August 1997: The Procol Harum e-mail List

Procol Harum

Beyond
the Pale

The Procol Harum e-mail list archive

August 1997 (thanks, Bill Hammell)

Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 22:43:12 -0400
To: procol@progrock.org
From: bwaltzer@acsworld.net (Bradford Waltzer)
Subject: Introduction

Just a short hello. I've been a great fan of Procol Harum since I first heard AWSOP, must have been when it first came out circa 67. When Shine on Brightly came out I was hooked. Saw them in concert in Philadelphia at the Spectrum sometime around 1970 or 1971 and I remember thinking that they have the best live sound of any band I've seen in concert. They were fantastic!

Brad bwaltzer@acsworld.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reply-
To: <bill@progrock.org
From: bill@progrock.org (Bill Hammell)
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Introduction
Date: Tue, 19 Aug 1997 23:37:54 -0400

Well Bradford, this was the very first post to this brand new list. Hopefully the news will spread around a bit soon. I have only been a fan for about a year or so and recently have been picking up their catalog bit by bit. I am trying now to locate Broken Barricades on CD. Apparently it is out of print. As of my last checking we only had 3 people on the list so far. My favorite songs tend to have a classical bent and lots of organ work by Matt Fisher. I'm going to e-mail Matt and let him know about the list, do you think he'd want to join us?

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ Bill Hammell - bill@progrock.org /_/ _/ Owner: Livgren/Elefante, Wakeman, Yes, Procol Harum e-mail lists/_/ _/ Kerry Livgren: http://progrock.org/livgren/ /_/ _/ John Elefante: http://progrock.org/elefante/ /_/ _/ irc.progrock.org - channel #livgren Livgren IRC Chat /_/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

----------
From: Bradford Waltzer <bwaltzer@acsworld.net
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Introduction
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 1997 10:43 PM Just a short hello. I've been a great fan of Procol Harum since I first heard AWSOP, must have been when it first came out circa 67. When Shine on Brightly came out I was hooked. Saw them in concert in Philadelphia at the Spectrum sometime around 1970 or 1971 and I remember thinking that they have the best live sound of any band I've seen in concert. They were fantastic! Shine on! Brad bwaltzer@acsworld.net -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997 10:53:45 -0400
To: procol@progrock.org
From: "Mark C. Leffler" <mleffler@ix.netcom.com
Subject: introduction

Hello. I have enjoyed the music of Procol Harum since I bought the 45 of AWSOP back in 1967. I had the pleasure of seeing them around '70-71 on what I believe was the "Home" tour. The lineup still included Robin Trower and Chris Copping had just joined. An excellent show.

I have enjoyed reading the info on the recent Redhill shows (wish it had been officially recored) and am looking forward to the rumored CD re-releases.

-Mark ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ty@e-corp.com (Ty Perry)
To: <procol@progrock.org Reply-
To: ty@e-corp.com
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997 13:38:53
Subject: hello

1) of all the procol harum CDs out there (excluding Broken Barricades, i guess), are there any "definitive" editions for procol harum's albums? or any that are definitely worth getting because of included material in the CD booklet, or remastered, or whatever other perks you can think of. all i have is A Whiter Shade of Pale (Castle Communications), Shine on Brightly (Rebound/A&M), and A Salty Dog (A&M), and the CD booklets are a bit empty, and there's no indication of remastering or stuff like that.

2) can anybody recommend Gary Brooker's 2 solo albums? i'm thinking of getting them but not sure if they're in the PH vein.

3) a curiousity: does anybody else think that part of Aerosmith's "hole in my soul" sounds EXACTLY like parts of "Quite Rightly So"? so much that it would lead you to believe that Aerosmith directly ripped off the melody?

euti (ty) perry --------------- mosquito@cmu.edu ty@e-corp.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997 22:01:41 -0400
To: procol@progrock.org
From: bwaltzer@acsworld.net (Bradford Waltzer)
Subject: Re: Introduction

I don't know if you noticed yet, Bill, but your link that was posted on the classic rock newsgroup went to a different artist. I ended up joining it before I realized it wasn't Procol Harum. When I realized what I did I went back to the web site and followed the link back to the list of available mailing lists and found it there! Have you contacted the main PH web sites (Shine on Brightly, Matt's page, etc.) to see if they will list this list?

My favorite songs tend to have a classical bent and lots of organ work by Matt Fisher.

I'm going to e-mail Matt and let him know about the list, do you think he'd want to join us?

Definitely worth a try! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: bill@progrock.org (Bill Hammell)
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: hello
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997 22:47:11 -0400

----------
From: Ty Perry <ty@e-corp.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: hello
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 1997 9:38 AM

A: I believe the best versions currently in print (first 4 albums) are the new Repertoire versions of the 1st 4 albums. I have yet to find _Home_ yet (it's on backorder and no store has it yet near me) and these were remastered, but sadly the _Whiter Shade Of Pale_ CD is entirely in Mono. Matt Fisher found a stereo recording of this song and not the reprocessed variety. So even though these reissues have bonus tracks, it may be wise to wait until this possible Box Set w/ these 4 albums plus a possible CD worth of B-Sides and "rarities" is released. AFAIK there is no release date for such a monster. These 4 reissues have nice liner notes and photos, and are in digipak cardboard type holders.

2) can anybody recommend Gary Brooker's 2 solo albums? i'm thinking of getting them but not sure if they're in the PH vein.

A: I only have _Echoes In The Night_ (1985). It is a bit on the poppish side and has a little "80's keyboard sound but is a pretty good album. Matt Fisher co wrote 7 tracks with Gary and a few with Gary and Keith. I read that is the most PH like of his solos.

A: I read you post this to the newsgroup, I haven't heard the Aerosmith song, but I wouldn't doubt the ripoff for a minute.

Bill _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ Bill Hammell - bill@progrock.org /_/ _/ Mgr: Livgren/Elefante, Wakeman, Yes, Procol Harum Email Lists /_/ _/ Kerry Livgren: http://progrock.org/livgren/ /_/ _/ John Elefante: http://progrock.org/elefante/ /_/ _/ irc.progrock.org - channel #livgren Livgren IRC Chat /_/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: bill@progrock.org (Bill Hammell)
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Introduction
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997 22:56:06 -0400

Yes, I noticed my blunder as I was e-mailing Matthew Fisher! (yes I gave it a shot, no reply yet) I'm sorry you ended up on the wrong list but having 4 lists can get you confused sometimes. I simply had the Kerry Livgren e-mail list URL in there by mistake. Kerry is a big fan of PH by the way.

