Renaissance - Ocean Gypsy (BBC Sight & Sound 1977)

[@davidw5993]

The five octave, crystalline voice of an angel. Just saw them on oct 20, 2022 in Red Bank NJ and she still has got it...I never thought I'd see The Captive Heart done live...I was moved to tears.

[@2old2Rock]

I saw them this week too and I couldn't believe how great she sounded. This was my 8th time seeing them so I really didn't mind all the solo material. "The Angels Cry" had me tearing up!

[@andrewshaw8396]

Congrats mate! I envy you that one. 👍

[@ElvireTanks]

You’re lucky

[@janjean1186]

she is an angel

[@beans2000623]

Saw her and the new orchestra in 2022, fantastic , nostalgic show. And Annie lives here in Pa

[@craigcolbert9403]

Annie has the voice of an Angel!

[@dominysynclair]

Angels aspire to have a voice like Annie's.

[@bobwaller1649]

I’m watching this tonight in sadness knowing this kind of music used to be played on radio stations at one time.Growing up in the New Jersey outskirts of Philly and WMMR I was treated to an age of radio never to be repeated.Played at night with a quotation,poetic line or story by a cerebral DJ then sequeing into pure musical magic. R.I.P.

[@kevinkline7242]

Renaissance was usually played on WIOQ in Philadelphia. Annie Haslem has been living in Bucks County Pa for a while now.

[@dominysynclair]

I was a kid in the 70s so I was outside when they were playing this on the radio, but it's good to hear that they did.

[@kevinkline7242]

@@dominysynclair Speaking of playing outside in the 1970s I saw Renaissance and Asia playing outside in the 1970s near the Philadelphia Pier and it was a great concert.

[@dominysynclair]

@@kevinkline7242 Nice segue, but wasn't Asia early 80s?

[@matthewcrowley9204]

One of their most beautiful songs. Annie's voice is the voice of an angel.

[@roberthiggins986]

One of my favorite groups from the 70's and I STILL would put her up against any singer..past or present..

[@ctombazian]

Ditto!!! One of the best vocal ranges of any singer across generations

[@buttonkim]

This takes me back to my youth. This was my favorite group by far in the late 70s early 80s. So glad I rediscovered them. Their LIVE at Carnegie Hall is a stunning testament to the amazing music that came out during this time!

[@briane5706]

I was at the Golders Green Hippodrome for this recording. The stalls area was set up for the cameras and sound. The mostly male audience in the Circle seating let out a throaty cheer when Annie came on to the stage. She was very popular with the guys! A wonderful band and this is the classic line-up, not forgetting the awesome Betty Thatcher, lyricist extraordinare.

[@susanjeffay3851]

That's where I saw them too.

[@BobAcoustic]

@@briane5706 Yes Ms Thatcher's lyrics... RIP

[@mypalchester]

35 years ago I had such a crush on Annie. Still kind of do. What a beautiful voice she has.

[@briane5706]

1976 I first saw them at Brunel University. I fell in love with their beautiful music and wonderful lyrics by Betty Thatcher. And of course like every adult male fell in love with Annie. 46 years later I’m 67 and I’m still in love with her.

[@brunovallesmunoz4757]

GREATEST FEMALE VOICE IN PROG ROCK. PERIOD!.

[@richb0199]

Yes 👍

[@ksjoyjespeace]

Yes, and add Sonya Christina with Curved Air !! Would love to hear a duet album by them !!

[@mikelyons6452]

yep, Annie is THE Prog Rock Godess!!

[@hotajax]

I heard this live one evening. It was spellbinding. I couldn't speak to my mates for several minutes because I was so entranced with how Annie delivered that night.

[@valkhof54]

I always thought that I was a little strange loving Renaissance' s music. That started around the age of twenty what would be '74/'75. Now almost 4o years later I still love it but I have never met a living soul who new were I was talking about!

[@lkpage]

I've loved them for decades.

[@mandolinic]

There are plenty of people who love their music. You're not alone.

[@miguele.antonetti9999]

You were not alone...

[@johnkaicher2073]

I was about 20 in 1974 when I heard Renaissance perform for the first time in Tampa, FL. I was memorized by the voice of Annie Haslam. 48 years later I still find her the finest female vocalist of my generation.

[@jennifertrussler7548]

I was 3 in 1974, HOWEVER, my mom was a fan so naturally I heard this (amongst many other GREAT artists/songs of that time) over, and over (and over!) I am certain I am the only person of mr

[@michaelpicardi5906]

Thank you for existing during my lifetime, Renaissance. My life has been better for it.

