Renaissance

The Profile

Renaissance are an English progressive/symphonic rock band noted in these reviews for classical-leaning compositions, piano-forward arrangements, and the defining soprano voice of Annie Haslam. Their best-regarded period centers on the early-to-mid 1970s albums Prologue, Ashes Are Burning, Turn of the Cards, and Scheherazade and Other Stories, with later work moving toward more pop-adjacent sounds.

Per the reviews: the band is described as originating from ex-Yardbirds members Keith Relf and Jim McCarty; Annie Haslam joined after early lineup changes and is repeatedly credited with a remarkable range (described as five octaves) and a central role in the band’s signature sound. Key instrumental figures cited include Michael Dunford (guitar/composition/arrangement), John Tout (piano/keyboards), Jon Camp (bass), and Terence Sullivan (drums). Multiple reviews emphasize Renaissance’s blend of symphonic rock with classical/baroque references and a reduced role for electric guitar in parts of their 1970s work.

Across these reviews, Renaissance are framed as a symphonic/progressive rock band defined by classical-leaning arrangements and Annie Haslam’s standout voice. The 1972–1975 run (Prologue, Ashes Are Burning, Turn of the Cards, Scheherazade and Other Stories) is treated as a peak, with piano and orchestral color central. Later works draw mixed reactions: Azur d’Or is praised as a pop-tinged but still “typical” Renaissance record, while Tuscany is judged mediocre. Multiple reviews underline lineup upheavals and the band’s origins connected to ex-Yardbirds members.