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ Bill Hammell - bill@progrock.org /_/ _/ Mgr: Livgren/Elefante, Wakeman, Yes, Procol Harum Email Lists /_/ _/ Kerry Livgren: http://progrock.org/livgren/ /_/ _/ John Elefante: http://progrock.org/elefante/ /_/ _/ irc.progrock.org - channel #livgren Livgren IRC Chat /_/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

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From: Bradford Waltzer <bwaltzer@acsworld.net
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Introduction
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 1997 10:01 PM As of my last checking we only had 3 people on the list so far. I don't know if you noticed yet, Bill, but your link that was posted on the classic rock newsgroup went to a different artist. I ended up joining it before I realized it wasn't Procol Harum. When I realized what I did I went back to the web site and followed the link back to the list of available mailing lists and found it there! Have you contacted the main PH web sites (Shine on Brightly, Matt's page, etc.) to see if they will list this list? My favorite songs tend to have a classical bent and lots of organ work by Matt Fisher. Me too, I love practically everything on Salty Dog, Shine on Brightly. I'm going to e-mail Matt and let him know about the list, do you think he'd want to join us? Definitely worth a try! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 10:47:17 +0400
From: George <pcmcia@geocities.com
To: bill@progrock.org CC: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Introduction

Hi Bill, Thanks for the invitation to join the list. I've been waiting for something like this for a long time. As a way of introducing myself, I invite anyone interested to visit my home page at http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palms/2075 which is mostly devoted to PH. I hope that you haven't forgotten to invite the most die-hard PH fans. The list can be found at the Jens Anders Ravnaas's site: http://home.sn.no/~jensan/Procolfr.htm BTW, in case somebody doesn't know, this site has all the facts about PH and then some.

By 4 now, George -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 14:30:08 -0400 (EDT)
To: procol@progrock.org
From: dave pettit <dhpett0@pop.uky.edu
Subject: if the sea was not so salty...

My name is Dave Pettit and I'm a 20-year-old Procol Harum fan from Kentucky... Just wanted to see who all's on the list and where you might be from. Hope to have some interesting conversations, even though the list seems pretty empty so far. Please respond!

dave pettit ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 14:45:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: LeoBome@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Welcome to Procol

It is with great pleasure I address this congregation of seekers, searchers and profound gasser's who've chosen to continuously kindle the flame that is PROCOL HARUM.

I declare myself a proud member of this audacious group and look forward to the dialogue to follow.

Leonard ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 21:44:15 -0400
To: procol@progrock.org
From: bwaltzer@acsworld.net (Bradford Waltzer)
Subject: Re: if the sea was not so salty... In-Reply-
To: <1.5.4.16.19970821132956.32b73db8@pop.uky.edu

My name is Dave Pettit and I'm a 20-year-old Procol Harum fan from Kentucky... Just wanted to see who all's on the list and where you might be from.

*** "We're taking turns in trying to pass them on" *** -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 21:52:45 -0400
To: procol@progrock.org
From: bwaltzer@acsworld.net (Bradford Waltzer)
Subject: Suggestion

IMHO, you may want to set the "reply to" field in the headers to be the mailing list address instead of the sender, so that when someone clicks on reply in their program it will plug in the list address instead of the sender's address. We may be missing out on some conversations that were meant for the list, but only get sent to the author of the post. (only my 2 cents) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 22:30:30 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Hello

Matt Fisher found a stereo recording of this song and not the reprocessed variety. <<

I don't think that was Matthew Fisher - but rather another guy named Fisher who works for the record company.

PH fans post there, and I posted a bunch of stuff recently. I wondered whether to reprint some of it to this List - but it would probably be better to just refer you to the Newsgroup.. You can all access that right?

Hi Dave P!! :-) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 10:47:51 +0400
From: George <pcmcia@geocities.com
To: Jem33@aol.com CC: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Hello

Matt Fisher found a stereo recording of this song and not the reprocessed variety. <<

I don't think that was Matthew Fisher - but rather another guy named Fisher who works for the record company.

Hi Joan, I think that you should repost your stuff here, if only for the sake of this new venture. Besides, not all the fans have Usenet access (I suspect that my news server is cheating me off a half of postings). I hope that in time all PH activity will move here since this list seems to be our very own place on the Net (I remember some postings with an idea to start a PH newsgroup). Has anybody posted an invitation to join this list in relevant newsgroups? Will you make the announcement at AOL?

Hope to hear from you soon, George _______________________________________________ http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palms/2075 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: bill@progrock.org (Bill Hammell)
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: Broken Barricades CD
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 07:05:06 -0400

Hi, I found a company selling a long box CD of Broken Barricades for $40. Is this too high a price? I'm thinking this was originally an expensive CD (being a mobile fidelity release) was it not? Please let me know as I've been trying endlessly to find it. It seems a bit steep for any CD but if it is that rare......

Here is all the info they listed BROKEN BARRICADES ALUMINUM MFSL SS IN LONG BOX $40.00

I notice it says aluminum which I guess is differentiating from their gold CD's.

From: bill@progrock.org (Bill Hammell)
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: List of B-sides and Unreleased Tracks
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 07:13:49 -0400

Hi, I'd like to know if someone could post a list of all the known B-sides and unreleased songs and any info they would have (like year recorded or writers, etc). Maybe there is a FAQ somewhere on the web with this info? If not it would be a nice thing to have up there. I only know of a few plus the ones added to the reissues, can someone help? Thanks.

To: procol@progrock.org
From: Alicura Oficina Neuquen <alicura@fundap.dossier.com.ar
Subject: A southern fan
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 97 12:07:23 PDT

Hi Everybody! My name is Jose Luis, I'm from Neuquen, Argentina. Age: 46 (16 at the time "Pale" was realized). Engineer, 5 children (two of them are also Procol fans). Nothing more to say about myself. About Procol's music, you know, it's hard to say... english is not my every day's language so I hardly found the right words; but I'll try: it's great, actually it's the only music I care about, almost the only I do listen at. I think there is need of some special sensibility to appreciate it. I mean, if everybody were listening the same I listen, then everybody would appreciate as I do! But, we are only a few. So, I believe Procol Harum fans are truly special people, very close to me, and I'm really glad to know about you all. Kind regards. Jose Luis. <alicura@fundap.dossier.com.ar ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 23 Aug 1997 00:45:34 +0200
From: Jens Anders Ravnaas <jensan@online.no Reply-
To: jensan@online.no Organization: SN Internett
To: bill@progrock.org CC: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Broken Barricades CD

I would gladly pay that. It's a steep price I suppose. But what is a steep price if you cant get it elswere at any price? Where did you find it?

