Procol Harum-Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (1972)

There are songs that become cornerstones, symbols of an unrepeatable era, pivotal moments in a generation's memories, ultimately becoming mythical and timeless. One of these songs is "A Whiter Shade of Pale", a symbolic track from 1967 and Procol Harum's most famous composition. With this song, Procol Harum entered rock history, in an era so exciting and multifaceted that it continues to be analyzed, studied, and remembered almost meticulously despite the many years that have passed. Founded in 1960 by keyboardist Gary Brooker, who, along with Robin Trower on guitars, drummer B.J. Wilson, and bassist Chris Copping, performed under the name Paramounts in venues in the city of Southend, in the south of England. After five years of releasing singles with little success and touring England and Germany, where they supported Sandy Shaw, lyricist Keith Reid joined them. Together with Brooker, they composed "A Whiter Shade of Pale", which was released in the summer of 1967 and reached the top of the charts worldwide. By then, Procol Harum had already abandoned their blues and rock 'n' roll influences to delve into more complex developments focused on the emerging progressive and psychedelic sound of the time. That same year, the single "Homburg" was released, which also achieved great success in global markets. Both tracks were included on the album "A Whiter Shade of Pale", and the following album, "Shine on Brightly", included the title track. They closed out the decade with "A Salty Dog", another memorable album. From this point onwards, and well into the 1970s, the band would release some very memorable albums such as "Home", "Broken Barricades", "Grand Hotel" or the superb live album "Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra".