Search - Procol Harum :: BBC Live in Concert

Great songs, good performances, bad recording

Moldyoldie | Motown, USA | 03/04/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I must echo previous reviewers: The engineering on this live record is quite subpar. Instrumental balances are terrible. But enough of the negative.
I saw the band live during this period and remember the experience as being awesome; Brooker played and sang his heart out, Wilson took drumming to a whole new level, and the rest of the band were tight and expressive. Here, however, the performances seem a tad off kilter. Not terrible, mind you, but perhaps the poor recording has something to do with this impression.
In my opinion, this album is only for completists and collectors. For a true taste of this band's accomplishments on a live recording, get In Concert With the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, where Procol Harum make it seem as if rock was meant to be played with a full orchestra and chorus."

Turn up the volume folks!

DeLayland | Alexandria, VA United States | 08/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"and you can hear everything a lot better, Gary Brooker's vocals being in most excellent form despite being nearly drowned out in places. And you will have to adjust the equalization yourself: the treble all the way down on Bringing Home the Bacon and then all the way back up again on everything else - what gives with the label that issued this CD anyway? Give that a try and I think you will find the pleasure that is experiencing this wonderful live performance. The other reviewers are right: the engineering is pretty awful, though typical of many bands in the 70's (at first listen, I thought they must have recorded it out in the lobby!), and the production is atrocious. But the performances are very compelling. Besides Gary's plaintive and alternately rollicking vocals, BJ Wilson's solid drumming and Mick Grabham's ripping guitar work are also standouts. Hearing so much of the Exotic Birds and Fruit album performed live is a special treat as this is some of their best work during the period and provides a fresh alternative to the reverb effect, studio version. But just listen to Whaling Stories, stripped down to its bare essentials and building to a chaotic climax - altogether breathtaking! Other highlights are Simple Sister (I wish to God I had made it to a live Procol performance - any performance - to hear this one) and Grand Hotel, the piano sections played tenderly by Gary and the band rising to a powerful crescendo - just awesome! My advice: buy it, listen to it and keep listening to it because it will win you over completely. And just maybe, with all the other Procol material thought to be in the BBC vaults, there will be still more to come. I can't wait!"

Captures the Essence

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 12/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with other reviewers who complain about poor mixing and shoddy engineering on this CD. Both stink! But those responsible know it and apologies of a sort are included in the liner notes, so I won't continue belaboring the issue.

Despite all its faults, BBC Live In Concert captures the essence and the excitement of a live Procol Harum performance. I've seen them many times and each time the band, both as a group and individually, has never failed to give its all. And this CD is no exception.

I like every song here, but special mention should be made of luscious renderings of the rarely-performed New Lamps For Old, Beyond the Pale (despite that some of the piano part seems to be missing), a hard driving Simple Sister, a delicate Grand Hotel, and a rousing Nothing But the Truth.

I'll knock a star off for the recording, but this CD should still be in the collections of true Procol Harum fans. The band is still playing, but live gigs are rare so this suffices as an interim fix while awaiting the next tour."