Here is all the info they listed BROKEN BARRICADES ALUMINUM MFSL SS IN LONG BOX $40.00

I notice it says aluminum which I guess is differentiating from their gold CD's.

Date: Sat, 23 Aug 1997 00:55:09 +0200
From: Jens Anders Ravnaas <jensan@online.no Reply-
To: jensan@online.no Organization: SN Internett
To: bill@progrock.org CC: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: List of B-sides and Unreleased Tracks

This might be a suitable opportunity for me to introduce myself to the members of this mail list. My name is Jens Anders Ravnaas. I live in Norway, and have been a procol Harum fan since AWSOP hit the radio waves 30 years ago. When Shine on Brightly came I year lateer, I was an addict for lifetime. Procol's music is simply the most wonderful ever made.

I run a internet website, dedicated to the music of Procol Harum. It's called "Shine on Brightly". (I guess bright readers can guess why). You are welcome to visit it at: http://home.sn.no/~jensan/Procol.htm

And to Bill: If you come to my website, and look at the discography section, Ron Smith has a comprehensive listing of Procol Harum's B-sides and other obscure releases.

Bill -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 20:47:41 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Usenet Posts

AOL knows about this list - (the PH folder anyway - mmc--rock/pop--classic rock--ph

Here's the first of several posts I wrote in that Newsgroup about suggestions for LIVE bonus tracks. I'm really tired of all the CD reissues with those same old "unreleased" songs. None of the albums ever did PH justice anyway, compared to how they sounded LIVE. Edmonton comes the closest - finally they had a decent recording engineer - Wally Heider - who captured BJ's HUGE sound rather well.. But they would've sounded even HOTTER, IMO, without the orchestra, if only Heider or someone of his calibre had recorded them that way...

The Good news is that PH did quite a few radio and TV shows, and I have lo fi copies of some of them, but there must be professional quality copies around.. There are some great tracks on these LIVE shows, and I think THEY'RE what PH should be releasing as Bonuses.. So here's my first posts on that subject - slightly edited:

Subject: Procol Harum - suggestions for LIVE bonus tracks
From: jem33@aol.com (Jem33)
Date: 17 Aug 1997 17:30:52 GMT

This will be a work in progress because I'm too lazy right now to look up all the tunes I'll be recommending.. but I feel like getting started with what I can remember:

Stoke Poges - Great instrumental by Fisher. There's one version on the Easter Island bootleg, but RT isn't at his best and a better balanced copy would be needed. (I also understand that there exists a GREAT STUDIO rendition of this beautiful piece and that might even be better...)

Going Down Slow - Fantastic Blues made famous by Howlin Wolf (composer's name escapes me at the moment - sorry)... Easter Island has an excellent version with GB and RT in Fine Form. Again, the balance is off - RT too loud in the mix - this should be fixed..

Theme from 2001 - I think this is inserted in the Skip Softly on the Easter Island CD - but it can stand alone as well.. I was fortunate to hear them do this LIVE - WoW!!

If they ever did In Held WITHOUT the chorus on Grand Finale -- in the Fisher Incarnation - that would be a Blockbuster - with the Hammond turned up to Eleven, of course.. JUST IMAGINE how GREAT that would've sounded!!! They had a chance to do this at Redhill, but were too shortsighted, unfortunately, and had Solley play the {{chorus}} on a {{synth}} - Double UGH!! OK I'm editorializing.... IMHO, etc..

Theme from Separation - from Fisher's solo album Journey's End... This isn't a LIVE track but would fit very well with Procol's First, and perhaps Fisher would record a LIVE version on his magic Hammond - sans strings.. I can just hear that - WoW!

Best, Joan :-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 20:53:04 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Usenet Posts - 2

I agree with the Suggestion about Reply-ing to this List correctly.... I already made one mistake and poor Bill received a message meant for the whole Group.. sorry Bill.. :-)

Subject: Procol Harum suggestions for (preferably) LIVE bonus tracks
From: jem33@aol.com (Jem33)
Date: 17 Aug 1997 22:07:54 GMT

Wreck of the Hesperus - Without the orchestra - I understand this does exist. What would be even more Awesome is if RT would extend his guitar solo on this "unstrung" version - playing pretty much the same lines as the orchestra did, but with that HOT EDGY sound that he got on the song (I hope he can still produce that sound...).. But if RT can't or won't add anything this would Still be a great track!

ASD - LIVE on the 1976 British Biscuit show - aka Five and Dime boot. This has BJ in all his Glory, unobscured by overbearing strings, and ending the piece with lovely cymbals instead of those dopey bird sounds -- ok editorializing again... imho of course.. ...

All This And More - DITTO the GREAT BJW on this one!! And at the very end, GB can be heard to say quickly and quietly:

Juicy John Pink - from the WPLJ show of 1971 - played as a Heavy Blues - the Drums again are SO MUCH better than on the album - I don't think BJ even Played on the album version of this - and ------ saints-be-praised there's NO harmonica!! RT and BJW really SHINE - I didn't even LIKE this song until hearing the WPLJ version!!

Best, Joan :-) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 20:55:34 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Usenet posts - 3

Subject: Re: Procol Harum suggestions for (preferably) LIVE bonus tracks
From: jem33@aol.com (Jem33)
Date: 17 Aug 1997 22:25:38 GMT

{An advantage to the next 3 tracks is, of course, NO Orchestration [or synths] - which allows BJW's greatness to shine through unobstructed }

Simple Sister - A Nice lean version without that repetitive instrumental interlude

Broken Barricades - I thought the album version contained orchestration, but now I read In Roland Clare's Redhill tome that it was a synth... Whatever it was - it ruined this song for me.. The WPLJ version is Gorgeous!

There's an even BETTER drum solo on the 1974 Dallas Radio show, but the rest of the song is inferior to WPLJ - I wonder if they can add the drum solo from Dallas to the WPLJ track.....

