procol

Procol is a British progressive rock band formed in 1967 by singer and guitarist Gary Brooker and musician Keith Reid. The band's music is characterized by its blend of Hammond organ-driven rock, folk influences, and jazz-inspired complexity. Procol's sound is often described as sophisticated and theatrical, reflecting the band's use of elaborate arrangements and conceptual lyrics.

The band's early work was marked by the vibrant stage presence of vocalist Gary Brooker, known for his soaring vocals and genre-bending style, which has been compared to classic rock pianists Elton Dean. Procol's music also explored the melodic qualities of 19th-century European music, revisiting the grand piano and orchestral scores of classical music, particularly Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann.

During Procol's heyday in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the band released four studio albums: Procol Harum (1967), Beyond the Sun (1969), Home (1970), and Grand Hotel (1973). These albums featured extended instrumental explorations, as well as classic compositions such as "A Whiter Shade of Pale", which became an instant hit in 1968, and is considered an iconic piece of the psychedelic rock genre. The song reached the top of the UK Singles chart, selling over a million copies.

Procol's music often evoked a lyrical reaction from their listeners, tackling socially conscious themes and socio-politics through poetic storytelling. Procol's songwriting has been praised for its ability to showcase a swaying poetry infused into an eclectic auditory genre. Despite being one of the most gifted rock bands of its time, Procol's popularity declined in the 1970s as the rock landscape shifted toward more popular acts. However, their influence is still respected, reflecting the band's innovative contribution to the development of progressive rock during that pivotal period in music history.