Search - Renaissance :: King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents in Concert

Rennaisance Live - King Biscuit Parts 1 and 2

Will J. Gioioso | Phila | 02/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is Renaissance recorded at the top of their game. Yes, there are some feedback issues with the recording BUT to me they were a minor annoyance. I saw this great band perform live at least a dozen times during the mid to late 70's from very small intimate theaters to large arenas (think Spectrum in Phila.). I have to say that this CD and the companion Part 2, brought back very fond memories of the band's excellent live performances.



I would rate this 5 stars if not for the intermittent feedback and power hums that plagued the set. It was unfortunate that the sound issues happened at Royal Albert Hall with the RPO - the concert of a lifetime for the band members and audience. Again, to me these were minor annoyances and in no way should stop you from buying. Annie Haslam's voice is absolutely superb throughout the performance and the band played a very tight set with the RPO. A must have for anyone interested in Rennaisance.



Here is a buying tip, you can get these for less than $5 each with fast shipping by searching for Renaissance Greatest Hits Part 1 and Renaissance Greatest Hits Part 2. Same CDs by King Biscuit but with different labels. Look at the new and used vendors for good deals on these CDs."

The best Renaissance live album (part 1)

R. Josef | New Haven, CT United States | 08/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This "King Biscuit" album is a real treat. Recorded in 1977 on the tour promoting the "Novella" album, it must have been a real thrill to see Renaissance performing live with an orchestra. The band had tried this once before, in 1975, with the "Live at Carnegie Hall" album. But even though the sound isn't quite as good, the performance is superior. The group was at the peak of its powers, and they seem far more comfortable working with the orchestra live than they do on "Carnegie". In particular, the suite "Song of Scheherezade" comes across much better, despite Jon Camp's vocal on "The Sultan" being a bit off.



In terms of material, between the two discs, you're missing only one track that was also on "Carnegie", "Ocean Gypsy" (no loss as far as I'm concerned). You also get material from "Novella" (which had yet to be recorded in 1975) and an exciting arrangement of the title track of the "Prologue" album performed exclusively by the orchestra. This is the only place that you can find the latter.



Yes, the sound quality is a bit off. A buzz from bad grounding that couldn't be entirely eliminated is indeed audible during the quiet passages. But this is easily overlooked in the light of the superior performances. Both fans and newcomers should love this album."

The Best of the Best

C. Staley | Indiana United States | 03/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording has received bad reviews in regard to sound quality, but I have no problem overlooking a few minor technical gliches, because the performance is nothing less than phenomenal.This is a very mature Renaissance at their peak and a true fan would do well to give it a listen. The musicians are inspired and the group's cohesion as well as individual musicianship has never come across better. Annie's duo with Tout's keyboards in 'Can You Understand' is clear as a bell, unlike its more subdued version at Carniegie, and Camp's bass is much more effectual. This performance of the 'Song of Scheherazade' is the best on record.Renaissance is always a good listen, but this recording will make you feel the music. To pass on it because of sound quality issues is simply a mistake, especially for a true Renaissance fan."