As a matter of fact - there's also a fantastic Power Failure drum solo on the Rockpalast Video from 1976 -- could this also be added?? One Great LOOOONG Drum solo... ahhhh!!! :-)

Best, Joan :-) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 21:00:08 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Usenet posts - 4

Subject: Re: Procol Harum - suggestions for LIVE bonus tracks
From: jem33@aol.com (Jem33)
Date: 21 Aug 1997 00:16:25 GMT

FOR: GRAND HOTEL, EXOTIC BIRDS & FRUIT, AND PROCOL'S NINTH: (also BB, SOB, etc.):

Rockpalast, 1/76 - Germany - 52 minutes and Welcome to the Grand Hotel - 1973 (I think) - France - 40 minutes (approx)

BJW is especially AWESOME on these 2 shows. And he looks a LOT better than he did on that 1971 TV show (Beat Workshop - Germany that they showed at Redhill.

The Unquiet Zone - a Drumming Tour De Force!! Gary said at the end "BJ Wilson.. pulling no punches." and was he ever Correct!!! [Rockpalast]

Power Failure - especially on Rockpalast - Great drum solo and I LOVE the way BJ ENDS this version!! He does a great vertical-drumstick move - getting very melodic tones that way -- a technique I believe originated with master jazz drummer Joe Morello..

Souvenir of London - I don't even care for this song usually but, again, the Drums are so GREAT - [Rockpalast];; on the GH show, BJ is seen playing bass drum and hi hats with his Feet while strumming a Mandolin!!

These are 2 GREAT VIDEOS!!!! Please let there be copies with good Sound - especially the bass tones - emplasizing the DRUMS! And please Release them!

Best, Joan -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 21:13:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: bill@progrock.org
Subject: Easter Island Tracks

Subject: Procol Harum - Easter Island
From: jem33@aol.com (Jem33)
Date: 23 Aug 1997 01:05:09 GMT

As requested - here's the Track List for this LIVE boot from 1969 - mostly recorded at Fillmore East (on Easter Sunday):

Conquistador Stoke Poges - a Beautiful instrumental by Fisher, erroneously called "Chelsea's Tune" on the liner notes Kaleidoscope Homburg Repent Walpurgis Shine On Brightly Going Down Slow - GREAT Blues! Juicy John Pink Cerdes Skip Softly - including an interlude of the Theme from 2001!! Crucifixion Lane Wish Me Well Rambling On AWSOP

The mix isn't that good - Gary and BJ aren't loud enough - but boosting the bass helps...I'm not sure this is still available anywhere, and I HOPE at least some of it - in HiFi form - can be officially released someday!!

Best, Joan :-) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 21:36:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: ProcolHrum@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: ...Wasp without a sting

Hello Procolphiles, My name is Richard and until Jose Luis came along I considered myself a southern fan. {10-O-C !} Oh well. Guess I am just another yank, after all. A few familial faces(?) I see. Jem33, the internet Juggernaut. (hi joan) And Leonard, who racked up some serious air miles to be in Redhill, and didn't forget us folks back home. Thanks. For the blow by blow account of Redhill Concert, see Roland Clare's wonderful article at Jen's Shine on Brightly website. <A HREF="http://home.sn .no/~jensan/redhill12.htm"This Old Cat - Procol Harum</A Isn't THIS fun? Rich ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 22:58:16 -0400 (EDT)
From: FiddlAbout@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Hello all.

Hi folks, My name is Dean and I welcome the chance to join such a distinguished group. For starters, I have been a fan of Procol since hearing AWSOP when it was first released. Their unique blending of classical music structures , chord progressions and raw artistic power ( Robin Trower and BJWilson) captured my imagination. I think they were music for the "thinking person" and perhaps accounts for their lackluster mass popularity. But LIVE........well I saw them knock a Stones fan on his butt. Bye for now. Dean -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 23:00:04 -0400 (EDT)
From: Patprutrac@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Welcome to Procol

I have been a fan of PH since they released AWSOP. but the song that got me interested in their music was A Salty Dog. So I've been a fan ever since, saw them in concert in the early 70's and in 92 in Cleveland. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 00:13:29 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Usenet Post - #5

Subject: Re: Procol Harum - suggestions for LIVE bonus tracks
From: jem33@aol.com (Jem33)
Date: 24 Aug 1997 04:08:34 GMT

Jens, As long as you're collecting ideas, I always thought 'Fires (which burnt brightly)' sounded better when they did it live without the swingle singer and without an orchestra.<<

I AGREE! There's a great version on the Welcome to the Grand Hotel TV show AND also on -- something I forgot to mention:

There's a production company - Brownstein Productions, I think - accessible at http://www.midnightspecial.com that's promising to release some (?) Midnight Special TV shows on Home Video this fall. They're the company responsible for the material shown on VH1 Archives, and the Midnight Specials shown on VH1 (not PH so far, sadly). We should lobby this company to Release The PH Show - they did Excellent versions of Grand Hotel, Fires.., TV Ceasar/Rule Brittania (!), Conquistador, several others.. I'll try and get more specific info on whom to contact about this..

It seems the top vote-getters for this list are everything they ever did with an orchestra redone without an orchestra. I don't think Mr. Brooker will take too kindly to this (he mentions this in the Shine On interview).<<

An Orchestra probably sounded Good to Gary as he sat onstage surrounded by all those violins, etc..BUT Remember --- Gary has NEVER heard his band Without the orchestra from the vantage point of an audience member!! The studio recordings are a JOKE compared to their LIVE sound. If he Could've heard PH LIVE as I've heard them (during HOME and GRAND HOTEL tours) -- he'd Never have wanted them to be adulterated by an Orchestra! What Awesome Power and Majesty they had -- those wimpy strings Pale by comparison. But I suspect that Gary has never had the privilege of hearing how Great his unadorned band really sounded.. =============

Best, Joan :-) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 10:02:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: LeoBome@aol.com
To: Jem33@aol.com, procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Usenet posts - 4

I agree that yet another re-issue of material that was recorded in the studio is not the most desirable product. Although I will more than likely invest in it just as a way of letting those who control these things know that the market does exist for PROCOL material.

Jem33 knows her Procol material and I find no fault in her selections of performances. She is offically the A&R person for the PROCOL HARUM INTERACTIVE CD - ROM

All those great BJ moments captured on video in the 60s and 70s compiled and presented on CD-ROM.

