A masterful package capturing a phenomenal live show.
Procol Harum, after all, have the kind of repertoire that naturally lends itself to the orchestral situation, and of course this isn't their first dive into those waters. But with less to prove than they had back in the '70s, and with a fonder eye for their greatest material than they had when there was a new LP to push, this is a delightful walk through the band's back catalog. Recorded in 2006 against a truly spectacular open-air backdrop, it is difficult to fault the track listing -- "Grand Hotel" opens with epic grandiosity; "Homburg," "A Salty Dog," and "Conquistador" all stand out; and, of course, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" remains one of the all-time most haunting songs, and the orchestra and choir just add to the mood. Expanding far beyond the confines of the original CD release for this show (a stunning "Whaling Stories" is among the additional performances), the disc then continues on with a six-song performance recorded for Danish television back in 1974, and apparently unseen since then. It, too, is superlative, and though both "Grand Hotel" and "Butterfly Boys" are reprised from the main attraction, the versatility of both songs will astound you. There's also a killer "The Devil Came from Kansas" on display here, that will melt your DVD player if you turn it up loud enough. [A Japanese version was also released.] ~ Dave Thompson