[@harveydents]

Never understood how this band is not BIGGER than they are. Just fucking BRILLIANT. Annie is one of the greatest musicians of all time, and my favourite female singer hands down. John Tout master piano player, Michael Dunford amazing guitarist and compser and Camps bass playing is just killer. Again why is this band not as say Pink Floyd (whoi also love) People in the states need to wake up to this band.

[@jeff6899]

Brian - Agreed ! Maybe they were too unconventional . This band was, simply brilliant.

[@Mockduck2020]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard of them.

[@asquare9316]

I've gotten some people to listen to Renaissance and they all say that they have great musicianship but they didn't like the style of their music. One person (a Rush fanatic) said they were good but that he doesn't like "hippie" music. I think most younger people don't like music that doesn't have electric guitars or is not rap.

[@garylester8621]

They just couldn't put them in a box, so no big stardom for them. sad.

[@peterf1]

Not sure why I'm replying to a 5 year old comment... maybe a little defensive, LOL. But yes there was a following of Renaissance in the Northeast of the US. A NYC evening radio disk jockey known as "The Nightbird" Alison Steele championed the band as she liked progressive rock and Renaissance fit into her late night show's 'aesthetic. I got to see them only once in '76 and regret I didn't make a greater effort to see them more, as they certainly didn't disappoint. Their musicianship and vocals were certainly no studio trickery. But all in all, I too am more than disappointed they seemed to have disappeared into obscurity with only a few of us left who 'got' their magic.

[@marvintherobot30gigs]

Just the voice of an angel. Range, control, plain out of this world.

[@marckrisnanto8481]

Lifetime favorite. Still move me after decades.

[@andrewdevay1479]

Wow. Just wow! The level of talent here is beyond mind blowing. It makes me wonder if they are even human.

[@stanster69]

+Andrew Devay : In my opinion, It's hard to believe that human beings can be so talented. This band is one of the most underrated, and Annie Haslam, one of the most underrated singers. She has the voice of an angel.

[@brinmoody]

I think Annie is an angel. Even now she still has the angelic voice and at 69, she's still stunningly beautiful.

[@robertdrummer5150]

She definitely is not underrated by any of her peers!

[@sladoledmango75]

Vsi ljudje in živa bitja smo angeli.😀

[@madmanmoon4038]

Definitely one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite groups. Wish I was alive back in their hayday, I’d love to have seen Renaissance live. Annie’s solo stuff is fantastic as well.

[@user-eh5mo3vq2m]

I saw Renaissance live twice in college in the late 1970s and have never forgotten. One of my favorite bands. I have all their albums up to the late 90s including compilations. I really miss music like this.

[@timbogillyfish7974]

Boy, ya forget what a great harmony singer Jon Camp was. Amazing.

[@michaelburke5907]

This group, Pentangle, Clannad, Beautiful Day, Mike Oldfield, Loreena McKinnit, as well as others. What magic. Saw them in Seattle in 78 or 79.

[@saswart]

Over so many years I have seen 100's of bands and although Renaissance are a favourite I never got to see them. Something I shall always regret. A bad with such talented musicians and a lead singer sho shines above all. Truly the best!

[@TaichiMantis]

My one regret in life too

[@JeffreyLemsl-vi9qf]

I saw a triple header at Madison square garden with renaissance Fairport convention and steeleye span . amazing 😍

[@luccaderby]

if there was ever a fan of this band, it's me. i am a composer/musician/performer and renaissance is a major influence on my style. this song, ocean gypsy, is legendary and the entire album, Scheherezade and Other Stories, is amongst the top 10 in all music history, according to my opinion. for years i've said that Scheherezade should be made into a broadway musical, adding more music to it and awesome dance choreography. hope a band member reads this one day!....

[@mickeycho1036]

20대에 가장 즐겨 듣던 노래 중 하나. 싱어의 목소리가 신비로움!!!

[@peterpowder8546]

Memories of me as a teenager listening to the radio on a Saturday night in my brothers room while he was out. Candle. Incense and Alison Steele The Night Bird DJ playing this and other bands and songs that enhanced my 70’s pot buzz

[@davidcohen821]

Saw an interview recently in which Annie Haslam tipped her cap to the Night Bird and acknowledged that Rockalise on her first solo album (Annie in Wonderland) was dedicated to Alison.

