Day 7 – We skipped the light fandango …
A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Today’s submission by Dave was just beautiful. We’re having a listen to the 2006 live version of Procol Harum’s biggest hit. With an orchestra AND a choir!
Goosebumps all over, we hope you’ve enjoyed it too, here is the direct link to the video …
Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark 2006:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St6jyEFe5WM
What’s the most recent and the most memorable live show you’ve ever been to?
Let’s talk in the comments!
Mona & Lisa
Fascinating watching your faces while this classic was played. It was so obvious that you loved it, that it really captured your attention. I remember this one well from way back when. Such passion and wonderfully done with orchestra and choir. I’ve always felt that in the right conditions an orchestra can really light up a song, such as “Nights in White Satin” by the Moody Blues.
I love orchestra accompaniments. A gazillion years ago Roger Daltrey did an orchestra tour. A different local orchestra was set up for each city. My friend Eric played bass and he was in the union, so he was able able to get the gig. They only rehearsed a few times before the show and ta da. I remember he thought the conductor was a jerk. Lol That was pretty kool, but to make it a little kooler, my friend needed a black shirt and I had one. I think I may have pointed him out to someone during the show and exclaimed,”That’s my shirt!” (nerd alert)
Here is another great performance of Gary with the Alan Parsons Project with orchestra accompaniment. circa 1985
Marlo & JP ☕️☕️
https://youtu.be/gpg9zUDKsv0
Johnnypee-thanks for the link, had not seen this clip before!!
Great video. Johnny Rivers released one of the better covers of Whiter Shade of Pale in 1968 on his album Realization. Good effort by Rivers who was trying to modernize his sound. Others have also released, but none ever came close to Procol Harum.
The orchestra started, and I started to cry. Beautiful music and nostalgia.
So….I cried throughout. Musician I am, my crying swelled as the music swelled.
Me too! I have watched this video at least 12 times and it still brings chills. Gary had a great voice and an ability to make dramatic statements with it.
Whiter shade of pale is surely one of the best songs ever! And this version, which I found on YOUTUBE before (or it found me) is the best one I ever heard. In fact, it’s perfect! Nobody can make this better. There is another, much more simple version by Emily Linge, published to honour Gary Brooker shortly after he passed away. But a girl singing and playing a piano is hardly enough for this song. I wonder how it would sound if the organ is replaced by an accordion. Perhaps you know somebody who can play a “Schifferklavier”. 😀
So beautiful! I love the orchestra and the choir!
One of my most recent concerts was ZAZ in Berlin in 2019. That was pretty cool! Another very memorable one was Paul Simon in Berlin, too (I know we Berliners are very priviledged in that way… :-)). It was an outdoor concert in an old citadel and I remember he played “Here Comes the Sun” as an encore…
I always loved hearing this song so its so easy to sing along but Ive never seen this video until now and it certainly is an amazing performance!! Thanks for sharing this one today.
So true with the goosebumps, still one of my absolute favourite songs and to hear it with orchestra and choir I have to echo you two and say “WOW”.
It takes me back to my school days. In the school hall we had an organ loft. One school friend, Roger Carr used to spend time there supposedly playing church music. However when he knew there were a load of us in there on private study he would suddenly play this and it was wonderful. I can hear it now and I bet I had the same look on my face as you two listening to that recording. Beautiful and everlasting song.
I absolutely love the pipe organ. It use to be “The King of All Instruments”!
For fans looking closer into this Procol Harum tune, here are some additional details and research into the reception of the song, A Whiter Shade of Pale —
According to music historian Harvey Kubernik, in the context of the Summer of Love, A Whiter Shade of Pale was the “one song [that] stood above all others, its Everest-like status conferred by no less than John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who were enthralled by the Chaucerian wordplay and heavenly Baroque accompaniment”.
Kubernik also writes that, amid the search for higher consciousness during the flower power era, the song “galvanized a congregation of disaffected youth dismissive of traditional religion but anxious to achieve spiritual salvation”.
——–
Kubernik, Harvey (2017). 1967: A Complete Rock Music History of the Summer of Love. New York, NY: Sterling. ISBN 978-1-4549-2052-6.
The most recent live performance I’ve seen is the paragon of classical pianists in my mind,
Yuja Wang playing Shostakovich piano concertos with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Check out this YouTube video showing her incredible skills.
https://youtu.be/ZZyokBXgEJY
The most memorable show was this past June when Paul McCartney played two incredible shows in Boston. Just a week short of his 80th birthday he was fantastic and so captivating on stage. Concert was like a dream…
There is something so very special and moving when you see artists deeply moved by another artists masterpiece, and that is why I enjoyed this even more, seeing you both captivated and moved by this performance. ✨ 🎶 💕 Makes me appreciate and feel the greatness of the music even more. Stay groovy back at yah!
Mona and Lisa, well now that I dried my tears…..LOL…I simply love A whiter shade of pale, such a lovely song and to have an orchurstra and choir? That brought the tears, it sounded so beautiful and closed my eyes and just felt good. My most most memorable concert? Seeing Grand Funk Railroad in 1974 with my wife ( then my girlfriend ) and it was festival seating so we was right up front and had my wife on my shoulders the whole concert!! My most recent one was back in October seeing Sir Elton John for his Good Bye Yellow Brick Road farewell tour and my goodness he was great! He started at 8pm and played till 10:30. Mona and Lisa I have to tell you, I love this Advent series, thank you so much
BILL AND MADDIE
My most recent concert was Marillion and it was memorable because during the song Care the fan club told us to hold our phones up in the air and switch the lights on when they sang the line “ there are angels in this world and not on the walls of churches” it transformed the whole hall in a blaze of light,which really surprised the band. We all did something similar when they played at the Royal Albert Hall for the song Go though that was multicoloured finger lights that looked amazing too and quite an emotional moment especially coming out of lockdown and seeing everyone together
Many thanks for this Advent Calendar submission.
