Procol Harum is a British rock band that formed in 1967. They are best known for their 1967 hit single "A Whiter Shade of Pale," which is considered a classic of the psychedelic era and still receives frequent airplay on classic rock radio stations. The band has gone through several line-up changes over the years, but singer-pianist Gary Brooker and organist Matthew Fisher, both original members, remain at the core of the group.
Live at the Union Chapel was recorded in December 2003, near the end of Procol Harum's world tour in support of their album The Well's on Fire. The Union Chapel is a Gothic church in London that has been converted into a performance space with a capacity of only a few hundred people. The intimate setting was a departure from the larger venues the band had been playing on their tour, and it allowed them to connect with their audience on a more personal level.
The concert features 21 songs, including eight from The Well's on Fire and several classic Procol Harum tracks. The band's sound is a unique blend of bar-band boogie and classically inspired prog rock, and the Union Chapel's acoustics give the music a rich, full-bodied sound. Gary Brooker's voice is strong and expressive, and his piano playing is virtuosic. Matthew Fisher's organ provides a haunting, atmospheric backdrop to the music.
Highlights of the concert include "The Question," a moody ballad that showcases Brooker's skills as a songwriter, and "An Old English Dream," a lushly orchestrated track with a memorable melody. The band also delivers energetic performances of their classic hits, including "Homburg" and "Conquistador," which still sound fresh and exciting after all these years.
Overall, Procol Harum: Live at the Union Chapel is a must-see concert film for fans of Procol Harum and for anyone who loves classic rock music. The band's unique sound and timeless songs are captured in brilliant detail, and the intimate setting of the Union Chapel provides a perfect backdrop for their music.