Comments from band memebers, either on video or text, accompany the audio/ visual segments. Subjects such as credits for contributions and royalties should be explored. How has the music business changed in the last 30 years? Imagine if you will, Jen's Webpage with all that information, plus video segments of Jems pics of rare performance's with the complete stereo recording on the CD for Audio Only Play.

The technology and the material is available. Henry Scott Irvine, are you there? Perhaps interest will continue to build after the WSOP documentary Henry is producing is shown. I believe this medium through which we are now communicating can make this project happen. First step in this direction is making sure that Henrys video, the one shown at Redhill, not to be confused with the Robin Copping video sold at Redhill, is shown on TV here in the States. A barrage of E-Mails to MTV as well as VH1 might get the ball rolling. Also the King Biscuit Flower Hour people need a bit of a push to get off the Hollywood Bowl master recordings.

That's what I want. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: bill@progrock.org (Bill Hammell)
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: Truth Won't Fade Away CD single
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 17:25:25 -0400

Hi, does anyone know if the CD single for "The Truth Won't Fade Away" has the B-Side "Into The Flood"? I found one for $5 but it doesn't say what else is on it.

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 19:14:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Midnight Special

As I said before, Paul Brownstein Productions will be releasing Midnight Special shows on Home Video - or so they say. PH Hosted that show in 11/73. I saw it but of course had no VCR at the time; I have heard an audiotape of it since and can vouch for its quality!

I think it's a very good idea for everyone who wants a video of the PH Midnight Special show of 11/73 to email those folks - and that's Everyone on this Board, Right?? :-)

Best, Joan :-) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 22:18:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: CozmcCabg@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Please allow me to introduce myself...

(I still go with "but," although there are those who have made a good case for "not.")

I'm an old boy from the southern US. As a southern boy, I was an early fan of soul music: not just the Motown stuff, but more the soul that came out of Macon and Memphis and Muscle Shoals. Like the early Percy Sledge hits, recorded in Muscle Shoals, with Spooner Oldham on the organ (not that I knew or cared at the time that it was Spooner Oldham - now I know and care).

So, one day I heard a song on the radio. I wasn't paying much attention; thought it must be a new one from Percy Sledge. Then I heard it again a few days later and listened closer: the voice was soulful, the organ was churchy, BUT - Percy ain't gonna be singin' about no light fandango and vestal virgins.

It was by some English guys called Procol Harum. Now, I was a Latin scholar of some renown in those days. I figured out it might be fractured Latin: "procul" = "beyond." And "harum" was the feminine genitive plural of "hic," meaning "this." Thus, it was something like "beyond of these." Didn't make much grammatical sense, but I later found out it was the name of someone's cat, maybe an attempt at a Latin phrase for "far out."

Of course, AWSOP became an unavoidable major hit. Then, some months later, the follow-up, "Homburg," which I liked a lot, but I didn't have much company in that. Then I got drafted, and opted for four years in the US Navy, in various exotic locations. The music that penetrated to where I was in those days was good (Hendrix, Stones, Neil Young, Kinks, Doors - you know), but didn't include the subsequent PH stuff. Until, just out, I picked up "A Salty Dog" in the bargain bins. Might be the best $1.99 I ever spent! I soon spent more.

So, I'm not the most knowledgeable PH fan out there. I've never seen them live. I don't have any rarities or boots. But I dearly love the legendary first five albums, and like their later stuff, and the Fisher and Trower solo stuff. (Kinda "iffy" on the Brooker solo stuff.)

ASD still rules. BJ's entrance in the song ASD, Trower's solos in TDCFK, good stuff! And Keith's words throughout. IMHO, he is on of the pre-eminent rock lyricists, right up there with Dylan and Neil Young and Ray Davies. (Not that he's like any of them, though he and Neil are both great with ambiguities and multiple meanings.)

As for people who say PH is "pretentious" - that is a load of shit. If you want pretentious, try somehing like "..in and around the lake, mountains come out of the sky..." Keith could not write a line that vapid, even if he took as much acid as Jon Anderson!

Snake (your multi-lingual business friend) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 02:05:51 -0400
To: <procol@progrock.org
From: Alan Semok <asemok@IDT.NET
Subject: Introduction

Hi folks...my name is AL... Those on the AOL music message board also know me as "Tausendsas" (which , by the way, is not German for "beyond these things"). I used to be a professional musician, and while I still dabble in music and it remains an important part of my life, I now primarily make my living in other areas of sho-bizzz.

Anyway, I've enjoyed Procol since day one (30 years ago) and have been a rather rabid fan since first seeing them on a TV appearance in 1970 where they played a most stirring rendition of A SALTY DOG. It sent a chill up my spine, and moved me in a way that few musical experiences have moved me since. Their music speaks to me more than any other...what else can I say? Anyway, I thought for the longest time that being a PH fan was a lonely place to be, but in the last year through the AOL message board and now this place, I can see that I am VERY far from being alone. In fact, the number of new fans surfacing in these forums is a continuing source of surprise for me, as is the age of some of the fans...I'd be curious to know how our young friend Dave from Kentucky "discovered" Procol...

I didn't make it to Redhill (though I came close, but for my work schedule). I'm still hopeful that eventually the tapes will surface, both audio and video (I know they're out there...I have witnesses!!) If anyone here has a recording of the Redhill show, please drop me a line. bye for now... AL ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Note: This was a private response to a query I made to a company selling this particular item)

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 08:59:55 +0000
From: The Finest Records <cds~lps@thefinest.com Reply-
To: cds~lps@thefinest.com
To: bill@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Procol Harum CD Single

Bill Hammell wrote: Hi, are there any additional tracks on this CD Single? PROCOL HARUM "The Truth Won't Fade Away" $5 Bill _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ Bill Hammell - bill@progrock.org /_/ _/ Mgr: Livgren/Elefante, Wakeman, Yes, Procol Harum Email Lists /_/ _/ Kerry Livgren: http://progrock.org/livgren/ /_/ _/ John Elefante: http://progrock.org/elefante/ /_/ _/ irc.progrock.org - channel #livgren Livgren IRC Chat /_/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Hi Bill, Nope, this is a promo single with the lp version. Keith ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 18:25:57 -0400
From: "Diane H. Wells" <greatsociety@worldnet.att.net Reply-
To: greatsociety@worldnet.att.net
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Something to say (finally)

OK, ok...I've been on The List for about a week following the conversation, but not "diving in" as KR would say 'cause I don't really feel like I have much to say. Finally, Leonard Bohm convinced me I do indeed have something important to add and that is, in his words:

Yes, it's true, I went! I met a lot of great folks there including Leonard - and members of THE BAND, of course. It was fun - I'd do it again tomorrow! Besides, it gave me an excuse to take photos with my 35 millimeter camera which Jens has so graciously posted in his web page (thanks Jens!) Check 'em out when you get a chance!

