Procol Harum

Procol Harum's claim to fame is 'A Whiter Shade of Pale', a huge hit in 1967. They differ from most of the progressive rock bands of the 70s in the relatively prominent blues component to their sound, which is largely due to the voice and piano of leader Gary Brooker. In the early years, Matthew Fisher's organ and Robin Trower's guitar combined for a unique sound.

In various formations, the band has continued into the 21st Century. Some say that their third album, A Salty Dog, is their best effort and considered the pinnacle of their career, but the many varied styles of Procol's albums gives many peaks.

The hippy prog of Shine on Brightly with the symphonic 'In Held Twas in I' gave way to the melancholy of Home whose tracks covered death in many ways. These were followed by the rock simplisity of Broken Barricades with songs featuring Robin Trower's Hendirix-style guitar and Barrie (BJ) Wilsons drums. Grand Hotel wich followed marked a return to richer sounds with the richly orchestrated title track outstanding.