RENAISSANCE CAN YOU UNDERSTAND REACTION - First time hearing

[@johnjesberger5676]

This is the pinnacle of "Classical Prog". They occupy the summit that so many say the Moody Blues reign over, but they don't. It's these guys.

[@kentclark6420]

Check out Justin Hayward's song, 'The Angels Cry', with Annie singing along.

[@JerryPfeiffer-t7f]

Moody blues were great sulky recordings. Years later Haslam did a album with I believe Justin Hayward from Moody blues very nice. Can't forget Jane relf before Anny

[@richardmoloney689]

Check out Magenta and Iona

[@franklove9897]

I've only just discovered this video but always great to see someone new appreciating Renaissance. I first saw them live in 1975 when they were the support to Caravan but I came away from the gig more impressed with Renaissance. Sadly two members of the band in that video have now passed away, John Tout (keyboards) and Michael Dunford (acoustic guitars). Annie is still performing live with Renaissance, albeit with a totally different lineup, but the majority of the gigs are in the US where she has lived for many years.

[@angelicamarch3407]

Yes! Renaissance Are Incredible!!! The Singers name is Annie Haslam, Amazing 5 Octave voice!!!

[@JerryPfeiffer-t7f]

Check out illusion out of the mist Jane relf

[@DavidGainesVeganComposer]

Bravo, sir! Well done! Renaissance has been my favorite band since the late 1970s when I was in high school. They never really went beyond a cult following, except for their big UK hit "Northern Lights," but they deserved a wider audience and I'm thrilled to see these KZbin reaction videos are earning them a whole new crop of listeners.

[@JerryPfeiffer-t7f]

Very sad the great stuff gets overlooked 😢

[@randypowell3374]

Saw them live in the 70s. Unbelieveable. Annie Haslem is a goddess. At the Harbor is my favorite song.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

You just earned my respect. Now please dive into the Live At Carnegie Hall album with Mother Russia, Scheherazade and Ashes Are Burning to start your journey into this amazing and most underrated groups of all time

[@Lightmane]

Here's hoping he does

[@greybeard2280]

I assure you that he will. I requested this not only for Harri, but people in the community who doesn't know them and ones who haven't heard them in a while. I have a whole setlist for him to react to.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

@@greybeard2280 Awesome!!!! I will try to pick up some as well if you forget to put it on the list. Thank you!!!!

[@brealistic3542]

You have that right. I am am amazed someone knew about them.

[@rmcellig]

I fell in love with this band in 1971. Thank you a million times for doing this revue. LOVED your comments!!!!!!!

[@barfoonisland2003]

Renaissance is truly underrated. There's nothing out there that compares to them. Annie's voice is smooth as silk.

[@JerryPfeiffer-t7f]

Right on turn of the card. Mother Russia truly amazing

[@alanalanis2257]

To me, Renaissance is up there with Rush, Pink Floyd, Genesis, The Who, and Led Zeppelin.

[@36karpatoruski]

Angelic voice, perfect pitch, 5 octave range, and can hold a note for an incredible length of time. Annie Haslam is greatness. You have to hear Ashes are Burning, I much prefer the studio version. Likewise, A Trip To The Fair, and Sheherazade are stupendous!!

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

I've always heard that she has 5 octaves, yet recent lists of singers with highest octaves rates her at 3. Did she exhibit her 5 octaves in recordings? I know many of the greatest performances of the day were not captured properly; I'm wondering if this is such a case.

[@angelicamarch3407]

@@EdwardGregoryNYC Yes in Some Recordings she exhibits 5 Octave vocal range. The Track Things I Dont Understand Is one of them.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

Midas Man and Ocean Gypsy are my personal favorites.

[@Zyborggian]

All 10/10 songs

[@36karpatoruski]

I was at that show! Newton theater.

[@robertjohnson5796]

How did I miss that you'd done this song? What a song.

[@kentclark6420]

Check out Justin Hayward's song, 'The Angels Cry', with Annie singing along. I'm still overwhelmed by the fact so few know about Renaissance. I got to see them at the Paramount Theater, (ornate, vintage opera house in Seattle back in the 70s), and it blew me away! Been hooked ever since! I love it when I see others turned on to Renaissance! Other suggestions- Prologue, I think of You, Things I don't understand, Rajah Khan, Ashes are Burning, At the Harbour.