As it happens, I am familiar with this presentation. There is also another YouTube clip from the same concert of Conquistador, which is equally good. This kind of presentation by Procol Harum is not new. their fifth album was recorded live with the Edmonton (Alberta) Symphony Orchestra way back in 1971, but inexplicably did not include A Whiter Shade Of Pale. What were they thinking?
Nowadays there is precious little out there that I am prepared to spend big bucks on, or to try to negotiate the internet ticketing process. Anyway, back in the mid-teens I was able to buy real tickets from a real person at a real ticket booth and walk away completely satisfied.
The first of these was Stevie Wonder. So many songs going back to the early days of Motown. Hearing Superstition live was just about worth the price of admission, and then comes Master Blaster, Sir Duke, Living For The City, Higher Ground etc. The other concert was The Who, who some say is the best live band; better than you know who. In any case, the band was in great form, with rear screen projections, amounting to nothing less than a musical documentary of growing up in England post WW 2. Oh, and then there was Baba O’Rilely, and Won’t Get fooled Again. (Why do we keep getting fooled again?).
So, the concert that is on everyone’s bucket list is The MonaLisa Twins, right? Preferably an acoustic set, followed by an electric set with full band. Rent the Epstein Theatre. Well, that’s probably not going to happen too soon. Here’s the compromise idea, for now. Before Covid, and now that things are opening up, house concerts have become quite a good and practical venue for small groups, duets and solo performers. It seems to me that the Christmas live stream, or another occasion later on, could make for an entirely viable house concert. This idea, I would further suggest, is entirely compatible with, and even complementary to the MLT cottage industry approach of spreading the word. So, what say ye Wagner women? There is a time…..
Never tire of this song regardless of the arrangement, one of those you always want to listen to.
My last live show was 2017, Joe Bonamassa at the Amphitheater in Liverpool, NY. Great venue right on Onondaga Lake, open but with a roof as well. Do catch him if you get a chance, but don’t be late; he starts exactly on time.
And did I hear a Hammond organ to be featured in an upcoming video? Is it “If You Raise Your Head”? I hope it’s “If You Raise Your Head” because the organ in that tune is spot on! No, really, even if it’s not “If You Raise Your Head” you still should do a video of “If You Raise Your Head”!!!
I’d love to see Joe Bonamassa live one day! He’s coming to the UK toward the end of next year so maybe we’ll get a chance to see him then. I’ve set a reminder for later next year to check the calendar 🙂
Also, I cannot confirm nor deny your assumption about our next music video, it’s still top secret 😉
Your emoji suggests more of a mid-level secret so I think I have my answer, even if it’s catalogued under “Self Delusion”.
My most recent live show was ventriloquist David Strassman in QLD Australia in late June. Very funny show. My most memorable concert was seeing Paul McCartney a few years ago when he came to Australia. It was outdoors, there were fireworks, it was the most amazing experience.
I actually wrote a response before just watching the video. No, indiscretion is not the better part of valor, but a big thank you to Michaela for this one! It was “here come those tears again” (yes, I saw Jackson Browne in concert) as I listened and really nice to see your reactions, and I love your comments!💓
Ha! We saw Brian Auger play with his son on the drums at a really small venue, too! The small room was packed to the brim and I think maybe a 100 people managed to squeeze in, if that. Maybe we even saw him on the same tour, it must have been in the late 2000s.
We were young teenagers at the time and hadn’t been playing for that long but I remember talking to his son Karma afterwards and he gave me a pair of his drum sticks which I have to this day. 🙂
Great performance!
My most recent concert was a Dutch Guerrilla Brass band, and coincidentally they’re also the ones that gave me my most memorable concert, but that was two years ago. They were playing outside in a forest and it was absolutely magical, they walked through the crowd with their saxophone and trombone and trumpet.
I was lucky enough to see Procol Harum many, many years ago, when they were on tour with Jethro Tull. Both bands were awesome. I can’t remember what year it was, its been so long
This was a beautiful performance. I have not seen this video before..
My most recent live show was one year ago, Genesis in Chicago on their “Last Domino” tour. Sadly, they are getting pretty old too (as am I), but they still put on a fabulous show. My most memorable show was a tie between Genesis 1983 Mama tour or Rush 2015 R40 tour. I didn’t know it at the time, but that would be Rush’s last tour, with Neil Peart getting brain cancer not long after that. It’s hard to see your music idols getting old and dying off. It reminds me that I am also much older and closer to the end of the stick, so to speak.
(you are funny, Mona. When you yawned, you made me yawn watching the video. Not that I was bored or anything, just yawns are catchy)
It was a thrill getting to watch this epic performance of, without question, one of the most unforgettable songs ever with the two of you. Is there anything more magical in the realm of humanity than great music?
Greatful Dead, Yardbirds, The Beatles, Paul Simon, The Youngbloods, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, but the most amazing experience of my life clearly would be getting to see the MonaLisa Twins in concert on the big stage with full accompaniment, and then getting to go backstage and meet them in person.
This is my dream.
Another great video. The last concert I attended was way back in the early 80’s. It was the Bangles. Other than that most concerts I attended were in the early 70’s. I think the band that impressed me the most live was Steely Dan. The Moody Blues were also good live.
The Advent Calendar videos have been so great this year. This is my second Christmas in the club and it is so fun to look forward to what’s next. The anticipation of whether it might be one my wife and I submitted adds to the excitement. The last live show I saw was EXTC. The original drummer from XTC, Terry Chambers, is touring the world performing the XTC catalog. Amazing show. The most memorable show I saw was actually three nights in a row in August of 1982. First, The Clash on Thursday night and then, Queen on Friday AND Saturday. I was just out of high school and living the life in the suburbs of Chicago!
Great choices so far! The most recent concert that I saw was Christina Aguilera and Pitbull. They were the “wedding band” on a lighting gig I worked on for a wedding of a hedge fund billionaire’s daughter in a tent the size of a football field last year. Over 1000 moving lights and projection. Crazy gig!
