Renaissance- Can You Understand (REACTION//DISCUSSION)

[@br.martindallyosb1147]

Renaissance were always so tasteful in their arrangements, so easy on the ears without being trite or bombastic, but just right. Romantic without being sappy. Always just the right amount of rock and just the right amount of classical. Their music is as delightful as Vivaldi and the Beatles at their sunniest. So glad younger ones are discovering them!

[@Habichiwoowoo]

Yes. Genesis. Renaissance. All the prog rock I need really. I do like bits and pieces of other progsters, but none as thoroughly as these three. And even though they all went a bit awry in the Eighties, I could never truly hate any of their output. When I need a Yes or Genesis fix, there are specific tracks that satisfy my needs: Supper's Ready, Firth of Fifth, Cinema Show, Mad Man Moon; And You and I, Tales From Topographic Oceans (all of it), Roundabout, South Side of the Sky. But with Renaissance, laying aside the two albums of the first iteration (which the band seemed to have done when Annie referred to Scheherazade as their fourth album on the Live at Carnagie Hall recording), the first six albums (Prologue, Ashes are Burning, Turn of the Cards, Scheherazade and Other Stories, Novella, and A Song for All Seasons) are all gold. Rather than picking and choosing, I can put all six of them on the spinner and enjoy four point three hours of musical bliss. You're so right, Justin, Renaissance is a criminally under-rated band. And probably always will be. Which is okay in a way; it puts us in an elite group, allowing us to pity the poor souls who simply won't partake of the beauty we enjoy. Thank you for this great beginning to my day (the 4.3 hours of bliss is already underway!). Carry on! (City Boy is another under-rated band 🤩)

[@tobytanzer]

Interesting trivia: Part of this song was composed by Maurice Jarre for the score of Dr. Zhivago. Watch the movie. Mick Dunford thought it was public domain - a Russian folk tune. Starting at 0:48. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6GckI2XeJuIhbM Most of the music including the fantastic intro was composed by the Jons - Tout and Camp. Betty Thatcher sent in the lyrics by mail after hearing Mick singing the melody - la la las I suppose. Still a marvelous Renaissance song but, like other songs of theirs lacking proper attribution.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Annie is an angel and Renaissance is a choir of them....

[@palantir135]

Never heard of them. The first few seconds on piano sound like Genesis. The rest of the intro is pure progrock which I like very much. The singing part is completely different but very nice. The instrumental part that follows could be a movies soundtrack. All in all, I like it and I’m going to find out more about them.

[@maruad7577]

A kinder gentler classical folk prog rock with a lovely and talented lead singer plus it was a lovely Friday surprise. What's not to like? Good music and a great review. Thanks.

[@samwiseterminator]

Annie's voice is so beautiful! And the rest of the band, nearly as much.

[@markspooner1224]

Wonderful! Michael Dunford and Betty Thatcher wrote so many beautiful songs and who knows them? It's criminal. I've spent more money on Renaissance than any other band and I don't begrudge a single penny. I really enjoyed your reaction JP, it was very fitting.

[@joelliebler5690]

John Tout is incredible with his piano playing. Annie is always great and the drumming drives it all! Please react to another one from The Ashes Are Burning album called At The Harbour.

[@PH61a]

That band was so underrated, to an extend I can hardly believe...

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

Ah yes, Justin, you do understand! Every listen, even after decades, is still a re-birth. Sunshine on a stormy dark day, thank you, and Peace.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

I think that now I do understand. Renaissance is such a pleasure. Annie sings sweet and true. Great reaction and I agree how the music lets you just let go of the music and move into the feeling. Amazing

[@JustJP]

Sings sweet and true, great way of putting it!

[@bobduerwald9805]

During the 70's I saw Renaissance in concert 3 times, always in the Northeast: Philadelphia and NYC areas. They were always phenomenal. Annie Haslam has the purest voice. The only other female vocalist with such a pure voice was Karen Carpenter. Please listen to Song Of Scheherazade. You cannot go wrong listening to Renaissance.

[@grahameveale6483]

My thoughts exactly re Karen.

[@davidbarker77]

What a wonderful way to start a Friday. This song is so beautiful. I agree with you comment about finding a special place to nestle into, but I would then turn out the lights and listen to Renaissance. More Renaissance, please! Anything off the compilation CDs will be worthwhile. Have a great weekend.