[@SalManila1]

I SAW THEM at Carnegie Hall with a full orchestra. WHAT A SHOW!

[@Imadrummin]

I must shamelessly admit, I haven't heard this group before. Very talented, musicianship and vocals are perfecto. I really enjoyed this. Excellent pick Greybreard Music Man. Wow!!

[@richardmoloney689]

2 albums: Turn of the Cards, Scheherazade and Other Stories.

[@mjneighbor7179]

Having fallen in love with all of RENAISSANCE songs, and with Annie-now and back then, when you said let us see what this LADY adds I knew something wonderful was coming. I am happy to say you found out that she ADDS a her most beautiful voice. Annie is now the leader of RENAISSANCE, to see what she has/is doing now, there are inspiring interviews with her on the Tube. I wish Reactors would mention the lyrics, although their songs have deep lyrics with indirect multiple meanings. You can really understand!

[@mustangmikep51]

saw them 7 times...twice with Al Stewart(Year of the Cat) saw her last year at Keswick Theatre..shes gotten older!

[@JerryPfeiffer-t7f]

I'm jealous. Check out illusion out of the mist a extrapolated Renaissance with Jane relf may actually be better?? Hard to believe

[@georgepitts1057]

Fun Fact : When they were looking around for a vocalist , the girl-friend of one of the members said " My sister likes to sing while she does housework . " ....and from a tiny acorn , a mighty oak did grow !!!!

[@robertjohnson5796]

Annie owned an art gallery in New Hope, PA.

[@78yestor93]

This band underappreciated, unknown except on the East US coast, unique, pioneers of Symphonic Rock. Renaissance influenced other bands that followed.

[@kentclark6420]

I discovered them in Hawaii, 70s. Mother Russia was on the radio. Not just east coast.

[@wallstreettrader1]

Chicago area, too, in the 70s and early 80s. There has always been a fanbase there. That is my hometown. I was introduced to them by friends around 1979 or '80. A friend loaned me "Live at Carnegie Hall" and "A Song for All Seasons." He said, "Listen to these and let me know what you think." I bought every lp. Then, when CDs arrived on the scene, I bought all of those, and still have them all. A seamless blend of Classical, Jazz, and Russian Folk, They have always been in a class of their own.

[@clarkfox2508]

Probably one of the greatest piano riffs ever.

[@edvinlaine]

We used to listen to Renaissance when playing pinball at mid seventies. Sometimes couple of hours without a break.

[@lisarainbow9703]

So glad to see you discover Renaissance!!! Other gems by them: Mother Russia Ashes are Burning

[@malekmo64]

Renaissance and Curved Air toured Brazil last year 😊

[@rmac8008]

Great choice Annie Haslam is the singer Ashes are burning - live is amazing

[@ninewolves213]

. So happy to see this band being appreciated. I was so into them back in the 70's. As a classically trained musician, this band's music parted the clouds for me. Classical rock. What a band, what a voice. Her voice, as clear as a bell.

[@spyretto]

They're the Beethoven of prog rock as far as I'm concerned, no other band like them.

[@lorijones9579]

I still listen to the Turn of the Cards album that I was almost obsessed with in college.

[@BrianJohnson-bq9tr]

Annie Haslam's voice was created by the angels. There is no one else like her.

[@Dee-ih2yf]

This song is from a great album "Turn of the Cards". I was introduced to Renaissance in 1975 by our high school radio dj's. Saw them 4 times in concert. Also introduced to great Italian progressive rock bands, PFM and The New Trolls ...band members who are classically trained.

[@goytabr]

"Can You Understand" is the opening track of the *"Ashes Are Burning"* album.

[@traildoggy]

If you like this I'd like to also suggest listening to Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny, The Pentangle with Jacqui McShee and Steeleye Span with Maddy Prior. All classics of British Folk Rock with spectacular woman vocalists.

[@greybeard2280]

You could also add Curved Air in that wonderful list!

[@malekmo64]

​@@greybeard2280 Renaissance and Curved Air toured Brazil together last year

[@greybeard2280]

@@malekmo64 Was Sonja present on the tour? Man would have loved to see them live again.

