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Procol Harum
In Concert With the Danish National Concert Orchestra & Choir CD, DVD
(Eagle Rock Entertainment)
 Procol Harum wasn't the first rock outfit to employ a full orchestra for a concert recording—the Moody Blues and Deep Purple got there earlier—but1972's Live with the Edmonton Orchestra took them into the US Top Five. The group returned to the symphonic arena with 1995's somewhat turgid The Long Goodbye: Symphonic Music of Procol Harum, so it wasn't a stretch to try it again, on the occasion of Harum's 40th anniversary.
The 1972 release was marred by a weak track selection (what, no "Whiter Shade of Pale?") and a hastily arranged recording, so this reconfigured 2009 release, with founder/vocalist/pianist Gary Brooker as the sole original member, is a more thoughtful and well-rehearsed performance. Released simultaneously on DVD and CD (the former is longer, including five additional songs from the gig, and a rare six-song set only seen on Danish TV in 1974), this is a classy, beautifully recorded event. The current edition of Harum has been touring long enough to be a well-oiled ensemble. The orchestra is wonderfully integrated into the material, even on blues rockers like "Nothing but the Truth" and "Simple Sister" that wouldn't seem to be obvious choices for the enhanced treatment. Brooker sounds great: older, wiser, stately and perfectly at ease singing "Whiter Shade of Pale," "Homburg," "Conquistador" and "A Salty Dog" for the umpteenth time. Some of this is over-the-top, perhaps the chorus wasn't necessary on a few selections, but that comes with the territory.
The DVD is superior to the CD version due to its longer playing time, wonderfully edited visuals and a sumptuous surround sound remix that puts the listener on stage with the musicians. —Hal Horowitz
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