[@davidjoslyn1021]

Met Annie and the band backstage (Weslyan hockey team locker room. Very kind and gracious people. They were opening for "Chick Corea and Return to Forever" My old high school buddy was RTF's sound man and got us backstage passes! Stanley Clarke was bumming cigarettes off me lol! I have long since quit. Weird combination but one of the best shows I have evet seen!

[@davidjoslyn1021]

Annie was lovely of course!

[@malph9216]

Annie's range is awesome. Just how I would have loved to hear her and Karen Carpenter do a duet back in the day .....we can but dream!

[@gog583]

Love Renaissance! "Song for all Seasons" is a also must listen (along with "Opening Out" from the same album).

[@Lightmane]

This is great. I think you need to start reacting to Renaissance as often as you do Genesis and YES and RUSH. They're just phenomenal.

[@DrakusRecords]

Love this song. I used to use the opening as a ringtone and a lot of people ask me where it's from. It's just pure beauty, like a lot of Renaissance music. It always puts me in a great mood. Annie's the angel of prog. Her voice is so beautiful and it soars over the music. John Tout's piano playing is perfection and adds even more beauty. The orchestra sounds so uplifting and I love the way it just creeps in halfway through the song and leads us to the grand finale. Terry's drums add an energy and urgency to the song. I just love his delicate fills. Jon Camp's bass adds a little extra urgency, edge and really drives the song forward. His playing reminds me a lot of Squire's. You can tell he plays with a pick. But most importantly is Michael Dunford who wrote the music to this song (along with Betty Thatcher who wrote the lyrics). His acoustic guitar playing isn't flashy, but it's solid and provides a strong basis for the music. Such a great band.

[@schuylersouthwell2554]

One of my favorite Renaissance tracks - as others have commented, the Carnegie Hall version is great - in fact, having had the good fortune of seeing them live three times, they were always better live - I think they fed off of the audience. Recently. Doug Helvering ( Daily Doug ) reacted to the live "Song of Scheherazade" AND was able to have a nearly hour-long interview with Annie.

[@stephanevilleneuve9450]

One of the great song of their catalogue is Things I Don’t Understand. Annie’s voice shine on it. 😍 By your comments, l’m sure you love this unique band like many of us.

[@mattjsherman]

I bought Turn of the Cards just b/c of the cover art. I was lucky that day. Entire album is great.

[@JimReem]

I first heard Renaissance and the Live at Carnegie Hall in the mid 70's, when I was working at Disc Records, learned a lot about music working there and introduction to Classical Rock, or Prog Rock, Genesis was probably the group that they influenced me most with, but Renaissance is up there also.

[@Pjaypt]

for more than forty yeas, it still sends shivers down my spine!

[@kevinrombouts3027]

They're a brilliant group especially in the 70's. Consistently excellent. Unique.

[@nuimaleko7]

Renaissance is my second favorite Prog band after Yes and just ahead of The Moody Blues. Ashes are Burning, Shahrazad, Ocean Gypsy and Carpet of the Sun are my favorite tracks, but I really love them all.

[@joemaurone7923]

@@waynecox3958 I do, now! And when it goes to the "country" section, as JP called it, it made me think of a similar section from "Take A Pebble" by ELP.

[@Marquisla]

So glad you’re listening to Renaissance again, a super underrated band with lots of great tracks. You’re in for a treat with this album

[@Vimana]

This was just what I needed right now. I'm recovering from a minor surgery. I was already feeling fine but now I'm actually very happy. Thank you so much Justin and Renaissance! I just quickly wanted to write to you and say that I really appreciate this. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.

[@JustJP]

Hope you're doing well Vi! Rest well and listen easy :D

[@78yestor93]

Such a wonderful reaction thank you, Justin you always nail it and I could not agree more you get something from Renaissance not available from any other band they almost singularly created true Symphonic Rock right out of the gate first with Keith Relf and then with Annie, John on piano, Micky, Jon and Terry taking it to another incredible level i.e. Classical infused Rock (Symphonic), true pioneers indeed. Next Request - Things I Don’t Understand 1974 remastered version and listen to the band go on their unique journey really showcasing Annie, the pinnacle Female voice, accompanied by Johns Classical piano.