My most memorable show, hands down, was Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” in 1980 at Nassau Coliseum in NY. Nothing will ever top that in my opinion.
I had to read that first paragraph a couple of times. I now have more questions than answers! 🙂
Seeing “the wall” tour that year must have been insane. I just looked up some photos from that show, it looks incredible.
We saw the show in Vienna when Roger Waters brought it back in 2013. Something about the angle to the stage from where we were seated at and the fact that the stadium lights in our section had to be on throughout the show (health & safety nonsense) made the experience less impactful than it could have been but of course the great music still came through.
Hi Mona – the wedding was probably one of the craziest gigs I have ever worked. I heard that the price tag was well over a million and a half dollars US! We had to surrender our phones during the wedding, but here are a few before and after photos to give you some idea of the scale of this ridiculous display of wealth. The wedding cake you see cost over $25,000 US and was used primarily as a prop. You can see how it ended!
I’m glad you got to see “The Wall” when it toured despite the safety nonsense. I saw the recording of the show at Wembley on YouTube and it was pretty amazing as well. I was 16 when I saw them live and they are still one of my favorites. BTW – I absolutely adore your cover of “Wish You Were Here”. Ah, who am I kidding, I adore all of your work! Have a groovy day!
Belinda Carlisle on her birthday in London in August. This was a charity event that she does for stray animals in third world countries. First one since Covid can’t wait until next year
Hi Again,
At the risk of sounding as if I am bragging (I honestly do not mean to), I have seen probably close to 100 performers over the years. It is not easy to choose just one.
Although I am a native New Yorker, I did reside in Northern California for a few years. While there, I had a fun part-time job working at a Resort. For music entertainment. there was an intimate indoor Showroom which sat about 500 guests and a beautiful outdoor venue, by a lake, that sat 5,000 persons.
I worked on the Event Staff and provided Security at the Concerts. In a three-year period, I saw at least 75 concerts for FREE and I got paid for it. Just a small sampling –
In Rock/Pop I saw – Styx, Boston, Kansas, Kiss, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Fogerty, Kid Rock, Peter Frampton, Def Leppard, & Sammy Hagar – to name a few.
In Country Music – Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson, Charlie Daniels, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood & Martina McBride – to name a few.
I was fortunate to have a chance to meet some of them.
This may sound strange, but I think the performance I enjoyed the most was from “Weird Al” Yankovic. Not only is he funny and clever, but he is also a very talented musician with a wide vocal range. He was super entertaining.
The performer whom I liked the least was Bob Dylan. I am truly sorry because I know a lot of you admire him. I was so disappointed. I never knew that he is so shy. He did not say a word to the audience. Usually, the performers say stuff like – “Hello, it’s great to be here – how are you all doing tonight” – or something like that. He finally introduced his band at the very end of the night and that is all.
The atmosphere was very low-key. Whereas most acts have an impressive Light Show going on, Dylan had just one white spotlight shining down onto the stage
He sang about half of his songs playing keyboard and the rest playing guitar.
Besides all that, I did not recognize the songs he played. Maybe they were predominantly album tracks that I was not familiar with. Years ago, I did buy his hit singles on 45 rpms and maybe one LP. The only song I did recognize was “Blowin’ in the Wind” (which was a huge hit for Peter, Paul & Mary), but he changed it up and sounded so different.
If anyone reading this has seen Bob Dylan in concert, please tell me how your experience was with him Many thanks.
Okay, thanks again for the video today. Hope to speak to you all tomorrow.
All My Loving,
Bobby S.
My Dylan experiences have been far different. Unfortunately, performers get ill, and they have to be so ill they literally cannot perform to risk the repercussions and headaches of cancelling a booked show. So maybe he was just on this side of puking that night and soldiering on bravely? I don’t think he’s ever been a big audience-engager, but that sounds a bit reserved even for him.
I saw Dylan 3 times .The first time was 1986 at the Metro Dome In Minneapolis with The Grateful Dead and Tom Petty and the HeartBreakers. Tom Petty and The HeartBreakers were Dylans band that night. it was a really good show. the 2nd time was at Riverfest on Harriet Island in St. Paul , That was my favorite time seeing him ,it was outdoor concert in the summertime. The third time was the worst we walked out after 3 songs . couldn’t understand what he was singing or which song it was , I’ll listen to his albums at home, one of my favorite songwriters but never saw him again.
Wow, that is an impressive list to say the least. I can imagine “Weird Al” putting on a great live show. A music and comedy show in one.
I’m sorry the Bob Dylan show was such a let down for you. I saw him a few years ago and while it certainly wasn’t the most memorable live show I’ve ever been to, I do remember some very beautiful moments. He sang a few old crooner-ish tunes and I was surprised how well those suited his voice. I guess I wasn’t too disappointed because a few people “warned” us about the sometimes low-key nature of his shows.
Last time I saw Dylan was about 10 years ago. He played guitar and keyboards about 50/50. I was impressed with the way he led his band and how he always plays the same song a different way. His voice was in poor form but he did the best he could with what he had. I have seen him 3/4 times and he is definitely not a big talker!!
Hello,
I have always loved that song so much and what a great video. Whenever I hear that song it reminds me of an Alan Parker 1991 film (based on a novel) called “The Commitments”. It tells the tale of a band, put together piece by piece, to play covers of R&B music by artists such as Wilson Pickett & Otis Redding, They live in Dublin, Ireland. They did their own singing and playing.
There is a scene where one of the members plays & sings a snippet of “Whiter Shade of Pale” on a huge organ in a church.
Their music was so good that after the film all or most of the band went out on tour and played together. Some of them went on to have solo careers. Andrew Strong, the lead singer, was only 16 years old when the movie was made, although he looked and sounded much older – what pipes he had.