[@Raelspark]

R.I.P. Mike Dunford. MY 12-string guitar hero.

[@richardvanry9000]

Truly an extraordinary composer. He and Betty Thatcher made a wonderful pair!

[@adrenalinepsalm6386]

I actually have the 12 string he recorded this with. I bought it on Reniassance's kickstarter.

[@gibstrat2671]

Brilliant! So glad I got to see them in 1977 in Toronto.

[@happytimeswithdave8670]

Love the sound and Anna's voice.

[@user-ho8wp3wf1i]

FANTÁSTICO HERMOSO SIN PALABRAS : ESTA CANCIÓN MARCO MI VIDA HACE MAS DE 30 AÑOS HERMOSO FANTÁSTICO

[@juliedickerson3230]

They were in Rochester NY right before that. We saw them 2x in the 70's. LOVE

[@robertstockdale9256]

Renassance and the original Genesis were so prolific and ahead of their times Havnt heard anything since them that even comes close

[@donmoore7785]

Annie was scheduled to perform at Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA in about 1995. I lived all of 1/8 mile from the venue. It poured rain just as the band was warming up, and the police shut down the venue. I barely saw her figure heading off stage, after voicing her apologies. So close and yet so far... where are you, Ocean Gypsy?

[@robertlangfelder4879]

Heard Mother Russia on WLIR on LONG Island . and I have been a fan of Ever since.Saw them live on Long Island around 1983..

[@miguelservetus9534]

Thank you for posting this. One of my first exposures to non-pop music. One never forgets one’s first love.

[@lyndamcrae]

Saw these guys in 75... Toronto. Unbelievable concert ❤️

[@jeannewynne9725]

For some reason, critics like to compare female vocalists to each other. No one dares compare anyone to Annie Haslam.

[@brinmoody]

here's a fun fact. this song was written about Annie Haslam herself. She's the Ocean Gypsy in this song!

[@MadanRajaRock]

It's interesting because, yes, Annie says the song is about herself. But in an old interview that Betty and Annie both did with Ed Sciacky, Betty said she thought of the sun and the moon as lovers who would never be able to meet whilst writing the song. I wonder if she used that as a metaphor for something that actually pertained to Annie.

[@brinmoody]

Perhaps... Do you by any chance have a recording of that interview with Betty and Annie? There's another song Annie sang, too, that I wonder how much is actually about her. Annie herself Wrote it and its from her solo career, not Renaissance, "Pool Of Tears". I've been speculating about it for ages now... And I wonder... If Annie did write it about herself...

[@dodgecrockett3474]

@@MadanRajaRock , if Ocean Gypsy is about Annie, then it must be semi-autobiographical. Doesn't the Ocean Gypsy die?

[@dodgecrockett3474]

I would love to hear Annie sing just one verse of Ocean Gypsy a capella.

[@Martincars56]

This is a track that l cannot forget, you have a beautiful voice and band Annie.

[@ScottyWig]

Just one of the greatest songs in the history of the known Universe!!! Wonderfull~ness~ness~*~*~

[@Volodymyr_GlaVy]

Насилу знайшов цю групу по майже пятидесяти років цього альбому, бо і назва групи, і назва альбому і пісень вивітрилися з памяти. Тільки оте gypsy сиділо, змушуючи марно перебирати назви всього схожого. І раптом, як спалах - слово Renaissance у лекції Тімоті Снайдера дало вірний шлях. І от я тут, і знов мурашки по шкірі від голосу дівчини, неперевершеного поєднання якихось наче клавесинних пасажів, якихось мадригалів з мовою сучасної музики - і майстерна композиція, плюс блискуче виконання. Шана музикам, дяка співачці. І, звісно, чьому каналу.

[@philiptreinen3739]

Oh my gosh, she was so great....and the band was great. They never quite got the credit they desrved. I was fortunate to see them on tour with Yes...What a great show!!!!

[@steveburnett6333]

I just turned my future Wife on to Renaissance. Her comment made me laugh hysterically for several minutes. "Is that voice even human?" Now you understand Love, why angels bow their heads when Annie sings!

