The Well's On Fire Manhattan KS

The Well's On Fire

Procol Harum

Eagle Records, 2003

REVIEW BY: Mark Kadzielawa

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 05/29/2003

It's been ten years since the last Procol Harum studio album,and to be honest I thought the band might have finally called itquits. But, then again, Procol Harum was quite active on theEuropean concert front in recent years, even managing to release alive DVD.

The Well's On Fire is a very laid-back record. The bandisn't obviously trying to break any new ground here, but the musicis good, and gets better with each listen. At this point ProcolHarum has long since established its own sound and style, and isdefinitely sticking to its guns. Gary Brooker sounds as good asever. It's his voice that really makes this album shine, but that'sthe case with any Brooker/Procol release for this writer.

Besides Gary's pipes, Matthew Fisher's organ is another greatfeature. He definitely has a sound that is irreplaceable, and veryoriginal. Just try to imagine the basic sound of "Whiter Shade OfPale" and you'll know what I mean. Fisher, however, plays verygently, and doesn't abuse his presence on the album. In otherwords, he appears where he's needed.

Procol Harum's music these days can be considered an adultontemporary, as it has a very peaceful flow. I tend to call itnight music. You know, when the lights are dim, you're drinkingwine, and listen to something gentle, yet very rhythm-oriented.That's where this album fits in. I wonder how does this materialwill work live. It certainly has a potential to develop intointeresting set. On the other hand, Procol Harum has so many greatsongs to choose from that it will be difficult to knock down theclassics in favor of the new songs.