Procol Harum - Live at the Union Chapel

by Carl Bookstein

published: 7 / 10 / 2013

Label: Salvo Music
Format: CD

First-rate CD/DVD reissue of legendary 60's group Procol Harum live at the Union Chapel in 2003 in London

Review

A legendary British band captured in their essence- Procol Harum’s 'Live at the Union Chapel' is a CD and DVD combination package from a top flight December 2003 performance. Originally released in 2004, the recording is currently being reissued. The concert includes both Procol Harum signature songs and music from their then-new album 'The Well’s On Fire'. With a subtle, but sweeping symphonic sound, 'Shine On Brightly' is gorgeous from the start with Gary Brooker’s resonant vocal, stinging guitar, rich keyboards and steady drumming. “Even my befuddled brain is shining brightly, quite insane” is the lyric. The song and the band are both classics. 'An Old English Dream' is evocative and lyrically picturesque, capturing churchyards, deep rivers and a great highway that stretches to the stars, with sounds and images both melodic and inspired. An organic and rollicking piece of work, 'Quite Rightly So' is, in this version, a train of pumping momentum. Behind powerful organ, the song is remorseful. “For you whose eyes were open wide/Whilst mine refused to see…. Perhaps the sun will never shine on my field of wheat.” It is the sound of inspired sorrow. On 'The Question', Brooker puts forth a fine vocal and tickles the ivories with just the right touch. 'As Strong as Samson' finds Procul Harum criticising preachers, psychiatrists, lawyers and societal norms. The grand cascading opus 'Conquistador'absolutely radiates. “And though I hoped for something to find/I could see no maze to unwind.” The band is in the zone on this night, charging on all cylinders. 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'- a full length version here- remains a revelation, with great Hammond organ playing and the majestic sound of this band in full. 'Live at the Union Chapel' is a window into the world of Procul Harum - a group that has earned their well deserved recognition.

Track Listing:-

1 Underture
2 Shine On Brightly
3 An Old English Dream
4 Quite Rightly So
5 Simple Sister
6 Weisselklenzenacht (The Signature)
7 The Question
8 As Strong As Samson
9 Conquistador
10 Whisky Train
11 A Whiter Shade Of Pale
12 Underture (DVD)
13 Shine On Brightly (DVD)
14 Pandora's Box (DVD)
15 An Old English Dream (DVD)
16 Grand Hotel (DVD)
17 Homburg (DVD)
18 Quite Rightly So (DVD)
19 Simple Sister (DVD)
20 Weisselklenzenacht (The Signature) (DVD)
21 Shadow Boxed (DVD)
22 The Question (DVD)
23 Wall Street Blues (DVD)
24 This World Is Rich (DVD)
25 As Strong As Samson (DVD)
26 Every Dog Will Have His Day (DVD)
27 A Salty Dog (DVD)
28 Conquistador (DVD)
29 VIP Room (DVD)
30 Whisky Train (DVD)
31 Good Captain Clack (DVD)
32 A Whiter Shade Of Pale (DVD)