Well I am not getting paid to promote the film (lol), but I highly recommend it, as it is enjoyable, entertaining, humorous, and very fun.
This is getting long (as usual), so I think I’ll talk about favorite concerts in a separate message. Thanks.
Cheers, Bobby S.
Procol Harum was one of my all time favorite bands whom I had the chance to see twice. Once in the late 60’s at the Psychedilic Supermarket(I think) in Boston right next to Fenway Park. I saw them again right before the pandemic started. The last show was in a rather small venue and it was through the roof!! Gary still had his voice and the band was very tight. At the first show I actually recovered a Robin Trower guitar pick which got lost somewhere along the way. There was no seating at this venue and I was in the front row mesmerized by Trower’s playing.
As for the most memorable show I guess the last Procol Harum show as well as the 8 hour show I went to in the late 60’s or early 70’s featuring the Grateful Dead and Santana. I was a huge Santana fan after seeing the movie Woodstock. Really long dragged out concerts like that 8 hour show only happened for a few years but I have to say some of my memories of that time are rather
fuzzy!!
I’ll add one more memorable show that I went to with very low expectation and left completely blown away. I had seen Arlo Guthrie at a State Fair many years ago and he seemed to be a shadow of himself. 8 years or so ago he played at the Strathmore Hall in Bethesda Maryland. He had a chair, a rack of standing guitars and his son playing steel guitar and Arlo was the consummate musician. He played a set of Woodie Guthrie (his dad), Dylan and then finally a set of his own music. Terrific show and has since reminded me that we all go through our ups and downs in this life and when I saw him at the State Fair he was just in a different place at that time.
I am so glad so many of you enjoyed this version of A Whiter Shade of Pale. It still bring chills and goosebumps everytime I watch it.
I, too, saw Arlo at a State Fair about 20 years ago, and it was much the same, although he was playing with his son then. I just get the impression that most acts don’t put much effort into fair shows where the audience is mostly there because they happen to be there and not because of the act.
Wow, was that ever an enlightening take on that classic song, having all the extras just added to the ambience , it brought the song yet another level, completely enjoyed that, Thankyou to David for submitting that particular version, and loved how both of you immensely were immersed into it , with full enjoyment, and it holds special meaning for/to you .
As for best live show I’ve been to, well, that’s when I ‘m able go to to a Glass Tiger concert , preferably in Ottawa , ( although I’ve seen them occasionally out of Ottawa but prefer to see them in Ottawa directly , downtown ususally , when they come ) They always put on a top notch show live. I went to go see tgem last Friday but unfortunately the lead singer was sick, and we were told by the other band members who had come out onstage to give us the regrets of having to last minute cancel the show but have postponed until February and our concert tickets will be honored for February show or you could get refund…
Glass Tiger is my favorite Canadian band whom I’ve met back in 1988-89 and have had shoutouts from lead singer during a few shows from over the years…..
I’ve seen some big country music acts in Ottawa too over the years : Garth Brooks/Vince Gill/ Reba, Irish Rovers, The Rankins, and some more different ones of whom whose music I like that of which, I was able to go see live.
Thankyou Mona & Lisa ,for Dave again for his submission for Day 7 today in the Advent Calendar 2022, Another Fab Go , Looking Forward to Day 8’s edition….🤘
Your right this song is a masterpiece. This one and “White Room” were the most requested “slow dance” songs at my high school dances. As the song played, I was watching your expression, and at one point, both of you had the same reaction to the piece. And I thought wouldn’t it be great if “Wide Wide Land” was performed with an orchestra. Just a thought.
The first concert I attended was in 1969; Led Zepplin came to OKC. I was in the 9th grade. It blew me away. The last live event I attended was Audra McDonald, she was/is a fantastic signer.
I will take your advice and “STAY GROOVY!” Peace Be.
Seeing MLT live would definitely become my most memorable concert, but Wide Wide Land with an orchestra I might not survive. Might just die of bliss.
I’ve always loved this song… it brings back so many memories., and seeing your reaction watching the video is really cool. I’m enjoying the daily videos a lot.. I’ve watched several Shows, Stones, Metallica, Iron Maiden, David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Deep Purple, Nazareth, Status Quo, Queen, UFO, and several others, but the Show that marked me was when I first saw Sir Paul McCartney, but I dream of watching Mona and Lisa on stage… it’s a dream I have. Thanks dear girls and Stay Groovy.
That was absolutely chilling. Hadn’t seen that one before. I’m always fascinated with who composed and arranged the orchestral music when rock bands do this. In some cases it’s the band themselves, which really blows my mind!
My most recent concert was supposed to have been Wolf Alice a couple weeks ago, but unfortunately the venue they played is in an area that has simply become too dangerous to visit in recent months. In fact there was a shooting and a stabbing (2 separate incidents) right outside the place just the day before the show. So even though I had tickets, I didn’t go. So my actual most recent was Kansas. In fact, they played 2 shows close enough together that I was able to see them twice in the same week. That was awesome.
I’ve seen so many it’s hard to say what’s the most memorable concert for me. I see several others have mentioned Yes, and I think the 90125 tour might be the most memorable for me. Either that, or Boston a few years ago where we had 2nd row seats right in front of the main stacks, and our guts were literally scrambled from the SPLs (not to mention that Fran Cosmo’s voice could shatter glass). That was amazing. Another contender might be Bob Dylan and Tom Petty when they toured together back around 1986. Hearing them perform together was mind-blowing (or maybe it was just all the second-hand “fumes.”)
The. Happy Together Tour.
At our State fair in August.
Groups in the tour. The Turtles , Gary Puckett, The Association. The Buckinghams, The Vogues & The Cowsills.
My favorite concert ,Paul Mc Cartney in Denver July 2010
We had seats really close to the front stage on the floor
The Pyro from ,Live and Let Die, Absolutely Amazing !!
I can still feel the heat on my face !!!
And of course another very good video today .