[@malekmo64]

@@greybeard2280 yes

[@wallstreettrader1]

Sandy Denny, Annie Haslam and Jacqui McShee (in no particular order) are the trinity for me.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

I love how following that brilliant intro, the band opens up plenty of space for Annie Haslam's voice to fill the room.

[@longswim97]

Renaissance, my favorite band of all time! Give The Sisters a spin from their 1977 album Novella. Their mastery is on full display in this deeply soulful song about a drought in Spain. Right from the angelic harmony of the Church voices in the beginning, to the amazing instrumentation and Spanish guitar in the middle, through to the keyboard heartbeat at the very end, this piece places Renaissance above all other bands in my book. So touching, moving....

[@CranesandCrows]

My favorite of all time as well! I discovered them in 1976 in Nashville, TN, and was one of two people I ever knew who had heard of them. I loved them from first listen, and at 16 years old, fell in love with them. Their music prior to Northern Lights is the best of the best in classical prog rock and I love it still. Ftr, always have had eclectic musical taste and still do. I only wish the kids today had such real talent and creativity to listen to because it was a magical, glorious time musically to grow up in. The talent is real, the musicianship real, all channeled from the divine Source itself, which was imparted to us human children to help us find beauty, joy and our way through the quagmire of Life.

[@wallacecallow2255]

They have an extraordinary array of songs and albums! Shades of medieval classical rock, British style. Try 'Can You Hear Me', 'Things I Don't Understand', 'Procession', 'Carpet of the Sun', 'I Think of You', and 'Black Flame'.

[@direnova6284]

I always roll my eyes at the "underrated" comments. I get sick of hearing Pink Floyd , Yes and Genesis are underrated but in this case they truly were, they just didn't get the attention other bands of their class did.

[@SalManila1]

Listen to carpet of the sun Renaissance

[@jjsmith39]

If you want a song of theirs with a sitar, Rajah Khan is your song. It's from the Prologue album. You will never forget Annie's vocals after you've heard it.

[@michaelfoster5577]

Formed originally by ex members of the Yardbirds, later members included performers from the Nashville Teens, the Animals, Curved Air, Supertramp, King Crimson and Wishbone Ash. Oddly for a largely British group, they were more successful in the USA.

[@VinylWarrior24]

I know Wetton was in King Crimson and Andy Powell from Wishbone Ash did a solo on Ashes are Burning and i think Dunford was in the Nashville Teens but what members were in Supertramp,Curved Air or the Animals?

[@dalebutler7367]

Renaissance uses the Tambora (used in Indian Raga music) in the song "Raja Khan" from the "Prologue" album. Annie's vocals in that song are otherworldly.

[@malekmo64]

Original Live Performance from Carnegie Hall or studio overdubbed to that TV footage. That's why you don't see an Orchestra

[@marckusel5602]

Annie oh Annie how I have missed you. Thanks Harri

[@maggieshevelew7579]

Wonderful to see this reaction! As mentioned already, please dive into their album, Live at Carnegie Hall. While studio versions are usually best to start with, Renaissance just shines on this album. Listen to Mother Russia (my favorite), Carpet Of The Sun, Running Hard, … the entire album is simply brilliant.

[@Tsongkapa1]

They have one called "Rajah Khan" that has that sitar. The album is called Prologue.

[@EddioPinaR]

No one like Annie Haslam. One of the greatest female singers of all times.

[@hifibrony]

r'Amen to that. Annie is a singularity.

[@tobytanzer]

Glad you are finally discovering my favourite band. One great track not yet mentioned is Things I Don't Understand from the Turn of the Card album. It shows off Annie's otherwordly range at around the 5 minute mark. The lyrics by Betty Thatcher in that song somehow touch me very deeply. All of their catalogue is seriously excellent in their first 6 albums. Thank you Greybeard and Hari!

[@greybeard2280]

My favorite track from that album is "Black Flame"

[@malekmo64]

The guitar part on the studio Ashes Are Burning by Andy Powell was done in one take, this band had very few over dubs. Annie believed in leaving the mistakes in the mix.

[@saturdayplayer2492]

Album Song for all Seasons by them is superb.

[@VinylWarrior24]

Minus She is Love.

