PROCOL HARUM
EAGLES
CLAIRE HAMILL

Procol Harum again proved to be performers of consummate artistry and taste. They delivered an hour-and-a-half set that was unassumingly brilliant, full of range and atmosphere. Vocalist and pianist Gary Booker is the focal point of the group, his deep, sonorous stylings setting the mood for the rest of Procol's accomplished embellishments. Lyricist Keith Reid is a master of the morbidly mystical, his images dark, grey clouds of perplexity.

Two numbers stood out in particular. Fires Which Burns [sic] Brightly is resplendently eloquent exuding an oddly magical aura. Grand Hotel builds into a crescendo of audio flashbacks, it is a majestic contrast of music and moods. Encoring with A Whiter Shade of Pale, they brought the audience to its feet concluding a memorable evening.

Eagles [sic] was genuinely laid-back and mellow although their casualness in no way indicated a lack of expertise. Drawing their strength from former alignments with Poco, the Flying Burrito Bros., Linda Ronstadt and Dillard & Clark, they proved that their resources engulfed a great deal more than merely a hit single. Band members Don Henley, Randy Meisner, Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon trade off vocal duties with ease, all singing in a pure and unstrained manner. Favorites with the audience were Nightingale, Early-bird and Train Leaves Here in the Morning.

Claire Hamill's short opening interlude [sic] showed here [sic] to be a winsomely engaging free spirit. Her giddy laugh and lilting voice framed songs, the contents of which belied her seventeen years.