Yes Allen, I saw the Happy Together Tour a few years ago. The acts performing do change and vary from year to year, but they put on a good show. Very entertaining.
Bobby
Your right was very entertaining, their voices still sound very good.
Allen
i love when musicians get an Orchestra and choir together to play with, makes it more magical i am trying to copy and paste a Stix YouTube video with the Cleveland youth orchestra but it doesnt want to work, look it up, you can tell the kids are having a great time playing all the songs, I love this song its on my play list, have a great day everybody
One of the most memorable songs and albums of the most memorable era in modern music. Didn’t get to see them in concert, but I’m thinking of a few great keyboard artists I did see, notably the great Brian Auger in an intimate small club called “The Dame” (since torn down). It was a family affair too as Brian’s son played the drums and his daughter sang. Brian is a living legend; he played the opening chords on the huge Yardbirds hit “For Your Love”, on a harpsichord, actually. That song was covered by Fleetwood Mac on their classic pre-Stevie Nicks “Mystery to Me” album, and sung by their piano player Christine McVie, who sadly, as most of you will know by now, passed away a few days ago. She had a wonderful voIce, softly melodic and encaptivating. Also in Dayton, Ohio I saw Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. Keith Emerson’s shattering solo on their hit “Lucky Man” is sadly epic (is that an oxymoron?) Finally, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra spreads a ton of holiday cheer this time of year here in the U.S., and they have two sensationally talented piano and organ players in their ensemble. 🎅🏽🤶
I don’t know if you know this, John, but Brian Auger was prominently featured in the Monkees’ 1969 TV special “33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee”, which you can find in its entirety on YouTube.
Didn’t know that, David, but I will definitely check it out. I told Brian his playing was incomparable–it was and is!. Ticket prices are steep these days, eh? Paul McCartney performed in our city and of course we wanted to go. Sometimes life gets in the way as they say. I saw Robin Trower when he was into that Hendrixian thing, and he is still going strong I think. Happy holidays!
Hello David. The Monkees special is wild! The closing set especially, “Listen to the Band” with Brian Auger and a host of other musicians cavorting all around with lightning effects, etc. Strange that they got the late great Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino and Little Richard playing keys in a tower with Brian on top. Mickey Dolenz did a commentary on the film. I would like to hear more of Michael Nesmith’s music–very talented singer and songwriter. Isn’t the MLT Advent calendar great! As if being unique and brilliant wasn’t enough! Thanks again, friend. ✌️🎶
So glad you enjoyed it, John! Yeah, it was quite the spectacle. The TV network was so unimpressed by it that they aired it opposite the Oscars. The Monkees are one of the very few groups that I’ve done a deep dive on, and that special is virtually all I know about Brian Auger. Thanks for filling me in on some details about him.
Nesmith has a real knack for melody, and although his arrangements tend to skew quite a bit toward country, his lyrics are often much more introspective and/or academic than is typical for that genre. I once read that the the country group he fronted in the early 70’s threatened to walk out on him over his use of the word “impelled” in one of his songs!
Ha! We saw Brian Auger play with his son on the drums at a really small venue, too! The small room was packed to the brim and I think maybe a 100 people managed to squeeze in, if that. Maybe we even saw him on the same tour, it must have been in the late 2000s.
We were young teenagers at the time and hadn’t been playing for that long but I remember talking to his son Karma afterwards and he gave me a pair of his drum sticks which I have to this day. 🙂
Mona, that’s funny too because I mentioned going to see Terry Bozzio give a drumming clinic locally and got a pair of drumsticks before I left. Can’t play drums, of course. He’s about my age; makes me reflect on why I never played anything other than the bass. Too busy reading and goofing off I think.
Awesome submission from Dave! What a fabulous performance that was. Sadly, the “Live” album the Procol Harem recorded in Edmonton in 1971 did not include Whiter Shade of Pale, the song Conquistador was the highlight that became a charted single (great tune as well) was kind of the showcased number that night. I may be wrong, but I think that was the first rock and roll band album to be recorded live with a symphony orchestra backup.
My latest live performance was this past September: Eagles Hotel California Tour. As usual, a fantastic show put on by Henley and Walsh, Timothy B Schmidt, Vince Gill, and outstanding guitarist Stuart Smith. Strings support by Edmonton Symphony players and choir, and with Eagles long time contributor Jim Ed Norman conducting and tickling the keys was very special indeed. Almost 3 hours of hit after hit, but it very well may be the last time The Eagles grace the Edmonton stage from something Don said during the later stages of the program….(sigh) but we all gotta get old.
My most memorable concert was Elton John back in 2007 (Edmonton). Was my 50th birthday (year), Elton’s 60th, and my longtime dearest friend Kathy’s 40th. Likely his best show I’ve ever seen before or since, certainly the most memorable of all the concerts (his and all others included) I’ve been to in my life. The only time I’ve ever heard him perform High Flying Bird in person, I sang all the way through the show, and Kathy danced all night long.
I know your day is getting long over there, but enjoy what’s left. See yis tomorrow!
D
Wow that was just so beautiful, elegant, and moving, full of goose bumps indeed! I really loved the effect of the whole orchestra. Procol Harum could have gone back in time and wrote this in the Baroque period, the melody is so timeless. The only thing that sets the music from the great composers of the past and rock composers like Procol Harum of the present are the instruments, I think they have the same musical mind set like this shows. One of my favourite 60s classics indeed, that opening part of the song always grabs me and moves me, and that melody stays with me long after the song is over, love it.
My most recent live performance was well over 10 years ago when I flew down to Anaheim for work convention and one evening I got to see the Beach Boys (Mike Love and his crew) and Dean Torrence in a small convention room venue, that was so awesome. I remember when Sloop John B came on it was so amazing everyone moving and dancing to that song.
