Gary Brooker at Albert Lee's 70th Birthday concert

Gudrun Schwarz for BtP

Gary Brooker played the first of two nights celebrating the seventieth birthday of the excellent Albert Lee, his former Rhythm King bandmates. Our excellent correspondent, Gudrun Schwarz, writes that 'photos were not allowed, but they gave in later, allowing without flash'. These shots were taken in the order of Gary's appearance; the enormous setlist for the evening – featuring three Procolers – is here.

The event took place at Cadogan Hall London, hosted by the BBC's Bob ('Whispering Bob') Harris. Gary looked well and was in good shape. Facing some technical problems with the grand piano, he switched straight over to the Yamaha keyboard.  Backed by Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders, Gary did Old Black Joe to huge applause (Andy and Albert doing the refrain). Then Gary's warhorse A Whiter Shade of Pale was played, during which you could hear a pin drop. (review here)

Great atmosphere, and the old Rhythm Kings mates Gary and Albert hugging each other caused extra cheers. That was it for Gary in the first set, but he returned for the Birthday Cake 'ceremony', and then joined Albert for the very last song  of the night, Tear it Up. Standing ovations, but no further encores, as there was a strict curfew.

Gary and Albert, near the grand piano

Andy Fairweather Low and Albert during Old Black Joe

The marvellous Dave Bronze on bass

Gary Brooker at the start of A Whiter Shade of Pale

Old friends ... Brooker and Lee

On drums, Paul Beavis!

Andy fretting

Andy with a different guitar

Gary and co, cutting the birthday cake

GB about to Tear it Up

Tearing it up ... Brooker et al

One more shot of Gary at the piano

The final short of Gary from this show