The second part of this October 14, 1977 show. From 'Running Hard' and 'Mother Russia' to 'Ashes Are Burning' (which turns into a 28-minute improvisation), they generally do credit to themselves and their repertory. The... more » concert is rounded out with 'Prologue' in a live performance from in Asbury Park, N.J., and a previously unissued studio cut, 'You (Pts. 1 & 2).'« less
The second part of this October 14, 1977 show. From 'Running Hard' and 'Mother Russia' to 'Ashes Are Burning' (which turns into a 28-minute improvisation), they generally do credit to themselves and their repertory. The concert is rounded out with 'Prologue' in a live performance from in Asbury Park, N.J., and a previously unissued studio cut, 'You (Pts. 1 & 2).'
CD Reviews
Inspiring Performance
D. Shawn McCann | Massachusetts | 01/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Buy this CD for the track "Touching Once". You won't find a more passionate performance or more perfect synchronization between band and orchestra. It doesn't get any better than this. They are absolutely on fire.Technically the recording is flawed by an annoying electrical buzz, and the piano could have used a good tuning. Despite these flaws however, the performance alone is enough to earn a 5 star rating.The first pressing of this CD had "A Song For All Seasons" in place of "Prologue". And the studio recording "You" is crossfaded with the applause at the end of "A Song For All Seasons", possibly due to the length of the CD (it clocks in at close to 80 minutes)."
TRUE Renaissance fans: Do NOT waste your money on this CD!
Doug Vencill | Independence, MO United States | 11/03/2003
(1 out of 5 stars)
"First let it be known: I am a Renaissance fan from the days of SCHEHERAZADE...Annie Haslam & the boys are legends in the realm of great 70's progressive/art rock. When a friend of mine first loaned me this CD to listen to a few weeks ago, I couldn't WAIT to get home to listen to it. Imagine my disappointment, being an audiophile (and "performancephile," to coin a phrase) at hearing a Renaissance recording that should never have been released. (I can just picture the angry E mails coming to me already...)This COULD have been such a great recording. As another reviewer mentioned, shortly into this concert, something happens with the sound system wiring (on Disc One), and for the remainder of the ENTIRE CONCERT, we are subjected to the annoying buzz of bad grounding. I was appalled enough by this, but to add insult to injury, there is miscrophone feedback at WAY too many intervals throughout the remainder of the show as well. (Listen closely to Ashes Are Burning...you WILL groan.) I sat through both of these CD's shaking my head in utter disbelief...could it have been that the roadies or the King Biscuit crew had indulged in a bit too much ganja at the pre-show sound check? It is beyond me how Renaissance could have approved the releasing, let alone the recording, of these performances. I say again: I love this band dearly, and they DO have a great concert recording in their Live At Carnegie Hall release. THIS concert, along with its bad mike-ing (there are sections when you can't hear certain sections of the orchestra at all) & the way the grand piano sounds muffled, ends up being nothing less than a bad joke. If Annie and the band DID actually approve of this travesty being released to their loving (& unwitting) fans, then they have lost a great deal of my respect & admiration...I am giving them the benefit of the doubt, however, & choosing to believe that they were not aware of its being released. Let's all hope this is the case."
It is not as bad as all that...
C. Staley | Indiana United States | 03/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was first introduced to Renaissance through vols. I and II of this live performance and found it passionate and nothing less than inspiring, despite the technical flaws. It is, after all, a live performance; and it rocks. For the last six years there has rarely been another CD in my machine besides either of these volumes. I am a classical buff and I am familiar with most art rock, symphonic rock, prog-rock, or whatever you wish to term the synthesis of a rock band and symphonic orchestra, and this is the best of the best. The group is mature and at their peak in both Vols. I and II of this set and display cohesion and individual musicianship which has been somewhat subdued in previous live recordings. The Royal Philharmonic is outstanding in their supportive role and Annie Haslam gives a phenomenal performance. Most notable is her duo with a xylophone in 'Running Hard' and mimicking of the horn section in 'Touching Once'. Jon Camp's bass is more effectual than ever, especially a solo in 'Ashes are Burning'.Forget about the reviews criticizing sound quality. Once you start listening, appreciating, and feeling this performance the minor technical gliches won't mean a thing."
The best Renaissance live album (part 2)
R. Josef | New Haven, CT United States | 11/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD continues the Royal Albert Hall concert recorded in 1977 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Renaissance is in fine form here. The CD starts off with two classics from the "Turn of the Cards" album alternating with two songs from "Novella". I'm less fond of "Novella" than other Renaissance fans are, but the performances here certainly are solid. "Running Hard" and "Mother Russia" are big fan favorites, and the group doesn't disappoint.
The stunning track here, though, is a performance of the band's usual encore, "Ashes are Burning". Several live versions have been released, but this one is by far the best. All five band members are given the chance to shine in featured sections. Worth the price for this song alone.
The compilers had extra room on the CD, so two tracks are added. A version of "Prologue" from a 1979 show is listed. However, on early pressings, an edited version of "A Song for All Seasons" (presumably from the same show) was included instead by mistake. Not that that's a problem -- both good songs. Just beware if you're picking up a used copy.
The last song is what was then a new studio track, "You". It was recorded much later, in the 80's, when the group had abandoned prog-rock in favor of a more commercial New Wave pop sound. Despite some interesting bass work from Jon Camp, this track stands out like a sore thumb, coming after some classic Renaissance performances. It's also now available on the outtakes compilation "Songs from Renaissance Days", where it at least sounds more in place.
However, this doesn't distract from the fantastic live concert. Neither do the minor problems with sound. Old fans will love the great performances, and new fans will get a great overview of Classic Renaissance songs. Get both volumes!"
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1