My most memorable live performance would be going back to my late high school days the second time I saw the Beach Boys, bought an all day bus/ferry tour to a Beach Boys rock festival in another city. Went with a friend, got to sit out in a open air soccer field with tens of thousand of other kids all day listening to different local rock bands until the Beach Boys came out in early evening. It was a warm summer night, and beach balls were bopping up and down in the crowd as the Beach Boys played one hit song after another for nearly 2 hours. We didn’t get home until way past midnight when the bus dropped us off downtown. It was such a wonderful and memorable experience.
Great video submission Dave, and thanks Mona and Lisa for another fabulous Advent Day, loved it.
We used to go to quite a few concerts, but the ones to our liking seem to have quit coming here, so we haven’t been to a concert in quite a while.
Looking back at the most memorable concerts I went to, I don’t think I can pick one show. So here’s three:
Elton John: We had tickets to see Elton John one night, had written the date down wrong on the calendar, and missed the concert. We were totally bummed out. We knew he wouldn’t be coming back to such as small remote city as Las Cruces. But he did, and he is wonderful to see live.
Linda Ronstadt: we saw her at least three times here, but my favorite was her “Canciones de mi Padre” (songs of my father). The concert was with a full mariachi band. For me, mariachi music has to be experienced live, and this was by far the best I ever heard. I always liked rancheras (Mexican folk/country music), and her voice is perfect for them. She has an interesting family history if you want to follow up.
The Carpenters: It was a long time ago, but I remember they we fabulous live. The concert was full of energy as they performed song after song after song. So much talent, so sad when she died.
Hello Ladies,
The Legendary Procol Harum And the Classic Whiter Shade Of Pale. Hard to top this one! Beautiful rendition. The pure raw reactions you had were priceless.
The last live show I saw was ELTON JOHN Farewell Yellow Brick Road. November of last year. 3 hour show in Atlanta. About 45 minutes away. Nigel Olsen, Ray Cooper, and Davy Johnstone from his original band also are on the tour. Great Show.
The best show I’ve seen probably would be a tie.
CHICAGO AND THE BEACH BOYS TOGETHER at an Amphitheater near Atlanta. About 1987. With a 45 minute Encore with CHICAGO AND THE BEACH BOYS on the same stage together ❤️ The Beach Boys sang Backup on Chicago’s Wishing You Were Here originally and they did it during the Encore.
And the other was ELTON JOHN in Atlanta 1973. He had 5 costume changes. This was when he had his wild outfits. He was on stilts for Pinball Wizard. A Braves baseball Sequined outfit for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. And a Pink and White Boa outfit for a few songs too.
Fabulous shows.
Fun video and comments for today. Many, Many Memories brought back.
BTW, I lived down the Street (1/2 mile) from ELVIS for a couple of years. He wasn’t on tour then. 1966 -1968.
The top of my list is Getting to see the Renowned and Magical MONALISA TWINS one day LIVE!
Have a super Groovy Day
Rick Ross
A Whiter Shade of Pale is a fascinating song! I just read a Wikipedia article on it, and found a couple of interesting claims regarding its reception. Lennon and McCartney “were enthralled by the Chaucerian wordplay and heavenly Baroque accompaniment.” Meanwhile, Brian Wilson “had a profound reaction to hearing the song and momentarily believed that it was his funeral march.”
My most memorable live show, in terms of the performance itself, would have to be my first McCartney concert in 1990. But I also have special memories of a small-venue John Sebastian concert in 1993 where by pure chance I ended up with a front-row near-center seat. Hearing the music is great, but occasional one-on-one eye contact at the same time is indescribable!
As far as the most recent, this past year I attended two tribute concerts locally, featuring the music of John Denver and Billy Joel respectively. I’m only a moderate fan of each, but at both concerts I heard several songs I like that I didn’t know belonged to them.
How awesome that you got to see John Sebastian live in the 90’s! We’ll probably give him a call before Christmas, I’ll mention that the show was one of your most memorable ones. 🙂
Thank you so much, Mona! On the off chance that he asks, it was at the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, KY. He was touring in connection with his new album, Tar Beach.
That was awesome! Our band used to perform this song back in the early 70’s, and it was always well received. Love the song and Procul Harem! I never really attended that many concerts, but the most memorable one was The Guess Who played a local venue very early on in their career. It was a small club, and the drummer joined us at our table during a break. That was unusual and very groovy!
That sounds fun! I think the Guess Who are still touring quite a lot but they don’t seem to ever make it to our side of the Atlantic.
Hello everyone. Loved the concert. I’m back in my truck. My apu must have not charged my batteries and my frozen food in my freezer started to thaw! OH well. Always loved this song. I remember when Doc Severnson came to play at the Syracuse War Memorial with the Symphony. Yes, I had spoken to the trumpet players in the Symphony, I had them as my instructors, about him coming in with his rhythm section with not much rehearsal. First half was legit and second was his album I had. Fantastic. I remember during Christmas time in the Chicago area a friend of mine, legit trumpet player, would organize we played at a few churches for $80 a piece with minimal rehearsal. Was fun. Nothing beats a Hamon Organ. Such a clasic sound. As for my last concert. I recently saw the Scardust Concrete Cages with Patty Gurdy live streamed concert in Isreal. Was like we’ve conquered covid at that moment. Even Patty had a metal crowd singing to Molly Malone. Everyone was jumping qnd singing. Very infectious. Going to see a live filmed concert of my second band on the 10th. Couldn’t get to see them on this tour. Would love the same with Mona and Lisa. Oldman can dream. Love you all. Stay safe. God Speed. Stay Groovy! ❤️🌹🤘
It is a little interesting that you were mentioning Bach yesterday and this song is based on a Bach melody.
My wife and I were at the shore a few years ago and an old friend of mine was playing with his band in a restaurant. He called me up on stage and I sang this song and got a nice ovation.
The last concert I saw was Tommy James who sang Crystal Blue Persuasion and Crimson and Clover. My most memorable concert was seeing Boz Scaggs with Michael McDonald. It was a fantastic yet intimate show.
