"Whiter Shade of Pale" - cover by Ted and Kenny Mac

[Ted]

Whiter Shade of Pale

Written by Gary Brooker, Keith Reid & Matthew Fisher

Ted: Guitar (SY1-Synth), Bass
Kenny Mac: Vocals
BitMidi: Drums

Recorded in Micro BR, Mixed in GarageBand

We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
But the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
As the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
The waiter brought a tray

[Chorus]
And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale


[Verse 2]
She said, there is no reason
And the truth is plain to see
But I wandered through my playing cards
And would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might have just as well've been closed

[Chorus]
And so it was that later...

Lost in 2022: Gary Brooker

The festival grace period may have expired. I can live with that. I started this in March. Kenny Mac was on board – standing by.

I recorded the organ part on four tracks. That's right: I had to piece together on four tracks what Matthew Fisher did on a Hammond all at once. After that, I set it aside and put all my musical time into preparing for a Saint Patricks Day gig. After the gig I hardly touched an instrument for weeks. So after dragging my ass, I recorded the bass a couple of days ago I sent Kenny a rough mix. And he sent me back vocals about eight minutes later. Okay. Maybe not that quickly.

Kenny: It's ready! It doesn't need any stinkin' guitars or strings.

Me: Gosh... I don't know, Kenny. I want to drag this out until May.

Thanks, Kenny, for the great vocals. And for motivating me to get it done with your can-do attitude.

[StephenM]

Ted, the music is just right.  sure more stuff could be added but not needed... the song is enough, especially when you add in KM vocals....

did you miss playing when you took that break Ted?  I can't imagine going for days without playing.  But I did skip playing for years so yes, we get used to not playing right? 

this might be my favorite version of this song I ever heard...

[Zoltan]

Everytime i hear the name of this song i'm thinking that someone would need to make a song called: Whiter Shade of Pale Ale...

With that out of the way... Great collab guys! Kenny Macs vocs work a treat here, and your "organ" playing is spot on.

[TPB]

very nice guys one of my favorites
Tim

[Ted]

did you miss playing when you took that break Ted?  I can't imagine going for days without playing.

Yes! I missed playing. The unfortunate thing was that I was really warmed up after all of that practice – if you know what I mean. My calluses were nice and thick, and making music seemed... habitual, easy. I backslid off of that plateau, and now I'm back to being a guy with soft fingertips who can play an instrument okay with a little effort.

[Bluesberry]

Sweet sheeeeet this is hot.......what a vocal.........those Scottish guys sure can sing...the organ sounds fantastic....I'm with SteveM, this is the one for me now.........forever grateful for this beautiful site

[thetworegs]

Great vocal Kenny this song always brings to mind my favorite film with-nail and i every time I hear this song...if not that the dance floor asa teenager ....not too shabby on that organ either Ted a fab cover

[StephenM]

someone would need to make a song called: Whiter Shade of Pale Ale...

this one cracked me up... great idea too

[StephenM]

did you miss playing when you took that break Ted?  I can't imagine going for days without playing.

Yes! I missed playing. The unfortunate thing was that I was really warmed up after all of that practice – if you know what I mean. My calluses were nice and thick, and making music seemed... habitual, easy. I backslid off of that plateau, and now I'm back to being a guy with soft fingertips who can play an instrument okay with a little effort.

I totally understand because it is very true, when we play alot things just get better... it's quite alot like exercise.  Callouses make a big difference and also the muscles and ligaments being strong and flexible.  I think if I quit playing I might not get back at it.  Sometimes playing certain progressions certain ways begins to hurt knuckles etc.... chords seem to bother me more than lead playing.

[Pipes]

Brilliant !

Captured excellently Sir.   

Really nice

Nick