- Diane Wells --------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Steven D. Weiss" <sweiss@superlink.net
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: By way of introduction...
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 17:28:54 -0400

I have been a PH fan since 1967 (I was 11 years old) and my big brother played the first album. My favorite track from that album is probably A Christmas Camel and I figured out how to play it when I got my first guitar at 13.

To me, A Salty Dog (the LP) is at least as strong an album as the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper or Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. And, from Home, I used to play Piggy Pig Pig to death. I admit, thought, it took time for me to warm up to Broken Barricades (I found Simple Sister a bit indulgent).

I saw Procol Harum in concert every time they came to New York City. At the Felt Forum in '71 (with Leo Kottke second on the bill) I was so rapturous I forgot where I was and who I was with (and my date that night was a heavy crush). But I remember a subsequent concert at the Felt Forum where the place was mostly empty and I had no problem grabbing a seat in the front row. And admittedly PH did not play well that night.

Much as I love PH, I found Procol's Ninth mostly weak (except for Pandora's Box) and Something Magic practically unlistenable. Forgive me, everybody.

When audio CD's became the format of choice (not _my_ choice, mind you--I prefer the sound quality of vinyl) I was more anxious to get PH CD's than Beatles CD's! But as you all know it took until only relatively recently for the Chrysalis title to be released individually. But I grabbed 'em as soon as I saw 'em (and last week I saw 'em remaindered for $5.99 US).

I have all of Gary Brooker's solo records on LP and a couple of months ago got 'em on CD. Now I hear they're going to be reissued with additional songs? And I have a Matthew Fisher LP that, sadly, bores me.

Nobody was happier than me when PH regrouped for The Prodigal Stranger and tour in, what was it, 1991? I got a scalper ticket in the rear but, unencumbered by companions, was able to work my may to the front of the mezzanine. To me, it was a blessed event. And judging by everyone else's reaction, they felt the same way. At the foot of the stage people were handing up their old, beaten A Salty Dog LP sleeves for an autograph.

I've read criticism of The Prodigal Stranger recently in the newsgroups but I'm just grateful to have more material from the band. And my two cents: it's a lot better than Procol's Ninth or Something Magic!

Several years ago I got a tiny little Casio keyboard. For one reason: to figure out how to play the opening of A Salty Dog. Other than that I don't play the piano at all!

I saw Gary Brooker on some other bands' tours over the years--what was it, Clapton? Harrison? But just last June I saw Gary at the Ringo's All Starr concert in New Jersey and it almost brought me to tears of shame to hear him singing backup on dopey songs like Yellow Submarine. (I felt the same way for Jack Bruce.) And I had never seen Gary with white hair! Oh, the indignity.

I dearly wanted to go to the 30th Anniversary concert on July 19, and thought about it often in the weeks and days prior to the concert. I still regret that I was not able to be there, except in spirit. I am glad that the web had provided a way for me at least to read about it. Sounds like it was a remarkably intimate affair.

Until the Internet, I had only ever known one friend (and that was long ago, in high school) who was as into Procol Harum as I was. And I am glad to join you all in what was for me a secret pleasure. If some of my opinions here offend, I apologize. But I want you all to know that above all else: I LOVE PROCOL HARUM! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: bill@progrock.org (Bill Hammell)
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: Echoes In The Night
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 04:34:50 -0400

Hi, I'd like to know what people's opinions are about the solo album by Gary Brooker _Echoes In The Night_. It seems like it could almost be a Procol Harum album since Matt Fisher played on, wrote for, and produced the album, Keith Reid wrote some, BJ Wilson played on a few songs, etc. It has grown on me after a few listens and is a pretty good album, even though it has some of that 80's keyboard sound which is definitely not Matt's specialty. (I would have liked some Hammond ;)

It would be awesome if there was a legitimate reunion and they wrote and played like the old style. The first era with Fisher was clearly the best. After buying _Grand Hotel_ and _Exotic Birds_ recently, I have to say it sounds almost like a different band, (in some ways it is) and is just not as memorable. I'm sure these will grow on me a little more but I don't think the Chrysalis years were nearly as good. I still need to buy a few of their albums but I plan on it.

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Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 09:47:02 -0400 (EDT)
From: RBERG51@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Looking for Procol Harum tapes

I am looking for any 68-74 Procol Harum tapes. I have a few from this period and would like more.

Neil --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 14:47:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: LeoBome@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Leonard tells his PHiStory

My first introduction to PH came in a trashy little bar on the eastside of Indianapolis, Ind. It was 1967 and I was into booze and weed and what ever got me off. I'd read about LSD but as yet I hadn't found any. I was looking though.

The name of this trashy little bar was the Tin Angel. It was trashy by choice and catered to an R&B crowd. They'd book small combo's occassionally and one of these was a 5 peice band that called themselves the SirVival. These guys had the Hammond B-3 with the spinning Leslie horn and a player who knew some good licks. The leader of this group was a great singer who could also play his guitar quite well. His name as I recall was Virgil Murray. He did a stomping version of (Hold on) I'm Coming, Gimme Some Lovin', and the other standards of the time. This group drew on the same material as the Paramounts. The first time I heard A Whiter Shade of Pale was in this bar, as played by this band.

I was working at a factory at a machine doing robotic labor that I detested. One of the other guys who worked at this same factory was a black fella who was just there for the summer. He had plans to continue his education and become a stockbroker. Lucky for me he had poor taste in music. He gave me the first Procol Harum album because he didn't like it. It wasn't jazz. HUM? He'd received it as a part of a record club he belonged to.

