Judging from the audience applause (regular standing ovations, according to one report), no one would know that this concert was plagued by sound problems. As David Rensin wrote in Rolling Stone: "People in the box section (first third of the Bowl) got only part of the story since Gary Brooker's vocals and much of the impact of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Roger Wagner Chorale were lost in the mud and imbalance. Customers in the upper reaches of the bowl, those in the rafters, apparently did better, according to several persons who took the hike, willing to sacrifice view for vocals."
Fortunately, this soundboard recording, which was broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour, does not betray any sound problems. In fact, it is quite an excellent recording, highlighting Brooker's vocals and even showcasing the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Conquistador and the closing tracks. As those who were present at the concert or anyone who had heard the broadcast, the major letdown is that the group did not perform their signature hit, A Whiter Shade Of Pale. Other than that, Procol Harum, who were touring behind the just-released Grand Hotel album, could easily have given Queen (on a good night) a run for their money.
Thanks to bootray for sharing the tracks.
Gary Brooker (piano, vocals)
Alan Cartwright (bass)
Chris Copping (keyboards)
Mick Grabham (guitar)
B.J. Wilson (drums)
Tracklist:
01. Broken Barricades (Brooker/Reid) 2.46
02. Simple Sister (Brooker/Reid) 4.45
03. A Christmas Camel (Brooker/Reid) 6.03
04. Toujours L´amour (Brooker/Reid) 3.43
05. Grand Hotel/Fire Burn Brightly (Brooker/Reid) 12.46
06. Salty Dog (Brooker/Reid) 5.28
07. Conquistador (Brooker/Reid) 4.29
08. Grand Finale/TV Caesar/Rule Britania (Brooker/Reid) 10.14
ARMU 2219
ARMU 2219 (zippyshare)