Procol Harum - In Held 'Twas In I 1

PROCOL HARUM came out of the ashes from a band called the PARAMOUNTS that had its roots back in 59 (!!) and had split in early 66. Gary Brooker meet lyricist Keith Reid and began writing songs and by 1967, it became clear that they would need the help from their old colleagues from PARAMOUNTS days to form their new band to be called PROCOL HARUM. They developed a really new sound with two KB (piano for Brooker and Hammond organ for Fisher) and a guitarist extraordinaire called Robin Trower who was greatly influenced by JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE. They quickly became one of the precursor of progressive rock (along the MOODY BLUES and The NICE) and mixed in some classical influences (BACH in Whiter Shade of Pale) and sold millions of singles but also albums.

They became the first band to build a multi-movement suite that lasted a whole side and this was in early 68 in their second album called Shine on Brightly and became a real influence for all progressive groups to come. By their fourth album Home, the sound had evolved to an almost hard-rock but by the following one, the guitarist Robin Trower left for a long and successful solo career, leaving Brooker alone at the driving wheel. From their Grand Hotel album, the sound will be tamer but still explosive but all of the succeeding album would follow suit, the band still enjoyed many hit singles. Until they folded in 77, victim of the punk wave.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Procol
• Harum
• In
• Held
• 'Twas
• progressive
• rock

[ClassicRockSovereign]

It's a shame that this band is only known for "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "Conquistador".

[westpalmscott]

No other rock band ever sounded this good with a live symphony Not before or since, and probably never will

[cementhedpaul2008]

i was 6 when this came out and it was one of my favorite songs....what the hell man hahah...

[kimbroadie]

In the autumn of my madness

when my hair is turning grey and the things which i believed in

are no longer quite enough

this was my musical food in high school

wisdom or folly?

[usandthemx]

@tunacantj - don't know how old you are, but THIS is the original. I bought it when it came out.

[amilisom]

Does anybody recognize a resemblance with the soundtrack of "Dear Esther"?

[AllThisIsThat]

This has long been one of my favorites.  It has it all.

[tmdaninla]

I try to be a clown who clowns endlessly, trying to keep the little boy inside me alive. Its not always appreciated. Its not easy these days.

[Otterwearinggloves]

I heard this song on a Transatlantic album, and found this. New album might be purchased...

[nagiroltra]

nothing beats the album with the great Robin Trower, all brilliant though

[paulpellicci]

always a thumbs up!

[JoelGallob]

Note: the Wall came a few years after these songs.