. There is a beautiful live video of Gary Brooker performing with orchestra well into his 70s and his amazing vocal and playing not diminished in the least. It's worth a look. Just a fantastic piece of footage and catches me away as much as the original recording. What a masterpiece.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

I love 99% of Procol Harum sons and I have them all,great to hear from another Procol fan.

[@richardfordham931]

This band actually had someone else who did the lyrics. His first name is Keith but I forget his last name. Gary Brooker played piano and would set his words to music. Brooker also wrote the orchestral arrangements and they used the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The subject of the song is from the viewpoint of someone who comes across a dead conquistador lying in the desert. If you listen again focussing on the words with that in mind you'll see it.

[@comm2531]

Heard it first when it came out about 73. Great song. Like bullfighting stuff.

[@Gill3D]

Was that a Hammond organ? I know Procol Harum used a Hammond on "Whiter Shade Of Pale" but wow, this track extracted so much from the keyboard.

[@jackiesconiers4230]

Thanks for keeping great music alive!

[@ChuckHackney]

I graduated from high school in 1972. As God be my witness, I tell you one of the greatest years in modern music from modern music's premiere decade. Not disparaging the decades of the 60s and 80s, stunning music produced in both. But there is just something about the catalogue of talent, musicians, melody and lyrics that other decades simply cannot exceed. Long live the music of the 70s.

[@angelbulldog4934]

We all know what classic rock is. Procol Harum is classical rock. 💞

[@jeffreybooth5129]

The best.

[@julieb.5860]

one of my favorite songs, you almost made it thru without comment. secret? probably not. most of us like reactors that listen to the entire song before commenting, because some songs have a rhythm or build up or feel that gets partially lost when the song is stopped during the playback. be that as it may, you are one of my FAVORITE REACTORS, always a job. thanks!

[@donnakubiski5572]

Thanks for this reaction. I haven't heard this song in ages.

[@markbishopmusic]

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands! Salty Dog and Simple Sister are two others you would enjoy. ✌️

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

Great group! Saw live once, excellent!😎

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Excellent choice, Daniel, what a classic!

[@Leviathan0999]

I like to say that this song is Shelley's "Ozymandius," but you can dance to it.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

Nice memory 🥰🥰🥰 Completely forgot I knew 😊😇😍 Great reaction Harri ❤❤❤

[@sasquatch4745]

100% Possibly the best song Ever ...

[@jimmyfortrue3741]

I've been recommending this song + version for years... It's simply genius. An interesting story about this version of the song... Procol Harum was on tour and was in Edmonton Canada. They hooked up with the Edmonton Symphony orchestra and practiced one night together, and next night held the concert which produced the album that includes this song.

[@jayberman9221]

If you enjoyed A Whiter Shade of Pale & Conquistador, kindly let me suggest the following: - Repent Walpurgis by Gary Brooker & Matthew Fisher - In Held Twas In I by Gary Brooker & Matthew Fisher, lyrics by Keith Reid - A Salty Dog by Gary Brooker, lyrics by Keith Reid - Wreck of the Hesperus by Matthew Fisher, lyrics by Keith Reid - Whaling Stories by Gary Brooker, lyrics by Keith Reid - Grand Hotel by Gary Brooker, lyrics by Keith Reid - Strong As Samson by Gary Brooker, lyrics by Keith Reid - Something Magic by Gary Brooker, lyrics by Keith Reid Brooker and guitarist Robin Thrower formed the Paramount's in the early 1960s, performing as backup for the Beatles & The Rolling Stones. They disbanded & later formed Procol Harum. The name means, "Beyond These Things." In 1967 they recommend A Whiter Shade of Pale which was co-written by Brooker & organist Matthew Fisher. All the lyrics for Procol Harum were written by Keith Reid, who occasionally performed with band playing organ. Drummer BJ Wilson was considered by myself sic critics and his peers to have been one of the greatest drummers of all-time. When Jimmy Page was forming Led Zeppelin he asked Wilson to join them as their drummer, but BJ turned him down. Had he accepted the offer it's possible that we may not have known John Bonham. Procol Harum produced 9 albums between 1967 & 1977, including the live recording of Procol Harum with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. They disbanded & Brooker went on to perform with Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen & many other great musicians. In 1991 Procol Harum reformed with all new band members, Brooker the only original member & his lifelong writing partner Keith Reid rejoining as lyricist. They toured internationally until Brookers long illness, he ultimately died several years ago. To this day they're mostly remembered for their unique combat nation of rock, blues and classical music. Procol Harum performed live with a full Orchestra many times throughout the globe.