Hi Tim, I had the same thought about the mystifying Bach thread.
To me, JS Bach is simply a mind-bending musical genius at work. As you know, his eye muscles gave out late in life from all of the musical notation writing he had done. His whole life was the music.
On that thought, it needs to be said I’ve always treated Procol Harum’s fusion piece A Whiter Shade of Pale as non-destructive form of appreciation for Bach. I’m pretty sure if Bach were around these days, he would appreciate Procol Harum’s version because it’s justice to the melody line that’s doing it for the listener.
Merry Christmas to you and have a great day,
Mike
I am not real deep in classical music, but I’ve always had a fondness for Bach. Some consider him the the first pop/rock composer. I don’t know what he would think of that, but I agree he would probably like Procul Harums treatment of his song.
Tim, Mike,
Interesting topic. Bach is probably the most admired classical music composer among some of the great rock artists. McCartney, Wilson, Davies, Simon/Garfunkle…to name just a few.
In my mid 20s I really got into the heavier rock music, especially the guitar sounds of Angus and Malcom Young (AC/DC), and decades later when I got into Beethoven and Bach, it felt very familiar musically in my brain as those AC/DC riffs did for me. You take a Bach piece, and play it on electric guitar, add drums and bass, you have Led Zeppelin or AC/DC. Bach was quite the hell raiser in his day rebelling against the nobility that musicians were servants to. The same is true of Beethoven. They had the heart and soul of the modern rock and rollers.
I think if Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister Marianne (Nanneri) Mozart, who was the real recognized genius in the family, transported here in a time machine, she would be a huge MLT fan and love what they are doing.
That was a nice performance . With the added orchestra and choir is always a nice touch. The last live performance I saw was Wilco in November of 2019 and just a couple months before that was Jeff Lynne’s ELO with special guest Dhanni Harrison and they performed the song Handle with Care ,a very nice tribute to George Harrison. Thank you for sharing todays video and Have a wonderful day!
Most recent show was Ringo & His All Starr Band(September),and most memorable Paul McCartney(Wings Over America,Madison Square Garden in 1976)),and first concert at CitiField in 2009(I have been lucky enough to see him 11 times thru the years.)And also got to see George Harrison at Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary show at Madison Square Garden in 1992.And I met John & Yoko a few times in 1980,when I was working across the street from the Dakota where they lived(and sadly,where he was taken from us).
Honorable mention for memorable shows, to The Rolling Stones(have seen them 14 times).I’ve been very lucky,have seen many of the great bands I have been a fan of for years.
My Bucket List will be complete,when Hopefully I get the chance to see The MonaLisa Twins play a live show.
Sending Love & Holiday Hugs🌲⛄🎅🤶💛💓
Tom
Well, Tom, that’s an incredible series of events. It’s particularly neat that you worked across the park from the historical Dakota building in 1980. As you know, back then it never crossed your mind that this would be the last time the musician would be alive but you did know it would be a rare opportunity to see them. It was all a shock.
I’m on the same level as yourself as the pinnacle being able to see a MonaLisa Twins live performance because you can tell in Mona and Lisa’s faces in this video that they genuinely hear the same thing in A Whiter Shade of Pale. That tune was a great classical music fusion piece. You play a Bach piece or a snippet from his work for the average kid today, and they balk at at!
Although there are many examples, to include The Cavern Club, the most interesting live MLT concert I can think of beyond The Cavern was a few years ago they packed up their equipment, flew out of the U.K. to Scandinavia, set up, sound tested, and played a concert there, most of which they captured on home videos and static concert hall video cameras. As soon as they were done, they packed up and flew back to the U.K.
Speaking of The Dakota building, when you listen to the Double Fantasy album, you hear various influences going into John’s songs in particular, and for a few weeks before he was murdered Just Like Starting Over was climbing the U.S. charts and it seemed it was Lennon’s way of reminding the public that something great musically had been lost. That tune carried listeners back to the days of melody driven rock ‘n’ roll. Then, the other day I ran across Laughing by The Guess Who. I had heard that tune when I was a boy but never made the connection to Double Fantasy when that album came out in 1980. Nowadays it’s clear to me Lennon was shilling off of this song and the reminiscent lyrics within that tune to — I strongly believe — make a statement about the condition of rock ‘n’ roll that was being diluted by the rather unimaginative, bombastic, disco music “revolution”. Remember that? Ugh.
Melody in popular music was infrequent by 1980. I can only make an educated guess that Lennon realized this, and would show them how to do it coming out of retirement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvzdtn43vnI
Anyhow, I’m probably not the only one who discovered the connection between Laughing and Just Like Starting Over songs, but it wasn’t from me reading about a connection somewhere, but from simply researching and a dash of providential serendipity. Kind of like running across The MLTs.
This whole concert is on DVD/Bluray and it´s really great. Check also the Union Chapel concert from the year 2004. There he sings the missing middle verse of “Whiter Shade Of Pale” that was omitted from the original recording. Gary´s death touched me very much, because Procol Harum has really been an important band to me, You asked the latest live experience. It´s nothing spectacular, just a bunch of local musicians playing jazz at the small bar. But the feeling was great.
One of my all-time favorite songs! This is a great version. I also really like the instrumental version that David Lanz did with Matthew Fisher on David Lanz’s album, “Cristofori’s Dream” from 1988.
The most recent concert that I attended was Andrea Bocelli in Kansas City, Missouri.
My most memorable concert experiences have been those I have attended with my sons to see the Smothers Brothers, David Lanz, Aussie Floyd, Yes, Yanni, Linkin Park, the Blue Man Group and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Fun memories!
Thanks, MLT!
That was a gorgeous start to the day! I’m always in awe of people who can make such rich, lush arrangements, combining so many different elements – orchestra. choir, organ, piano, etc. So beautiful! It also amazed me to see the audience for an outdoor concert all seated so quietly. I find that at most concerts I attend these days the audience is very loud – so loud that it is hard to hear the musicians! Quite rude at times too, throwing things onto the stage for no particular reason, except perhaps being drunk!