I cannot say I remember clearly the first time I played the album all the way through but I know that I soon listened to it everyday and played it for anyone who visited me. They didn't have a choice. My friends knew if they came to my house they'd hear Procol Harum. I was comfortable with elementary guitar chords. I knew the big three and could bang out all the 3 Chord standards but AWSoP required some stretch. I finally found the changes and by the time I connected with someone who had the Ousley White Lightning from the West Coast I could play and sing at least a faux of this great song.

The first album lead me down the garden path. I was strapped to her torture rack, and like a fool I believed myself. There wasn't a song on that album that didn't reach a part of my psyche. Repent Walpurgis touched me so deeply. I felt so desparate, so alien, so alone and this music reflected these emotions back to me.

By the time A Salty Dog was released I had quit that factory job and was "on the streets". I heard of a three day festival in Atlantic City where Procol Harum was on the bill. I had no choice. I hadn't seen them live. If they'd played in my area I didn't know about it. So I hitched from Indianapolis to Atlantic City, maybe 500 miles, in August of 1969. The festival was held at a race track and the sound was great, to my ears.

I have only brief images of the group that day. I can't tell you what they played. I was sooo loaded. What can I say? The BAND was on the same bill, as well as the Airplane, CCR, Byrds, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell (who cried and announced a gathering coming up in upper New York State later on that year that promised to be even bigger than this festival), Little Richard closed this 3 day festival.

I didn't see Procol Harum again until 1991 in San Fransisco. I had all the albums but just never connected with them live in all those years. Now I feel like I really missed out on some of the greatest live performances ever. It wasn't until earlier this year when I got on the internet that I found this group of Procolholics. As I recall the first SEARCH I did upon the www was for PROCOL HARUM.

So, that's a rather long winded recollection of the "ancient times". If you've read along this far, thanks for staying with me.

"I could change my plea to guilty, but I don't think it would stick . . ." Leonard

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Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 16:54:02 -0400
To: <procol@progrock.org
From: Alan Semok <asemok@IDT.NET
Subject: Re: Echoes In The Night

Bill wrote (clipped): Hi, I'd like to know what people's opinions are about the solo album by Gary Brooker _Echoes In The Night_. <<<

I kind of like the album...I was lucky enough to stumble upon it soon after it was released at a local record store with a great import section. Overall it really doesn't sound an awful lot like a Procol album to me because of the mainly "pop" format of the songs... _except_ for two tunes that scream PH; The Long Goodbye and most especially Ghost Train. Ghost has been a favorite of mine since the very first listening and with Fisher, Reid, Brooker, and especially good ol' BJ in attendance it really sounds _very_ Procol; the lyrics are really the best of the later Keith Reid efforts too. I was really glad to see that song used as the show opener in the '92 Edmonton Symphony reuinion concert...the reunion incarnations of the band have indeed been very much like "riding on a ghost train". This is one of the songs I would really like to hear played by just the 5 piece ensemble (the other being Wreck of The Hesperus). When I heard the two Procol-like cuts on ECHOES, I was all set and hopeful for a full blown PH reunion. I'm glad I've been able to enjoy seeing and hearing my favorite music live again...but thus far, BJ's absence has been most glaring. The other personnel changes didn't really bother me, but trying to replace BJ has thus far been a futile excersize. More so on some songs than others, but just compare BJ performances of Simple Sister with recordings of his successors and the difference becomes obvious in the first few measures. He was really in class by himself. AL

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Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 19:36:31 -0400
From: "Diane H. Wells" <greatsociety@worldnet.att.net Reply-
To: greatsociety@worldnet.att.net
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Home and Other News

Hey, I don't know if you folks are interested, but I notice recently that CD NOW (www.cdnow.com) has a cd of _Home_ for sale...I've never seen it before in CD format - not even in London when I was in the UK for the Redhill concert.

P.S. While I was in the UK for the PH concert, I found out about some other British bands that I really like now after hearing their music on the radio over there and spending a ton on CD's (Yes, Virgin Records on Oxford Street in London made some $$ off of me!)

The Charlatans - Tellin' Stories The Seahorses - Do It Yourself Spiritualized - Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space

- Check 'em out if you get the chance or have the inclination - it's always kinda neat to broaden out from the ol' PH base! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: bill@progrock.org (Bill Hammell)
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: New CD's coming out
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 01:08:45 -0400

Thoughtscape Sounds lists the following 2 titles as upcoming releases. I read that _Within Our House_ would be released by Repertoire, so it may be released in the USA as well as this UK import. Who knows. The Box Set I read about on Jens' page, it looks cool but I just bought the first 3 albums as Cube/Repertoire reissues. Haven't found _Home_ yet though. Looks like I won't need to buy that one though as this set will include it.

•Gary Brooker; Within Our House; $18.99 •Procol Harum; 30th Anniversary 3CD; Due September; TBA ------------------------------------------------

•Broken Barricades reissued/remastered •Journey's End reissue (Matthew solo) •I'll Be There reissue (Matthew solo) •Live w/ Edmonton Orchestra US release •Unreleased Songs from Crysalis Years (or box set w/ rarities included) •King Biscuit Flower Hour Live CD's (legit not bootleg) •Echoes In The Night remixed/remastered/rerecorded w/ Trower and new Hammond recording by Fisher and then called a "Procol Harum" album! (Bonus tracks are a must) •A Redhill Shade Of Pale (Live from Redhill 30th anniversary of PH)

•and last but not least..... a new studio album w/ Gary, Matt, Robin, Keith, and other. One can always dream (but you can't turn back the page).

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Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 00:42:26 +0200
From: Jens Anders Ravnaas <jensan@online.no Reply-
To: jensan@online.no Organization: SN Internett
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Website updates

Hi I guess most of you know my Procol Harum website by now. I just write to inform you that Roland Clare has uppdated his wonedrful Redhill report - This Old Cat-. I you haven't read it yet. It's a must. If you have, check out the updates, and learn what is played backwards on In The Autum On My Madness (Pat Keaing found this one out, Beatles were not the only ones doing bacwards recording)

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Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 00:44:49 +0200
From: Jens Anders Ravnaas <jensan@online.no Reply-
To: jensan@online.no Organization: SN Internett
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Within Our House

I know many of you have not yet heard Gary Brookers wonderful 1996 live recording "Within Our House". Full details including ordering info, on my website at: http://home.sn.no/~jensan/news2.htm

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Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 20:06:40 +0200
From: Matheus <matheus@uni-muenster.de Reply-
To: matheus@uni-muenster.de
To: Procol Harum <procol@progrock.org
Subject: (Kein "Betreff")

<Pmy name is Frank, and I am new to this list. I am 39 years old and working at the university of Munster, Germany, as a lecturer for Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew; I am a theologian. <BRI am a Procol fan for about 25 years; I bought the first album (AWSOP) in the early seventees as a special offer. I didn't have a lot of money, and this record was the cheapest, so I bought it. The music overwhelmed me, and I am fan since then. <BRI attended the Barbican last year and have recently been to Redhill to celebrate the 30 year party. Maybe I've met some of you there.

