Procol Harum : 'Live at the Union
Chapel'
Hugh Fielder in Classic Rock No
71, October 2004
Procol Harum Live at the Union Chapel (Eagle)
The
Victorian gothic surroundings of Islington's Union Chapel make a perfect setting
for Procol Harum's sombre, beguiling classical rock fusions. While most people
only know them for one song, the niche they've carved for themselves over three
decades has prompted regular revivals and this was the final gig of a year-long
world tour. One reason for the loyalty of their fans becomes clear when they
play Weisselklenzenacht (The Signature) from their latest album which
drops seamlessly into a full set of vintage gems like Homburg, Pandora's
Box, A Salty Dog and, of course, A Whiter Shade of Pale.
Procol Harum may have established their formula from the start but the
variations on the theme remain infinite.
Another reason for their longevity is evident from seeing the contrasting but
complementary styles of the two surviving founders, singer / pianist Gary
Brooker and organist Matthew Fisher. Like an old
married couple they tolerate each other's foibles, well aware that they are
indispensable to each other.
Three stars (out of five)