[@BobAcoustic]

About 15 years ago I was at a new friend's place, and he asked me who I like in music. I listed the obvious prog bands, Yes and such. Then I said. "Oh and I also love Annie Haslam of Renaissance." He motioned me to follow him down the hall. On the wall was a framed photo of Annie that he had taken himself at a concert. He once owned a boat which he named "Ocean Gypsy." We eventually went to see Renaissance together at the Levoy Theater in Millville, NJ about 2007-8. Her first song was off-key. She finished it, then said "That sounded awful didnt it?" The audience kind of murmured in agreement. She couldn't hear herself in her own monitor. She spent a few minutes having each instrumentalist play alone and setting their levels. She apologized again, then sounded great rest of the night, although not quite as sweet on the high notes as in her youth.

[@jeffsuter344]

Beautiful.

[@markriva4259]

What a song and phenomenal performance, sounding almost exactly like the album.

[@Threetails]

+Mark Riva The whole concert was up on KZbin last I checked (just as the title says, BBC Sight and Sound 1977). The whole thing was impeccable. This one and "Carpet of the Sun" really stayed with me as two outstanding takes from this performance.

[@markriva4259]

@@Threetails Wild, just now returning here 5 years later, gripped once again by the Magic that is Renaissance.

[@pj3679]

I used to have the vinyl LP of this song on Sheherazade and other stories. I always liked it.

[@deanhendrix4640]

This is one of the best songs I've heard in my life!

[@user-ho8wp3wf1i]

HERMOSO INCREÍBLE FANTÁSTICO SUSURRANTE HACE MAS DE 30 AÑOS LA ESCUCHE POR PRIMERA VEZ Y AUN SIGO ENAMORADO DE ESTA CANCIÓN

[@allendraucker8476]

Annie is the best what a voice I've seen her live and she is awesome

[@maxrafii3422]

Nobody comes close to these guts. ANNIE is as complete as a piano. I grew up and learned so much from Renaissance. Never to be repeated. ❤️

[@technocrash09]

Blackmore's Night has covered this and does a decent job. I fell in love with this song back when it was originally recorded and have seen Annie and Renaissance several times since. I am a fan of Blackmore's Night (Candace Night on vocals) but nobody knocks this song down like Annie. And nobody ever will, imho.

[@verliable]

Blackmores Night version is better than original

[@rodglen8435]

@@verliable Is it bollocks!

[@ksjoyjespeace]

Saw that...

[@pakzian]

When I was young, this song was legend. Thx for good memory.

[@Altanon]

Play this back to back with the studio version...Please. You WILL be impressed!

[@Janoostrom]

Annie touched my soul

[@belalugosi4733]

beautiful song !!!

[@borgduck]

Annie is so majestic!

[@MikeRes52]

first time I heard this great song was Live in 1976 Carnagie Hall NYC, which is on vinyl and CD.

[@frozenlover6832]

Annie Haslam and Karen Carpenter are the best female voices in rock EVER.......

[@MrElapid]

Agreed!

[@hotajax]

Maybe the perfect song to play for someone who never heard of Renaissance.

[@yasoda2010]

Eso mismo estoy haciendo ahora! Se la envié a un chico de 20 años. Le dije que Anni me recuerda a Aurora.

[@williamreynolds3487]

I’m so glad I got into this band. Thank you Mikael Akerfeldt!

[@richpeej675]

This is so beautiful..one of my favourites....

[@francescoleyva566]

great, great, great ... if one more word needed ... great !!!

[@manuelcamejo7627]

Un saludo desde Venezuela (America del Sur ) quiero agradecerle por compartir este video. Este grupo me gusto desde que lo conoci por allá por los 70 principalmente por la sublime voz de su vocalista. este video para mi es un tesoro

[@ltyrell405]

I don't know how she remembers all the words to these long songs, that's impressive on its own!

[@marisaelenenadiejamusiccom3974]

Gorgeous and poetic..

[@SmeagolTheBeagle]

This is insane, I can't believe this video exists

[@cjkim7906]

Annie has got a voice of angel

[@jeannebug1]

I saw them live in the 80's. Magnificent

[@edmanid]

Magic...magic...magic... this song has MAGIC

[@e.dejong]

Fantastic. Known the studio version for more than 25 years. Until now I've seen only crappy videos of Renaissance on KZbin. The music that they have put out over the years is out of this world: Trip to the fair, Carpet of the sun, Ocean Gypsy, Opening out, Black flame. It goes on and on and on. Annie Haslam is without a doubt the best female vocalist in the history of pop music.

[@TheAnty1958]

I saw them in the 1970's at Corn Exchange in Cambridge when I was in my late teens. Annie has a voice of an angel, so underrated for years. but if I need a voice to relax to her it be hers.