[@emdiar6588]

Justin, have you ever heard the Annie Haslam/Steve Howe cover of Yes's Turn of the Century? Soooo good!! I'd love to see you react to it. In fact, a theme idea: Covers by and/or of Prog acts. You kinda started with Yes vs Simon and Garfunkel's America.

[@JustJP]

I have :D And its WONDERFUL!

[@kfleetwood9318]

Steve told me he thoroughly enjoyed working with Annie, and had hoped to do more projects with her.

[@michaela.mallory3026]

I'm so glad you love this song and Renaissance, Justin.When I was young Renaissance was the first band that ever made me want to buy their albums. Decades later they're still my favorite group. Annie's voice is so captivating. Enjoy your reactions to them and Jethro Tull (my second favorite group).

[@kevinrombouts3027]

They are well known for their AMAZING introductions, setting the drama up.

[@rk41gator]

Great vibe. That 'shuffle' they get going is so different from much of what I have thought was their renaissance sound, I love it. Annie comes in with that melody in a minor key, jazzy. Very nice.

[@aspekti2]

I just discovered this band and this album only few months ago and i was blown away right away. I honestly cannot understand(pun intended ) how i have not heard about this masterpiece during my 41 years on this planet. I've listened the whole album about 15 times now and it still just keeps getting better and better every time. In my opinion it is one of the greatest album ever, period. From my perspective the album is a one big song and it deserves to be listened how they where meant to listen during those days, the whole album at once.. I was so happy to discover that you've found and reacted to them as well. I absolutely love you reactions, but at your own time, give the whole album a proper listen, it will add so much to the "separate songs".. There is not even one mediocre second in this album. Much love brother and thank you for your brilliant reactions

[@thishappybreed6505]

If I had heard this at the time, it would be one of my favourite tracks of all time! Even so, I've still got a couple of years left to grow to love it... many thanks to you and all crazy, early 70s aficiandos!

[@wendellwiggins3776]

HER VOICE NOTE after the amazing dramatic intro sends my heart soring! This SONG and this ASHES ARE BURNING album still takes me back into a world of nostalgic joy and longing to specific places of my late teen life in the 70s. WHAT EMOTIONS & FEELINGS it conjures within me! WHAT DAZE those were!!! Her vocals & LYRICS here are some of the MOST MOVING from Renaissance! I'm in TEARS hearing this as usual bathed in the dawn of sunlight!!!!!! I UNDERSTAND! Great reaction! I SAW RENAISSANCE open for Gentle Giant. The small Theatre venue was even not half full & we were close to the stage. I was so spellbound, captivate and DEEPLY in CRUSHLAND with Angelic Annie!

[@robertlapadura5553]

I'm glad someone else appreciates this band! You WILL do a listen of Scheherazade at some point...RIGHT!

[@ImVegibud]

Justin, terrific reaction/discussion/demeanor! I've seen Renaissance live 11 times, beginning in the mid-70's. Annie's voice is at its pinnacle in the song, Day of the Dreamer. You'll know it immediately when you hear it!

[@gaiaeternal5131]

Hi JP. Dave from London, Lazing On A Sunny Afternoon. I have a comfortable place by a sunny window to catch the last of the summer rays and listen to one of my all time favourite bands. Great early track from them; beautiful piano intro (maybe a bit too much repetition of that motif) but as usual it's Annie's voice that shines through. So crystal clear, and just as good live (together with that infectious laugh of hers) - I've seen them three times over the years.

[@deborahfortney5292]

Shamefully, I have never gave them a chance. Wonderful music. I loved this. Thank You!

[@JustJP]

Glad you liked it Deb!

[@kfleetwood9318]

Renaissance has been in my top 10 since the ‘70s, and this is one of their many master tracks. I hope you get to hear “A Song For All Seasons”.

[@bobholtzmann]

Nice listening experience - I always confuse the title with the very first song I ever saw Renaissance play live - "Can You Hear Me" - which admittedly is a more dynamic song. I really like Jon Camp's bass in this, too (he played a white Ricky, just like Chris Squire!). I also like the orchestral instrumental, which I later learned was based on the score from the sleighing scene from the movie Dr. Zhivago.

[@jeannewynne9725]

Her voice is still my favorite sound in the universe.

[@78yestor93]

Annie is the Female voice period

[@grahameveale6483]

Well yes, but Karen Carpenter is up there. Different genre.

