Procol Harum/Danish National C

Just when you might have thought that Gary Brooker and company had decided to pack it in, here they come again with their most satisfying DVD to date. Procol Harum: In Concert with the Danish National Concert Orchestra & Choir is not just aurally and visually spectacular, it is essential listening and viewing for any Procol Harum fan.
So you look at the playlist and say to yourself that you have heard it all before. Well, no you haven't. That is because there are fresh arrangements to old favorites that will just stun you and the way the band meshes with the orchestra and choir is a joy to hear. Then there is the setting of the grounds of Ledreborg Castle that assures you that you are experiencing something culturally important.
Its tough to select favorites since every song is nearly flawlessly performed, but there are some highlights: the oft-disparaged Something Magic is powerfully transformed here; the new arrangement for Homburg oozes sophistication; The VIP Room comes alive in a way you can't imagine; Fires ( Which Burnt Brightly) fairly outshines the original; Nothing But the Truth stirs the soul and the crowd; A Salty Dog assumes a new majesty; An Old English Dream brings a new appreciation for its lyrical power; and a fresh take on A Whiter Shade of Pale will leave you agape. The biggest surprise is a tour de force performance of the rare Sympathy For the Hard of Hearing which is given additional heft by Brooker's comments on the song before its performance. The encore songs, Whaling Stories and Conquistador wind up the show in grand fashion.
That is not all. Those who buy this DVD are treated to an intimate live performance of six mid-period songs filmed for Danish TV in 1974. Each song is a gem and the players at that time include the legendary B J Wilson on drums. You could not ask for better value.
On this DVD, Brooker and company prove that Procol Harum is a band for the ages. Working closely with the Danish orchestra and choir, many of whose members have never before played rock music, you'll hear that the band has achieved the level of musical maturity they always seemed destined for. And it brings the Danes a measure of international exposure and respect they might not otherwise have found. The DVD package includes an attractive booklet containing interesting commentary and lots of excellent photography. Get it soon, you'll be watching often.

Yes Indeed Procol continue to amaze those whom have followed their legacy which is vast in scope and depth. After presenting us with the grand Union Chapel Concert DVD in 2004 this 2006 followup finds the group in a much elegant setting with the Danish National Orchestra filmed on location in the majestic town of Lejre in Copenhagen. First the set list which is vast and envelops the statistic of legendary proportions:
1. Grand Hotel
2. Something Magic
3. Butterfly Boys
4. Homburg ( Brilliant!)
5. The VIP Room
6. Fires (Which Burnt Brightly)
7. Nothing But the Truth
8. Into the Flood (New)
9. Simple Sister
10. A Salty Dog ( Chilling!)
11. An Old English Dream
12. Sympathy for the Hard of Hearing ( From Brookers 1982: Lead Me to the Water, unfortunately out of print!)
13. A Whiter Shade of Pale
14. Whaling Stories
15. Conquistador

BONUS FEATURES!
1974 Dutch TV Special never aired outside of Denmark
1. Bringing Home the Bacon
2. Toujours L'Amour
3. Grand Hotel
4. The Devil Came From Kansas
5. The Idol
6. Butterfly Boys

Includes the late great B.J. Wilson on drums

What can be said to enhance the legendary music of Procol Harum? My salute and praises can be read on my review of the Union Chapel DVD.Procol Harum - Live at the Union Chapel
What brings to mind is this music can never define a period of history or culture for Procol is eternally transcendent and the scope of work is always fresh and speaks to the current times. If only those who have never ventured within the vastness of greatness will but sip the wine, alas to be drunk for ever.
Again, a quality offering from Brooker and company amongst cellos, violins and string sections in 2006 as once ventured in 1972 with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Yes indeed friends, This is one gigantic magical beast that roams the planet undiscovered and swallowed into the eternal.
Nicely done Boys! I await the next chapter........

The concert`s visuals and sound are spectacular. after 2 "tentative" dvds, live in Copenhagen and live at the Union Chapel (both good and very good, respectively), Gary & band reach majestic heights with this concert.
Fresh arrangements bring a new vitality to the songs that I thought Procol had lost with the passage of time, very energetic playing specially in the guitar and drums department(by Geoff and Mark)with the Commander`s voice in fine form for the occasion.
if you like good music superbly played in a fantastic place, then go and buy the DVD, you won`t regret it

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