English progressive/symphonic rock band formed in 1969, known for piano-led arrangements and the distinctive voice of Annie Haslam; most influential in the 1970s.

Lead singer Annie Haslam is noted for a wide (five‑octave) vocal range. The band's classic lineup and contributors mentioned in the reviews include Michael Dunford (guitar/composer), John Tout (piano), Jon Camp (bass), Terence Sullivan (drums). Lyricist Betty Thatcher contributed lyrics to several albums.

DeBaser's reviews present Renaissance as an English progressive/symphonic rock group centered on strong, piano-led arrangements and the distinctive wide-range voice of Annie Haslam. The site's coverage highlights classic albums from the 1970s (Prologue, Ashes Are Burning, Turn of the Cards, Scheherazade) and later releases with mixed reception. Critics praise vocal and compositional strengths while noting uneven later-period output.

For:Fans of 1970s progressive and symphonic rock; listeners who appreciate prominent piano arrangements and wide‑ranging female vocals.

 Gifted with a unique, warm, and enveloping timbre, as well as a five-octave vocal range (not bad, eh!), she knew how to give the song a gentle, sparkling, and at times melancholic, almost autumnal atmosphere, but never redundant.

  Discover the review

 With Turn Of The Cards (1974, Sire), we probably reach the definitive maturity of the group: the result is a multifaceted album, each of the six songs will give us a different atmosphere, none will be identical to the previous one, even though we may not find a track that stands out above the rest; often this musical aspect is seen as a weakness, but in the case of this LP, we can safely say that the variety of songs is, in reality, its true strength.

  Discover the review

 Five stars, like Cassiopeia or the Southern Cross. Five stars like the Hotel Fürstenhof or Sammontana's ice cream. Five stars as perhaps Sheherazade would have also deserved.

  Discover the review
You and Renaissance
Who knows Renaissance?
Loading...