[@2old2Rock]

@luccaderby Michael Dunford did try to bring Scheherezade to the London Stage about a decade ago. However, he re-wrote it for the stage and it bore little resemblance to the original. But I did get to see Renaissance perform the entire album last year and it was HEAVENLY!

[@cesarleyes5767]

John Tout Amazing! Annie always brilliant.

[@Kornatoski]

Fantastic! -- Symphonic "art-rock" at its finest hour!!! ... I always thought (and still think) Renaissance was better than ELP but less widely promoted / known ;(

[@davejackson2190]

Memories of our very own "Ocean Gipsy" with this. Radio Caroline and the Mi Anigo, standing alone on the Norh Sea. First heard this coming from the ship back in 1977.

[@waterdragon4950]

Comfort in crazy times. Thank you.

[@Tycho1967]

Oh my, this is fantastic, absolutely fantastic. Loving the band for more than 20 years now, I've never seen such a beauty. Thank you so much!

[@jimicmore1895]

Now 28 yrs, welcome to time travel

[@Seahawkwes]

Annie will always be my favorite VOICE. Got a cxhance to see her in PA at Sellersville Theatre. John Tout made a surprise appearance. Slap that together with Jan Close seemingly coordinating the thing.... made it the Best Concert I've ever seen! I just love Annie / Rennaisance, Jan Chicago, Moody Blues.. etc.. but was an Excellent onced-in-a-lifetime venture for me.

[@user-yf4wo2zx4b]

masterpiece! 💖

[@markbrown8003]

So awesome really!

[@markhowardhill]

This, as well as all the others from this BBC session, is an unbelievably produced Vid... what a find!!! Thanks for posting!!!!

[@dincerceri]

I was there

[@sladoledmango75]

Super glasba tudi za današnje dni!!!

[@LaurinaHawks]

How deep I was in love with Annie Haslam ...

[@nataljaivanova876]

Моя любимая песня!!

[@user-USey]

А как вам эта песня в исполнении Blackmore's Night? Я думаю получше

[@BobAcoustic]

One band who was every bit as good live as in the studio, if not better!

[@VinylWarrior24]

My 3 favorite singers of all-time are 1. Annie Haslam 2. Agnetha Faltskog of Abba 3. Karen Carpenter. Anybody else?

[@lylegleason6844]

How about Jane Relf, ( the original singer in the original 'Renaissance' and later in 'Illusion'?) She's worth a listen too! And ,of course, the incomparable Linda Ronstadt!

[@rodglen8435]

Simone Simons. Floor Jansen. Tarja. Sharon den Adel.

[@christopheraliaga-kelly6254]

Alison Moyet, anyone?

[@w10021]

talent

[@wonzer0]

클래식과 민요와 락을 잘 믹스한 정말 1970년대의 르네상스인 그들! 뛰어난 연주력과 그 시대의 시도가 지금도 신선하게 들리고 이미 많은 사람들에게 영감을 준 이 밴드에게 깊은 존경을 드립니다.

[@marcocunego3326]

Great period❤

[@hugolozano970]

Increíble super increíble es un poema a la vida

[@CurtHowland]

I am so very sorry I missed this at the time.

[@gerry1293]

i saw them there as well, brilliant. we were so spoiled what with curved air, alex harvey, groundhogs etc. brilliant bands every week that didnt cost a fortune to see or had to be booked months in advance.

[@christown2827]

Adele sold out in London in nine minutes so what. She could sing for 900 years and get nowhere near Annie and Sandy Denny.

[@jimdonahue5187]

I love their "Carpet of the Sun"!

[@dosoonyim4612]

추억이 방울 방울....♡

[@tonybanks9684]

thank you so mutch annie haslem !

[@jjjramo]

I agree that. Would be a fantastic musical!

[@janjean1186]

John Tout..way underrated

[@Northampton1960]

Renaissance remain my 2nd all-time favourite band (behind Queen), and it was this appearance on BBC2 in 1976 that started it all off. Such a shame their immense talents went largely unnoticed until Northern Lights charted two years later. While I could play their albums for ever, Scheherezade and Other Stories rules them all. The Song of Scheherezade canon is in itself a magnificent musical suite, but it's the lovely, evocative Ocean Gypsy which really fires my imagination. Wonderful stuff.

[@user-pr3mj6pq3i]

집시가 아니고 난 어째서 왜 바이킹이 생각나는가? 참 좋은 노래♥

[@hugolozano970]

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