[@debbiechang5781]

Her voice reminds me of the lead singer from the Seekers. This is great. Very intricate music 🌺✌️

[@VinylWarrior24]

Judith Durham

[@greybeard2280]

A little backstory of the band. The 2 founding members Keith Relf and Jim McCarty were in the band The Yardbirds with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Yardbirds we're an incredible 60's rock group. They wanted a more classical music base band fused with progressive rock. I have more diamonds coming your way Harri! This band has an extensive library of great music like this. Great reaction my friend! I knew you'd love the groove! Thanks and regards Harri.

[@greybeard2280]

@Gerald H I was going through my LP collection and came across thier '71 album I bought back then. I was like yes Harri would love the group, and share it with the rest of the little community we have.✌️❤️😊

[@NathanVeenstra]

Thanks for this info man. Having worked at a record store (from 92 until around 2003) I have to admit I had never heard of Renaissance. They probably didn’t have a real fanbase in the Netherlands. I mean not like in at least a few thousand people buying their music as I have never heard anyone ask for an album by Renaissance and I’ve never seen one in the shopping have worked in.

[@greybeard2280]

@@NathanVeenstra you're welcome Nathan! It's really cool you've been introduced to a band you're not familiar with. I've got another coming in my next month requests from Renaissance that's gonna knock your socks off! They were widely more popular in U.S. than they were in Europe.

[@78yestor93]

@@greybeard2280 One of the true Unique Pioneering Bands of the 70s, they virtually invented Symphonic Rock. I saw them live 1976 and was blown away with the whole band from that concert up to today Annie my Favourite Female vocalist, totally Number 1. Yes you are correct the band was and remains the Best band that the UK/ Europe never knew!?😯💫👋

[@greybeard2280]

@@78yestor93 I was fortunate myself to see them live twice! First in '74 and then again in '78 and have never seen anything else like them. They opened my world to groups like Curved Air and Fairport Convention. I love this style of music! I didn't think about them opening the door to groups like Nightwish, but it makes perfect sense.

[@bobcorbin3294]

I was fortunate enough to see this band here in Nashville in 1975. Was always impressed by Anne Haslam's voice.( and yes we lusted after her in the 70's, she was an angel) The band reminded me of like mellow version of Yes

[@pauldover1403]

You're not the only one, but Sonja Kristina was higher on the list. BTW, it's Prog Harri, rather than psychedelia.

[@mustangmikep51]

she never wore any underwear...I was in the 1st row...I know!

[@tomratcliff3755]

Thanks! Been meaning to do that for a while now. This band Changed many of my conceptions about what music can be. Fan since '77, not so much of the later stuff, I think the record companies got too involved.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Tom,Thank you thank you! ✌🏾🖤

[@donnawoods8039]

This band and especially this song are so underrated. I love them.

[@patricknicolucci5073]

Harry awesome Renaissance song Annie voice of an angel. enjoy Jon Camp on Bass great musician.

[@joelliebler5690]

One of my favorite bands with quite a few epic songs like this one.Please Try reacting to Ashes Are Burning, Carpet of The Sun, Running Hard,Mother Russia,Trip to the Faire,And At The Harbour!Annie Haslam with her 5 octave vocal range just brilliant!

[@Илья-ю6щ4л]

Beautiful music ! 😍

[@joelliebler5690]

John Tout is a master pianist!

[@VinylWarrior24]

Yes he was! Unfortunately he passed on a few years back.

[@joelliebler5690]

@@VinylWarrior24 I meant to state was!

[@brealistic3542]

Someone gifted you a gem with this band. I am very surprised they knew about it.

[@richardduddy1176]

I.would suggest listening to live at Carnegie Hall with a full orchestra

[@John_Chu]

Just a bit of gossip, Harri. Back in the '70s, Annie Haslam, the wonderful singer of the group, was in a relationship with Roy Wood, the leader of The Move (Jeff Lynne's first group). Renaissance was very popular on the East Coast of the US throughout the '70s. They would regularly sell out concerts in NY, Boston & Philadelphia.

[@pauldover1403]

"Trip to the Fair" was about one of their dates in London, wasn't it?

[@John_Chu]

Yes. After dinner at Trader Vic’s with another couple, they went to Hampstead Heath where they were told a fair was bring held over Easter weekend (1975). The park was closed and of course no one was there. They had a good first date otherwise.

