Procol Harum: The Ghosts Of A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Author(s): Henry Scott-Irvine (Author)
Publisher: Omnibus Press
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Language: English
Print length: 308 pages
ISBN-10: 1780382332
ISBN-13: 9781780382333
Book Description
Formed in the 1960s, progressive rock band Procol Harum are best known for their multimillion-selling single “A Whiter Shade of Pale” which is the most played record by a British artist of the last 70 years.Procol Harum’s extraordinary career now spans almost 50 years. This major biography traces their roots back to 1964 when they were an R&B covers band called The Paramounts whom The Rolling Stones cited as their favourite British group at the time. With its song writing partnership of Keith Reid and Gary Brooker, the new band would soon become associated with a particularly soulful brand of progressive rock and enjoy a massive international hit with ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ in the summer of 1967. A succession of Billboard Top 100 albums followed but Procol Harum’s future would also be marked by a 14-year retirement, a successful re-formation and one of the costliest and most bitterly fought cases in British legal history. With specially written material by Martin Scorsese, Sir Alan Parker and author Sebastian Faulks, the book’s stellar list of interviewees includes the band members themselves, producer Chris Thomas, Cream’s Pete Brown and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. Their insights illuminate what must surely be the gold standard biography of a unique and highly influential band.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The word definitive comes to mind” Fred Dellar. MOJO. 4 stars “Martin Scorsese opens this definitive biog”. Charlie Harris. WEED “Solidly unpretentious” Oregano Rathbone. RECORD COLLECTOR. 4 stars
“H.S-I’s thoroughly researched book” David Quantick. CLASSIC ROCK. 7 stars
“H.S-I takes us on a rigorous road trip” Chris Roberts. PROG.
“His excellent biography” Chris Twomey. SHINDIG
“Thoroughly researched… an enticing read” Jim Stewart. THE BEAT
“Related with real knowledge and insight”. Den Browne. MUDKISSA MUST FOR YOUR BOOKSHELF! by John Bobin bassist for Mickey Jupp’s Legend & The FingersHenry must be congratulated on delivering the best musical biography which I have ever read. He doesn’t shy away from covering the bitter court case concerning the composing rights to A Whiter Shade of Pale. There are too many musical gems to name; A Salty Dog, As Strong as Samson, and Pandora’s Box to name but three. With interesting insights from Martin Scorsese, Sir Alan Parker, Jimmy Page and Sebastian Faulks this is a must for your bookshelf. Rush out and buy this book right now. You will not regret it.
From the Author
The Ghosts Of A Whiter Shade of Pale is a chronological account of Procol Harum. All the key players are interviewed and celebrity fans come in the shape of Jimmy Page and Pete Brown (of Cream) alongside an exclusive from record producer Chris Thomas. The book’s Foreword comes from Martin Scorsese with an Introduction from Sir Alan Parker and an Afterword by award winning author and screenwriter Sebastian Faulks.
THE AUTOR
Author Henry Scott-Irvine has a background in music and arts documentaries as well as presenting and producing a weekly radio show for Resonance 104.4 fm London. His TV/DVD programme credits include Punk Attitude, Elton At 60, Classic Albums, Status Quo The Party Ain’t Over Yet, John Lennon Night, Madonna Night, Michael Jackson Night, Music Of The Millennium aka The Top 100 Albums, and The Top 40 TV Music Moments, amongst others. Henry is now writing another book and is hoping to get some music documentaries funded.
About the Author
Henry Scott-Irvine first saw Procol Harum in 1973 and has known the band since 1979. He co-ordinated Procol Harum Live In Concert with The LSO at London s Barbican Theatre in 1996, and co-hosted the band s 30th Anniversary concert at The Redhill Theatre in 1997. He has been writing, researching, and developing TV programming for over 25 years. This is his first book.
Wow! eBook