[@monsieurlehigh4912]

Yay, Renaissance!! Nice Friday surprise...

[@JustJP]

🎁

[@popsmcgee9775]

Such a great opening track for an album.

[@joemaurone7923]

This song, namely the middle instrumental section at 6:30, which originally is a theme from the film DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, is what introduced me to the film scores of Maurice Jarre (father of Jean Michel Jarre).

[@BBHouseRodent]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqenYo1pjruUo6M Wow. I never knew that.

[@Habichiwoowoo]

I've always felt like it would have made more sense for them to reference Doctor Zhivago in Mother Russia...

[@joemaurone7923]

@@Habichiwoowoo I get that, but I think the Russian influence runs throughout their catalog, anyway..."Kiev", for example...and lyrically, yes, it would make sense, but musically, the ZHIVAGO theme they used wouldn't have fit in "Mother Russia", whereas "Can You Understand" seems almost to be built around it.

[@joemaurone7923]

@@BBHouseRodent That's the one. And try the the overture at the beginning, which is a little more extended version of the theme, and the part I think that Renaissance quotes specifically (at 1: 34): kzbin.info/www/bejne/l32aZ5yilrCgbck

[@Habichiwoowoo]

@@joemaurone7923 You're right, it does fit in rather seemlessly here. Just like Hall of the Mountain King in Wakeman's Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

[@raroverX]

I love you comments, Justin. Renaissance is pure warmth, comfort, joy. You gotta give one more opportunity to Happy the Man and another to my country with Triana.

[@williamdrake6226]

Wow what a coincidence JP! I have been listening to this song every day for the past couple of weeks! Love it! I rediscovered it on KZbin watching a video of Renaissance performing this live in the studio in 1974. I love the piano runs in the beginning, just beautiful music. Check out the video, it is good.

[@SalManila1]

I saw them in CARNEGIE HALL. They had a full orchestra. Wow What a Show!!

[@ydoesgooglesuck1960]

How long have I begged you to hear this my dude. Right? Part of this song shows up in Dr Zhivago. So effortlessly cinematic.

[@PaulMDove2]

I love this, and for some reason I couldn't stop myself grinning as I watched how much you seemed to be loving it too. Great reaction.

[@JustJP]

😁

[@brucefelger4015]

Just amazing music.

[@RGRG3232]

All great stuff, right...hoping you get to the novella album soon...all songs are top tier on it. Hopefully, for one of the long song Saturdays you'll get to the 24 minute "Song of Scheherazade". Definitely has some exciting moments in it.

[@leashacarey9106]

Good morning JP! This group is new to me (feeling young for that for some reason). Great bass!

[@JustJP]

Morning! Wonderful, glad you liked it!

[@robertlapadura5553]

By the way, Dunford got in a bit of trouble for the "sleigh bell" break, as it is an almost direct pull from the soundtrack of the movie Dr. Zhivago. He claimed that he thought it was a traditional Russian folk song rather than original music.

[@jayburdification]

This definitely has a Firth of Fifth feel to it. Good call. You know what else the intro reminds us of? Tubular Bells. That bit that you said sounded like a harpsichord. I definitely get an Oldfield vibe from some of this piece.

[@JustJP]

I can hear it!

[@wendellwiggins3776]

FYI other ladies of PROG like EARTH & FIRE with similar singer JERNEY KAAGMAN ! Speaking of underappreciated and virtually unknown to many but very much a predecessor & in the vein of Renaissance...the song "Song of the Marching Children" will not disappoint!

[@RGRG3232]

I agree and I was persistent with this request. He has listened to Storm & Thunder from them and his reaction is priceless. Check his back catalog from about 4 months ago.

[@joelliebler5690]

Justin you really give a sincere And in depth analysis of all your songs. Thank you!👍🏻☮️

[@thurianwanderer]

Just wonderful music!

[@jkkansasband7056]

Everything you said was spot on. What a fantastic lead bass from Mr. Camp. As always. First saw them in 75 and several times throughout the years. Annie (always performed barefoot) lives about 30 minutes from me in PA for many years. Have you seen yet the hour long BBC TV program Sight & Sound from 1977? It's on YT. Fantastic show. One of the few band I actually still seek out for pure listening enjoyment. Peace.

