An Album that Will Awaken Your Spirit and Soul
Kendra | 04/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some bands and some recordings are superb. These are all very special. But when a band defines an entire genre and sets the standard for others who follow well, that is extraordinary. Renaissance is such a band. Completely defining the folk/pop genre with their superb arrangements, classical music references and homages, and their incredible novel-like story songs Renaissance is a fantastic band widely unknown by most Americans.
Renaissance has a large discography with this particular disc appearing early in their career. Some fans call their sound "progressive rock" which only hints at the folk/classical foundations of it. I prefer folk/rock and few do it better than Renaissance. Annie Haslam is the lead singer of this band, and how lucky they were to find her. Her voice is exceedingly expressive with her interpretations and inflections. She is a pleasure to listen to reaching highs effortlessly and staying the lovely middle range most all the time. She is a superb singer, but again widely unknown. This should change.
Renaissance often created long songs, "Ashes are Burning" runs at almost 12 minutes. Another song "At the Harbor" is almost 7 minutes. This is not "pop" music for those looking for a quick fix. This is art for people who appreciate the blending of folk music, folks heritage and a deep appreciation for story-telling through music and lyrics. This is not Steely Dan (I LOVE Steely Dan!) with their unusual and sometimes strange lyrics. Renaissance lyrics are a core part of the experience and art. Haslam is invariably perfect and all are supreme musicians and arrangers/composers make a Renaissance album an astounding treat.
Hearing this record for the first time many years ago was something of a surprise. I only had an experience like this a few times with music listening recently. I often feel this way when I listen to Bach, but I felt it again when I heard Gorecki's shattering "Symphony 3" Henryk Gorecki: Symphony 3 "Sorrowful Songs". That record introduced me to Dawn Upshaw whose singing I then began to listen to with avid interest.
And that is the kind of response that Renaissance evokes in the listener who cares for quality, intellectual truth, and true art in their musical experiences. Haslam is not quite Upshaw's caliber-- but they are both incredible vocalists.
There are many great Renaissance records to enjoy, though no new ones unfortunately. This one is a great start if you've never heard Renaissance before. Sit back and listen. Grab a good Syrah, and light a fire in the hearth, and let Renaissance fill the house with story and melody. You will not be disappointed."
Another great album by the best version of Renaissance.
B. Scheiner | Long Island, NY | 12/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is probably the best of the albums issued by this version of Renaissance, and that says a lot. The group pours its heart into everything it does. Annie Haslam's voice soars and dips at will, capturing every nuance of the wonderful lyrics and melody. The songs are like little self-contained symphonies, each with an incredible range of emotion. Maybe it's an old album, but it still ranks among the classics of its time. Renaissance was never given its due. It deserved a lot better."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1