Renaissance

They were originally formed from the Yardbirds, a band that included Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton at various points. But after a couple of albums, members left and it re-formed, re-booted as we might say, eventually hitting a classic line up with Jon Camp (bass), John Tout (piano and keyboards), Terence Sullivan (drums and later guitars) and singer Annie Haslam. They were later joined by Michael Dunford (guitars) who had been the chief writer for the band.

They made a number of stunning lps: Ashes are Burning, Turn of the Cards, Scheherazade and Other Stories, Novella and A Song for all Seasons.

Never afraid of a nice lengthy track, a good melody, meaningful lyrics and a high sense of musicianship, with Tout really the core of the band, they released a tremendous live at Carnegie Hall album with an orchestra. Occasionally, well-known bits of classical works were incorporated into their material.

Renaissance had a loyal following in the UK, and other parts of the world, but were very big in the north east USA.

Then they had a hit, big enough to appear on Top of the Pops, and this started a change for the band. There was a move to shorter, more synth-based pop. Gone were the memorable tuneful tunes. Azure D’Or is not a bad album, pleasant enough, but Tout and Sullivan left after that and the remainers made Camera Camera and then Time-Line, the latter so poor it has not been release on cd I believe. I rarely listen to the lp.

https://youtu.be/Ecwq_XeslxU

And that was kind of the end of the band.

Annie Haslam and Mick Dunford kept the name going sporadically but separately, then eventually got together with Tout (briefly) and Sullivan to record the perfectly pleasant if slightly unmemorable Tuscany.

In the following years, inevitably, their back catalogue was raided and remixed. Many old concerts were released. Haslam and Dunford re-formed the band and did tours and cruises, until Dunford died in 2012. Tout also died.

Annie Haslam has kept the brand going, and now there is a good band that does concerts of the older material. Time has not been kind to Annie or her voice, but we can say that about so many people. She always had a tendency to sing slightly flat unfortunately, I think.

Most of their back catalogue is available on cd (and presumably elsewhere) at reasonable prices, and if you like this kind of music and haven’t tried Renaissance, please do.

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