Shine On - The Best of the Whalers

Artist profile: Michael Ackermann (Germany)

 Michael "Big Mike" Ackermann, Germany: The Leaving of Wuppertal 6:00

The Best of the Whalers juxtaposes cover-versions (some unusual and ambitious choices) with original work by Procol Harum fans, and it's intriguing to hear the variety of sound-worlds they choose to inhabit.

Chief Whaler Michael Ackermann's track uses accordion (Heinz Friedrichs) and guitars and whistle (Helmut Ochtrup) to create the sea-shanty feel for a whimsical remake of The Leaving of Liverpool, a British traditional song. Michael sings of a Whaler's pilgrimage from his home in Wuppertal, Germany, to 'good old Chiddingfold', where he will hear Gary Brooker's No Stiletto Shoes; his 'floating hell' line comes direct from the original!

By typically Procolesque coincidence, this track was recorded on the thirtieth anniversary of Michael's meeting his wife Isolde.

Back to the pictorial index page for this recording