[@RayRay-ot5xd]

They always, always reach into my heart and pull out so many emotions. Annie’s vocal gymnastics bring tears every time. Jon’s compositions are genius. I’m never disappointed in your reviews of their music. Please continue the rest of this album, it’s magnificent.

[@JustJP]

Ty Ray :)

[@justintime42000]

The song composer was Michael Dunford, but Jon’s contributions as well as the whole band’s, are insanely good!

[@sicko_the_ew]

Live today. As in be alive today. As in be alive right now. Don't wait for the Sun out there to warm you; let the Sun within keep shining. Yes, I can go with that. And getting lost in the music is following those instructions to the letter? (My place, once, used to be the stairwell. Put the music on downstairs. Turn out the lights. Go and sit in the dark on the landing, and ... hopefully get lost there.) Renaissance is one of those bands I don't think I'd have ever discovered without the Internet. Strange how fortune treats some people, hey? From what I recall, they remained almost unknown in the UK (maybe just because there was so much prog rock there? I suppose that's a factor), but somehow managed to find themselves a fully devoted following in the USA, so that's where they focused their energy. I suppose it's a measure of how great they are that they did quite well for themselves without the kind of backing other bands at their level had. The people who knew, knew; and for them this was the best band on Earth, so their records sold and their concerts were full. Of people not just there to have a night out; of people there to witness the greatest band of them all.

[@somami21]

,So Nice !!!!!!!!!

[@delllittle5692]

I swear is still one of my biggest misses from this era. thanks again.

[@freddiebarber4972]

Justin thank you thank you for doing Renaissance. I literally grew up with this album. The early seventies had such magnificent music being created ...didn't it. Seen them perform this song many times. Justin you what? You do Understand!!!

[@JustJP]

Ty Freddie! Would love to see them perform! Hope that you have a wonderful weekend!😁

[@Ignats75]

I see the lyrics as a description of someone at the moment of death as they go to heaven. The first two lines seem to talk about age and end of something. Curled leaves and such. "When darkness comes you still shine," is like the bright light described at death. "Open up your life" These lines and the others are like end of life themes. Dancing without moving.

[@paulhart3812]

Justin, it’s easy to get lost in their music. So it’s no surprise that you did listening to this great song.

[@markmaxwell1013]

Thanks for getting back to Renaissance. Great composition and Annie's voice is always heart melting! Another great yet underrated word of mouth band that did not get radio airplay in the U S in the 70s. Ty Justin!

[@LiamBritt42]

You nailed it bro! Old fan here from their original release days. Thank you!

[@1nelsondj]

Amazing how you managed to pick the exact opposite (the antidote?) to what I've been listening to this week, Ozric Tentacles. In case I haven't said it enough thank you for all you do, your great efforts to translate what you hear and feel into words, using metaphors that strike home more often than not. Your comparison to 'Firth of Fifth' hadn't occurred to me but it was exactly right. I didn't get the sleigh bells comparison though. I also value your honesty in listening, I don't respect other reactors that love every song they hear no matter what it is and tomorrow they won't remember the artist's name. You'll always be tops in my book.

[@JustJP]

Thank you for that Yog; I always appreciate and enjoy reading your comments :) (Funny you mention Ozric...they're in my "soon" list)

[@damonramirez]

JP!!! I see Renaissance "Live At Carnegie Hall" your next millstone!!! One of the best live albums ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@samsonau8205]

Volume 2 has a great version of Ashes Are Burning. A friend in Boston, MA introduced Renaissance to me in 1994 and it was those to CDs that he had with him. Needless to say, I bought them right away.

[@twelvemonkeys8786]

Wow!! This lifted my spirits for the weekend.. Thanks JP 👍

[@JustJP]

Have a great weekend!!

[@vdggmouse9512]

Just an excellent song - and the opening to the album. 1973. Music was so special then. Prog embodied many different styles and this was one of them. JP - you are aware - oh you must know - when the 60's band the Yardbirds broke up - there were two bands that emerged from Yardbird ashes - Renaissance and Led Zeppelin. Renaissance never really made it here in the US - but I think they'll blossom with the help of the internet age - and the embers that are Renaissance now will burn brighter in the near future. Great song - could be 5 minutes longer!

