The Original Renaissance Album
Chris Gerbig | Ontario, Canada | 09/04/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This was the original Renaissance album, and does not feature Annie Haslam on vocals, or any of the other members of the "definitive" lineup. Renaissance was first formed by Keith Relf and Jim McCarty of the YARDBIRDS. Keith's sister Jane also performs some of the vocals, but her singing is not as strong or accomplished as Haslam's. However, this was the album which set the pattern of classical/folk/progressive rock fusion that the second Renaissance lineup would follow. The piano playing of John Hawken (ex-Nashville Teens and future Strawbs and Illusion member) is superb. It was really very innovative progressive rock for 1969! The long opening track "Kings and Queens" is one of the highlights of the album. There is also much flavoring from eastern music and psychedelia. Jane sings on "Island" and "Wanderer". Keith's vocals are most reminiscent of his Yardbirds days on the longest track "Bullet", which incorporates a heavy dose of psychedelia in his wild harmonica solo and an "eastern music" type chant, set over a great jazz and classically fused piano. This is really a very different band from the Renaissance with Annie that most of us know. Most of the members of this first lineup later formed the band Illusion, after Keith Relf had died of eloctrocution. The original Renaissance also recorded a second album called "Illusion" which was released in Germany at the time, but not in the UK. It too is now available on CD. A very interesting album from the early era of progressive rock. Lots of strong musicianship. The later Renaissance albums are superior, but hardcore fans will want to hear where it all began."
Great classical music fused w/rock.
Chris Gerbig | 08/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Out of the ashes of the Yardbirds and the Nashville Teens (Tobacco Road.) came Renaissance.The only bad thing about this album is this was before Annie Haslam sang for them.Everthing else is excellent, especially the piano parts."