[@alanmusicman3385]

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" was a wonderful track - but I always liked this one best of all their singles hits - though the follow up to "A Whiter Shade of Pale", which is called "Homburg" is also a great listen. "Conquistador" has such a great range and musicality about it and the lyrics and imagery are so very sad. Anyone who wants to fully appreciate the lyrics should take 15 minutes to watch the video below to understand more about the epic story behind this and why the lyrics of this are so powerful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaa1col_o8mCars

[@SuperDobieGirl]

If I heard right, this song was done with only one or 2 dry runs the night of this performance. No real rehearsals. Truly professional musicians, the rock band and the full orchestra..

[@claypots47]

The song's lyrics were written by Keith Reid, Gary Brooker wrote the music. Keith is the lyricist for the majority of Procol Harum's songs, including A Whiter Shade of Pale. The two made a great writing team, as you heard. The music echo's the feel of the Southwest, due to the influence of the Spaniards. Typical Southern music; Country, Folk, are influenced by the Irish, Scottish and Scots-Irish Immigrants who settled in the South. Conquistador is more Southwestern than Southern. I'm glad you like the song. 👍

[@brentfreeland5834]

Quite Moody Blues- esq.

[@doplinger1]

Good reco, Daniel Volk!

[@danielvolk237]

Thanks Dave. 🙃👍

[@charlesstraight5499]

The song You're reviewing here by Procol Harum, Conquistador, is my favorite Procol Harum song don't get me wrong I love Whiter Shade of Pale and I think it's a great song great story and all that but when this first came out and I heard it the first time it I don't know it made me feel the way I've never felt with a stone before I don't know it maybe it's something to do with the Primal roots or something I don't know but I just love this song. The songs a little longer than I like but it's still great.

[@jujurightnow]

Keith Reid was Procol Harum lyricist, a truly fantastic poet, quite unique with the words. The chemistry between him & Gary Brooker is quite unmatched in Pop rock/modern music history.

[@jypziiatthecrossroads9047]

Another Englishman who dove deep into history for inspiration is Al Stewart; his Roads to Moscow is set in Russia during WW2, devastating. On the Border is about the Spanish Civil War, there are dozens of others.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

It amazes me how many reactors never touch this song. It is, as you said, a masterpiece. In addition it is a brief history lesson. Loved this when it came out and still do.

[@larrygonzales5245]

I heard this song on the radio one night at Circle K and I was taken aback by how amazing it was. I was moved and brought to tears.

[@davidbentley145]

Ty for this brother Harri...they are indeed an awesome force...If u get a chance take in their song "Simple Sister"

[@jeffreybooth5129]

THE BEST.

[@marybaillie8907]

Late to the party. Lol. Sadly missed this last night, got up at 4:30 to catch a flight. Love this song. Procol Harum such a complete band. All their works are masterpieces. So, beautifully written. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Daniel. Beautiful song. Next to Whiter Shade of Pale , Conquistador was the 2nd most popular song by them. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@danielvolk237]

Thanks for your nice comment Mary, I knew you would like the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. 😉🇨🇦 Hope you have a good flight. 👍🙃

[@marybaillie8907]

@@danielvolk237 Loved the Edmonton Orchestra. In fact I'm in the Rockies, 2 hours south west of Edmonton. Great choice as usual Daniel. 😊🎶✌️👍🇨🇦 🇺🇲

[@danielvolk237]

@@marybaillie8907 Thanks so much Mary for your kind remarks. I always look forward to your picks. Cynthia's too. I must have an affinity for Canadian girls musical tastes. 😉🇨🇦. Enjoy your stay out west.

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Yes masterpieces indeed my all time favourite band.

[@fridaylong2812]

RIP Gary Brooker.

[@fridaylong2812]

AND credit Keith Reid, co-writers.

[@alanmatthews9945]

Gary Brooker wrote the music but it was Keith Reid who wrote the words. He was the band's resident lyricist. And you're absolutely right about the quality of the words being poetic. Reid created a wealth of evocative prose for the band's material......It's a little known fact that as well as the blockbuster 'A White Shade of Pale' he also wrote the lyrics for another worldwide hit ; John Farnham's 'You're The Voice'.