A Son of the Rock

I saw in the Guardian that Gary Brooker, the voice (and more besides) of Procol Harum has died.

His voice was certainly distinctive, as was Procol Harum’s output: a rock band, yes, but more. And of course one of the progenitors of Prog Rock.

This was Procol Harum’s fourth hit, if that description can be applied to a song that reached no 44. Despite its downbeat sound and slow pace I’ve always thought it one of their best.

Procol Harum: A Salty Dog

This video contains a very good live version – with accompaniment – and an added bonus of An Old English Dream. (On this occasion I’ll ignore his comment about the Euro.)

Procol Harum and the Danish National Concert Orchestra and Choir: A Salty Dog and An Old English Dream

Gary Brooker: 29/5/1945 – 19/2 /2022. So it goes.