[@Tsongkapa1]

I've tested that psychedelia part, and it works just fine.

[@spyretto]

The intro and outro music sounded instantly familiar the first time I listened to this song but can't put my finger from where.

[@jamestaylor2920]

A sitar might be appropriate. There was enough time between Marco Polo's Eastern travels and Sir Richard F. Burton's travels up the Nile. I suspect a cittar and lute would be closer to the instruments heard by RFB as he was translating the tales of 1000 nights and a night. I first heard Renaissance during that short period of stations playing entire albums in the '70s. Oh my word can that lady sing. Harri, if this song impressed you (and it should have) keep listening and you will blown away by the lady with a 5 octave range.

[@pauldover1403]

Great choice Greybeard, they were and are one of my favourite bands although the musician I liked best was John Tout who was absolutely wonderful playing the piano and with his arrangements. I'm ashamed to say that I only saw them play live once at Trent Poly in Nottingham in 1976, the concert has now been released on CD and it's worth listening to. This was a little after they had released "Live at Carnegie Hall" which was incredible. Annie Haslam dominated the stage that night as she does on most of the recordings but there wasn't a bad member of the group and that includes Betty Thatcher, the lyricist. My own favourites are "Ocean Gypsy" and "Mother Russia" but they had so many wonderful songs. It would be interesting to see Harri's reaction to Annie on "Prologue." Thanks again for this. BTW, is this one of the videos which has had the sound redubbed? It had the orchestra playing on the track but obviously, they weren't there and John wasn't one to overuse the Mellotron or Moog.

[@VinylWarrior24]

I never cared for Prologue much but Ocean Gypsy and Mother Russia are classics.

[@rogerhennie8939]

You should check out Focus.

[@davidbarker77]

A rabbit hole for you! Suggest Black Flame, Mother Russia, Day of the Dreamer as possible next steps. Great reaction. Seems the video is from a recording session and the audio from a live concert with orchestra. They've matched the video to the sound with a few mismatches. Still great. Annie Haslam is one of my favourite female vocalists - scratch that, one of my favourite vocalists.

[@lisarainbow9703]

If you'd like to hear sitar being played in this type of music, check out the 70's British folk/psychedelic/prog band, Magic Carpet. You'll likely enjoy them as well.

[@rickc661]

Yea, pretty darn good. What's that Grateful Dead saying - 'they're not only the best at what they do, they're the only ones that do what they do' ? applies to Renaissance / Annnie Haslam to a tee. remember Her from the Nightbird on WFAN FM NYC back in the day. ps. try the song ' White Bird' from band it's a Beautiful Day ' Utube the Tanglewood version from 1970. I think they were the band Bill Graham hired most often for Fillmore West.

[@kentclark6420]

I remember listening to 'Hot Summer Day' while working on my dad's trimaran in dry dock, (Hawaii) in the 70s. Free-spirited times! Great band. Both bands, actually.

[@hifibrony]

Annie is the straw that stirs the drink, mate.

[@joelliebler5690]

Harri the only thing that you need to do with these type of brilliantly long songs is that you should do fewer breaks and let these songs breathe so they can flow!

[@jamesstewart8846]

Annie here is "no-as-foul as a box of frogs!"

[@sanpaku6869]

try Renaissance live at carnege hall "prologue" ' '

[@mandarinlearner]

Listen to their album Scherezade- it is amazing

[@VinylWarrior24]

Can you do a review of Alan Walker and Ava Max.....Alone Pt 2..and the Color Music Children's Choir cover of this song.........it is in the same vein of Renaissance. I never heard of either until last week and these songs blew me away. Thank you sir!

[@johnweissman7716]

Please listen to Rajah Kahn from Renaissance, you will not be disappointed. It is a song sung without words in a far east style you probably never heard before

[@rk41gator]

Prog in the Canterbury style, no?

[@kilgoretrout3966]

They sound like they are trying out for Zappa.

[@garywheeler60]

Annie can still belt it out and she's like 80 something

[@jamesfitzgerald6636]

A reaction to the song Mate, not your suggestions for sitar, OK, thanks

[@malekmo64]

#rollsroyceofrockrenaissance