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Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 19:29:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Midnight Special

Steve - you mentioned that you had a Matthew Fisher album you didn't care for. Care to divulge Which Album it is?

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Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 20:35:15 -0400
From: "Diane H. Wells" <greatsociety@worldnet.att.net Reply-
To: greatsociety@worldnet.att.net
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Midnight Special

Since you keep mentioning it, I've got to respond! I saw that Midnight Special in November 1973, too! It was the first time I ever heard the band play "Drunk Again"...

So, when WILL a tape of that show be released on video? I'd love to see it again!

P.S. If you can believe it, I still have the old T.V. Guide with the listing for that particular Midnight Special. Can't believe I've kept it all these years! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 23:27:36 -0400
To: procol@progrock.org
From: Kerry Holloway <kerryh@uconect.net
Subject: Intro

Greetings everyone, My Name is Kerry Holloway and I'm from a little place called Quaker Hill, Connecticut, USA. I was a junior in high school when AWSOP came out and I wore out at least one needle and the single on my parents hi-fi system. I will never forget the day I found the Shine On Brighly album in the local Montgomery Ward record department and brought it home to listen to. I have tried to collect all that PH has done, as well as Gary's and Matt's solo works. I am beginning to find out that there is more out there, like "Into the Flood" , "Stoge Poges", "This Old Dog" , etc., and I would love to get a copy of some of these performed but unreleased stuff.

It's really nice to know that there other radical fans out there. For so long I have thought that I was one of a few fans, destined to go thru life without meeting many others. Thank God for the internet! Procol Harum is one of the corner stones of my existence. By the way, does anyone know who the Paul Williams is that used this phrase?

And another question that someone might know an answer to: I keep hearing Gary introduced or referred to as "Admiral Brooker" or "Rear Admiral Brooker", how and why did he get this "title"???

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From: "Steven D. Weiss" <sweiss@superlink.net
To: <procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Midnight Special
Date: Sun, 31 Aug 1997 00:17:34 -0400

Hi Joan! I hope that by replying by way of the PH mailing list I am doing the right thing.

Anyway I must confess that between Firesign Theater and Flash in my record collection there is no Matthew Fisher LP. I must have traded it away but not before taping it on cassette. Unfortunately my cassettes are not alphabetized, so I cannot find the tape.

Suffice it to say it must have been his first solo release because I was unaware he had more stuff out there. I remember thinking it was . . . well, boring. Wasn't Tim Renwick on it? I remember that maybe only one or two songs sounded like Procol Harum. The rest was pretty anemic.

Well, why not? Let's go for it: what's up with everybody quoting Keith Reid lyrics in their messages. After all, his lyrics are anything but profound!

----------
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Re: Midnight Special
Date: Saturday, August 30, 1997 7:29 PM Hi Steve!! Thanks for responding about Midnight Special.. I be doin' Fine!! Why am I talking that way??? Oh well, I'm not Southern either, y'all. Steve - you mentioned that you had a Matthew Fisher album you didn't care for. Care to divulge Which Album it is? Best, Joan :-) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 31 Aug 1997 15:05:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Midnight Special and KR's Words

So, when WILL a tape of that show be released on video? I'd love to see it again! <<

I have no idea but I think we should all email that Brownstein Company and request it!! And if anyone finds a a copy thru the Collectors' grapevine - Please let us know..

I agree that KR isn't any kind of deep thinker, and I try to resist quoting lyrics in my posts - except when I wonder if MF will "cringe with embarrassment" at some of the things I say <G..

BUT - KR is a Phenomenal Wordsmith - My Favorite poet/lyricist. I don't listen to to Rock lyrics for deep conceptual meaning - I go to Literature for that.. too much meaning in lyrics interferes with my enjoyment of the music.. KR is Perfect for the way I listen to songs - his words Sound so Musical - and/or evoke brief interesting perceptual images - e.g. in Cerdes, one of my favorites.. But a great philosopher he Ain't imho..

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Date: Sun, 31 Aug 1997 15:14:20 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jem33@aol.com
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: The Sea and Paul Williams

Procol Harum is one of the corner stones of my existence. By the way, does anyone know who the Paul Williams is that used this phrase? <<

That Paul Williams is a journalist - the founder of Crawdaddy Magazine, author of quite a few books, several on Dylan, whom he appears to worship. At one time Paul was the literary executor of the late great science fiction author Philip K. Dick, and Paul published a long article on PKD in Rolling Stone in the 70's or early 80's..

Re the seafaring references to Gary - he's an avid seaman and champion fly fisherman - won some award in the latter in the early 80's.. For awhile he even gave up music to take up fly fishing full time, until his wonderful wife Franky (aka Francoise, aka that pinching, biting, fighting, French bride immortalized in Grand Hotel?) said to him (from a GB interview in the Shine On fanzine): "I married a Musician, not an Angler." Gary then realized she was right and returned to music.. Thanks, Lady!! :-)

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Date: Mon, 01 Sep 1997 02:20:07 +0200
From: Jens Anders Ravnaas <jensan@online.no Reply-
To: jensan@online.no Organization: SN Internett
To: procol@progrock.org
Subject: Pete Solley of Procol Harum interviewed by Ron Smith

I am writing this, as I know members of this maillist will be pleased to know that Ron Smith has interviewed Pete Solley. The well written interview discuss Pete's work with Procol Harum, the celebration in Redhill and his other work in the music business. I am shure most of you are familiar with Ron's Matthew Fisher interview, his essay on the history of Procol Harum and other articles published on my website. ANd know you can expect some interesting reading. You can find the Pete Solley interview at: http://home.sn.no/~jensan/pstxt1.htm

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Procol Harum

Beyond the Pale

The Procol Harum e-mail list archive

August 1997 (thanks, Bill Hammell)

Beyond
the Pale