[@markmaxwell1013]

I am only a very few years younger than you and this is the first time I realized this.Those few years means I didn't have a chance to get into The Yardbirds or many other 60s bands. I knew that Clapton, Page and Beck came from a legendary 60s band. I didn't meet my fellow prog obsessed friends until the mid-70s. and as you know all these "other" bands like VdGG, G.Giant, HTM, PFM, Banco ect. were all word-of-mouth since they did not get radio airplay in LA and San Diego where I grew up. Another cool music tidbit from you. Still trying to decide on which Gordon Giltrap song to recommend. I am leaning towards Heartsong and preferably the whole Perilous Journey album but that is just the instinct of a GG newbie. Can't listen to his music without smiling!

[@vdggmouse9512]

@@markmaxwell1013 I was lucky - my cousin's dad owned The Warehouse record store - then started Music + record store - and most of all - my neighborhood record store was an import record store called Moby Disc. The staff were super cool and led me directly to the lesser known great music that they were into - which naturally got little or no airplay and they noticed I took to the prog stuff so they just told me to get this - Giltrap - get this - Banco (I bought GG and Banco the same day before I ever heard them) - Get this - Henry Cow - Get this - Klaus Schulze - so I just knew the right guys who were about 5 years older than me. Yeah - I wanted to tell you - It's very hard to split up the songs on Perilous Journey. Fear Of the Dark is definitely his 'Man-erg.'

[@markmaxwell1013]

@@vdggmouse9512 No wonder you know so much about great music. It took these older guys to get the word out to the more patient of us and then great bands became word-of-mouth and an obsession to anyone with the patience to listen. Now it is KZbin's turn. Yes, most great artists in those days relied on a whole album theme and listen. Some bands only get one chance with reviewers like Grypon or HTM. JP only heard one or two of Gryphon's first songs not Red Queen and they disappeared. Don't remember which HTM song he heard Stumpy maybe? but he said it was "too progressive for his mood" and they disappeared. Giltrap is an easier listen but maybe just for JP and not most of his subscribers like you have said. It only takes one good song to get the word of mouth going.

[@vdggmouse9512]

@@markmaxwell1013 He's doing Anthony Phillips. If he likes AP - maybe JP will like GG. I'll have to hear his reaction later - I have to go to work now.

[@markmaxwell1013]

Of course he likes it. It is magical! Since Gordon Giltrap isn't "Genesis adjacent" with all the requests for Genesis adjacent solo albums just today I don't know if GG would get a chance. JP likes almost anyting Genesis adjacent except their very first album. GG seems to be more energetic than Anthony Phillips. But again that is from a Gordon Giltrap newbie.

[@joanbounacos8958]

Great reaction, spot on! I loved watching your expressions as you listened, and agree that this song and band take you to your happy place! Try "Things I Don't Understand" next! ❤️

[@JustJP]

Thank you so much!!

[@joanbounacos8958]

@@JustJP I messaged Annie on the Renaissance Facebook page, and may have sent her a link to this reaction. 😊

[@NikLuar]

Aulas de progressivo, só isso.

[@daveking9393]

It is even more fantastic NOW! Thanks

[@kentclark6420]

What a great way to wake up to a Friday! I want to suggest a solo album, Annie's second one, called 'Still Life', 1985, which are covers of songs by classical composers. Lyrics penned in by Becky Thatcher. Annie's vocals are highlighted, especially in the title song with an amazing range!

[@ZalMoxis]

Superb album

[@animoadversion]

Excelente Tema !!! Maravillosa música, saludos !

[@malekmo64]

Ironically the title track Ashes Are Burning features Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash!!! Not sure if that was deliberate or unintentional. All 3 bands Renaissance Curved Air and Wishbone Ash were managed by Miles Copeland III older brother of Stewart Copeland later to form The Police and marry the other songstress of Prog Sonja Kristina!!! Both Curved Air Renaissance and Wishbone Ash are still going albeit with one remaining original member in each, Renaissance of course the 70s line-up I refer to!!! Stewart started his career in Curved Air, Eddie Jobson became more noticeable during his stint in Curved Air leading to joining Roxy Music.

[@mariobaert8346]

Thanks for more Renaissance. Not the song I mentioned, but a really good one anyway :-) Beautiful music and singing. I'm curious to know what classical pieces they used in their music (which I know they did) and on which songs. Doesn't matter too much as they created wonderful albums. And still do!

