Description

 RENAISSANCE biographyThere were two groups under the banner of RENAISSANCE. The firstgroup included Keith and Jane RELF (vocals) and came from the YARDBIRDS ashes.The second and better known incarnation produced some of the best music that Ihave ever heard. Annie HASLAM's five octave range fit perfectly with theclassical/orchestral rock (lot of piano playing & full symphony orchestrabackup) created by the other members. The quick description I usually give isthey are sort of like the old MOODY BLUES with a an ...There were two groups underthe banner of RENAISSANCE. The first group included Keith and Jane RELF(vocals) and came from the YARDBIRDS ashes. The second and better knownincarnation produced some of the best music that I have ever heard. AnnieHASLAM's five octave range fit perfectly with the classical/orchestral rock(lot of piano playing & full symphony orchestra backup) created by theother members. The quick description I usually give is they are sort of likethe old MOODY BLUES with a an incredible female vocalist. The soprano voice ofAnnie and the piano virtuosity of John TOUT allied to the beauty and refreshingmelodies, the refinement of the arrangements gave their music its magnificentsplendour.

 My favorite RENAISSANCE albums are "Ashes Are Burning" and "Turnof the Cards". I also recommend "Novella", "Scheherezadeand Other Stories" and "A Song for All Seasons" are must haves.I would add "Live At Carneige Hall" and "King Biscuit Hour Parts1 and 2" as their 'prime' material. Plenty to fill a day with class, powerand ethereal delights. The best introduction to the band would be the"Tales of 1001 Nights" compilation, which together contain of theband's best material from 72 through 80. Also the very first album from '69 isessential. After 1979, the band moved towards a more pop direction, like manyother bands did in the late 70's.