I attended my most recent concert a few nights ago. It was a performance by a Canadian performer, Loreena Mckennitt, and was exceptionally beautiful. She put together a program of Celtic and indigenous Canadian Christmas music and storytelling. It was exquisite! My most memorable concerts have always been very small, intimate ones. I remember hearing Buddy MacMaster, one of Canada’s great Scottish fiddlers, give a completely acoustic performance in a small hall on Cape Breton island for an audience of about 100. It was all about the music – no frills, bells or whistles – by a very humble, reserved man who just happened to be a master fiddler. If I ever get the chance to hear Mona and Lisa live in concert, well, that will take the top place in my list of most memorable concerts!!!
The Twins could have added “Concerts you’d like to see” as a 3rd category for us to comment on, but we would probably all say “The MonaLisa Twins”, and I’ll bet most of us agree with your last sentence.
June 2022: James Taylor. He’s 74 (?) and still performing and touring. His show was really good, too.
It’s great to hear that the show was really good! With some of the older bands it’s often a hit and miss because voices go, members pass, … but to know that James Taylor has still got it at 74 is awesome 🙂
What a great performance by Gary Brooker, how wonderfull it sounds with the choir and orchestra. Thank you Dave for submitting it and thanks to Michaela for choosing it. I imagine you have a lot of work with this but also lots of fun thinking how surprised Mona and Lisa are every day.
My last concert was just few weeks ago, also with an orchestra (the Metropool orchestra) who played some great movie classicals accompanied with local singers from the Netherlands it was really spectacular. My most memorable concert was this summer at the North Sea Jazz festival. It was a concert from Jacob Collier. My mouth fell open from the moment he started till the last note, this guy is , just like the twins such a great musician. If you ever have time i recommend you see some video’s of him. Stay Groovy
Greetings to my favorite twins – fun calendar. Well I went for some of the wierd groups in the 70ties and I went to a concert by one of the best Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show who was in my hometown Vejle. They didn’t completely strip that night but there were a couple of concerts in Denmark that year where they went all the way and played too. They have a lot of crazy songs which I liked and one of them was Everybody makes it big but me and after that they sing about the wonderful soup stone (from DR Tv 1974) – have fun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv_TA2S2z34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO0HEQ8WSuA
Another crazy group I have followed from around 1967, when they made fun of Sgt. Pepper, were The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band – try them out. Never saw them live.
Great post Dave!
.
The last big concert I attended was “The Chicks” a few months ago in Utah
Wow, What a voice! And such a perfect song to include an orchestra. I love it when there’s fusion between rock/pop songs with classical or jazz. Elbow also has great songs with orchestras.
Regarding my most recent concert, it was YES at the Bridgewater Hall this year with the fantastic Steve Howe on Guitar, but my most memorable was seeing GENESIS at Manchester’s Palace theater performing the whole of Lamb Lies Down on Broadway double album. I actually went to see them both nights 27th and 28th April 1975. Just mind-blowing!! I’ve still got the program- (see attached)
Regarding the band i really want to see but haven’t seen live yet is …… wait for it …. The fantastic and talented Mona Lisa Twins.
Thank you Mona and Lisa and Michaela, that was fantastic!. Thanks too to Dave for submitting it. Such a great song and what a performance with the orchestra and choir. RIP Gary Brooker.
The most recent concert I went to other than local bands was Roger Waters on his ‘Us and Them’ tour. I’ve seen him a few times now and his gigs are always spectacular. His solo version of The Wall was certainly one of the most memorable shows I’ve been too.
Like Mona and Lisa though, I think Paul McCartney has been the most memorable. Because it’s Paul McCartney – right? And he just does such a good show, he plays for a good three hours usually, everyone knows all the songs and is just having the best time.
Honourable mentions though to John Fogerty, Rush (more prog!) and Robert Plant – I never saw Led Zep live, but I can imagine what a great show that must have been.
Loving the advent calendar, it just gets better and better!
How I love it when you break into song spontaneously! It’s wonderful.
Only Gary Brooker can sing that song. I had heard that he was very humble and used to attend at the pub he owned. He might kick out anybody that asked him to sing!
Most recent concert: Ringo Starr And His All Star Band in Durham, NC, 2019
Most Memorable Concert: Change Begins Within, Radio City Music Hall, New York City, April 4, 2009.
https://www.the-paulmccartney-project.com/concert/2009-04-04/
First time seeing Paul and Ringo live. Huge lineup of stars, not just singers, but the likes of Jerry Seinfeld too. It was also my first date with my Lisa, who’s now my wife. We flew from LA for the concert.
Thank you!!
That was such a mellow start to the morning. Great live version with the orchestra and he still sounds great. Many great artists sometimes tour with orchestras for a change, such as Elton John, even Meatloaf! I love most prog rock but some is beyond me! My most recent proper show that I went to was actually Paul McCartney back in the late 80’s at Wembley where he was fantastic. It was the Flowers in the Dirt tour I recall which seems a long time ago.
Hi Ladies, thanks for this wonderful live-act of “A Whiter Shade of Pale” with the late Gary Brooker.. My greatest live concert was in the 70´s with the Band “Chicago” in the CCH (Congress Centrum Hamburg) including the wonderful song “If you leave me now” with Peter Cetera. This event I will never forget. Love to you all, Frank
Sorry for the wrong video upload! We just noticed and fixed it.
Thank you Michaela!
They’ll have it fixed soon enough. Can’t wait to hear the Twins reaction to this brilliant concert. I’ve watched it a hundred times, it never gets old. RIP, Gary Brooker
Yes, looks like day 5 to me – I recognised the funny dog!! Must be what happens when you work with animals! 😕
We skipped the light fandango … and time travelled back 2 days? The embedded video is of day 5, not today 😕
I am getting the same!