[@joemaurone7923]

On this piece, at 6:30, they quote a theme from the film score of DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, composed by Maurice Jarre.

[@BBHouseRodent]

Found it for those interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqenYo1pjruUo6M

[@Ignats75]

I interviewed Annie 45 years ago for my college radio station and asked her which classical composers they drew from. Her answer was not Tchaikovsky; which surprised me. It was Rimsky-Korsakov and Stravinsky.

[@mariobaert8346]

@@Ignats75 thanks for the info. I was in someone’s car one time who played classical music while driving. And as it turned out, I could sing along with -I believe it was- Ocean Gypsy. After that I also read that they used classical music as a source for several songs. Would have been nice if the sources were credited. I would have looked for the original pieces of music as well 😊

[@Ignats75]

@@mariobaert8346 Alot of that stuff is public domain so there is no need of attribution. And its usually just a couple of bars and then they play off of it.

[@Pcrimson1]

Yes! This song makes me want to go back and revisit Renaissance. I kinda blew them off because they were too orchestrated at times and, imo, kinda boring. But this song is REALLY good. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Now when are you going to give a listen to Clannad? For a starter, listen to "In a Lifetime", Bono from U2 does a guest vocal, one of his best ever. And Marie, I'd put her right up the with Annie and Sandy. Promise, you will be intrigued!

[@bennettwolf3821]

My favorite !

[@jackadesman8386]

Justin, please do a reaction to Song Of Scheherazade!!!!!! It may leave you speechless!!!!!

[@WarrenCromartie2]

I always loved this album, but not listened in some years. Great to hear this again. I love Annie's voice. This song could have been a little shorter IMO, it does tend to drift a little, and my attention goes after a while, but at its peak it's wonderful.

[@maggieshevelew7579]

The Live From Carnegie Hall album seems as fresh and timeless today as it did when it first came out. Each song is better than the original versions, imo.

[@joecveteticccvetetic4068]

Too much talent

[@-davidolivares]

Renaissance going for Baroque.

[@jaybird4093]

🥁🥁 💥 (there needs to be crash cymbal emoji)

[@-davidolivares]

@@jaybird4093 There’s not? Is this an audience or an oil painting? crickets…

[@kb-tq5rr]

ANNIE HASLAM DIVINE!

[@marycook8664]

A time when the music was inspired and the aim was to take the music to its fullest potential, or the goal still of all proggers!?

[@kopptue9622]

I was so happy when I read "Can" because I thought it was "Can". I think Prologue is a more satisfying Renaissance album.

[@gelsol]

I generally find them kinda cheesy, but this track gets me fired up. A similar, but arguably proggier band is Curved Air with the fabulous Sonja Kristina. Stewart Copeland was in a later iteration of the band.

[@amigodalua]

The next Renaissance album must be "Prologue".

[@patricknicolucci5073]

My favorite Renaissance song Annie's voice is wonderful love the dynamics There is a B&W video of the song performed live Annie is swaying to the beat of the intro. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3fFgYuLr7KWl80 Jon Camp's bass line is awesome !

[@jfergs.3302]

It's ok, if a bit long. Started well with the more prog, Yes'y even element. Then that drops away for the more standard renaissance i was expecting, the folksy acoustic part. Not sure why the meld, but there it was.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

You are right. WAY TOO LONG!!! lol Try "Let It Grow" and then play if for your other half. I can't remember but have you done Scheherazade yet. FYI "Let It Grow is also on the Ashes Are Burning album. Thank you as always Justin.

[@kevinhodgson2990]

WAY TOO SHORT

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

@@kevinhodgson2990 "Let It Grow, Can You Understand, or both of the above? Regardless of which one or both I agree

[@andreasberten764]

Hi Justin, if you haven`t yet, try Sheherazade :-) ...

[@emilvantbregen622]

Try Sheherazade the Album and Rock on 🔊🎼🎵🎶🎹

[@tbolt5883]

I am so glad auto-tune was not available years ago. It would have ruined Annie's singing.

[@williamosborne6866]

Well, it seems to be another long time. I know I got here kind of late, but since you mentioned that you still look at comments for a long time, Here's a track that you've missed - "Can You Hear Me": kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpW6cmqiZqt6mbM