Jane Relf - Janes Renaissance The Complete Jane Relf Collection 19691995 (33 tracks) +Album Reviews

The lost voice

Richard E. Barnes | 11/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Renaissance known for being the new direction the late Keith Relf and James McCarty took after the Yardbirds. This compilation gives the listener a comprehensive look at one of the key elements of the new band-Jane Relf (sister of the later Keith Relf). If any person have their doubts about how powerful this new direction was take a listen.

This is the only comprehensive overview of the Relf-McCarty band that also includes material by Illusion, Stairway the unreleased 3rd album by Illusion and more importantly the only place where you get all the lost gems by Jane Relf. The sound quality is excellent throughout including the recently unearthed demos of Carpet of the Sun. This project was the brainchild of Brian Williams and his love of the music shines through the sound and detailed notes. We also get a couple of melodies that were produced by Brian that will give you a different look at the band. If you are looking for a comprehensive look at Keith Relf, James McCarty band look no further than this release.

"

If you like (___blank___), then you should enjoy Jane Relf

K.Williams | USA | 11/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2-CD Box received a 5-star review from MusicalDiscoveries.com (an electronic publication specializing in female music artists).

This 2-CD set includes every song that Jane Relf (the sister of the late Keith Relf, the lead singer for the Yardbirds) sang as lead vocalist of Renaissance (1969-70), Illusion (1976-1979), and Stairway (1986-1995). This CD set also marks the CD debut of the songs that Jane Relf released as solo singles (Gone Fishing, Without a Song from You, and Make My Time Pass By) - all of which were professionally digitally remastered from pristine source 45 RPM vinyl. Another vocal demo bonus (Carpet of the Sun) is also included. Total music time - 156 minutes.

For those not previously aware of Jane Relf's work, this would be great "first-time" listening for fans of the Yardbirds, Renaissance, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Elton John, Moody Blues, Yes, Alan Parsons Project, Fleetwood Mac/ Christine McVie/Stevie Nicks, The Carpenters, Tori Amos, Loreena McKennitt, Strawbs, Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, and October Project.

"

Take A Walk On The Mild Side

Russell Garrett | N.Y.C. | 11/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When The Yardbirds disbanded Keith Relf and Jim McCarty went on to form the band Renaissance. It was a completely new direction for both of them. Mellow and folky compositions mixed with classical sounds that would soon be appearing in the 'Prog Rock' albums of many other bands. Jane Relf (Keith's sister) was the female vocalist in Renaissance as well as other groups to follow including 'Illusion' This double disc collection of her music has been a labor of love compiled by the founder of The Jane Relf Appreciation Society, Brian Williams. You'll love the songs and Jane's magnificent voice. It's a must have for any fan of Renaissance, Fairport Convention, The Strawbs, etc. A perfect addition to your collection. And a double disc for just $13.98! You cant beat the price.

Russ Garrett

[...]Yardbirds Family Tree-Birds Of A Feather"

One of Top 10 Rock CDs of All Time

Paul Bloede | 11/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...in terms of combined talent and spirituality. Jane Relf's voice is surprising in its range (some liner notes in the past referred to her as a soprano, others an alto, these liner notes I'm sure are accurate in describing her as a mezzo-soprano). It is also surprising in the variety of styles Jane can sing in, and the special richness of her voice, including being able to sing loudly with a voice that carries, yet at the same time never losing her delicacy and sensitivity and really getting into the lyrics and music.

The songs are remarkably spiritual and wholesome, really, for a secular rock band. And the value and need for this CD (recently released at the time of this review)are unquestionable, since several CD purchases (most if not all at inferior sound quality to this release, and it is true even on this release with Jane's singing lyrics are sometimes hard to decipher)would before this have been required to get just the songs with prominent vocals by Jane in her 3 rock bands Renaissance, Illusion, and Stairway. This release also provides the precious 3 single sides that represent Jane's output as a solo artist, and which have never before been available on either CD or LP.

In conclusion, I view Jane Relf and Judy Dyble (of Trader Horne and Fairport Convention)as simultaneously the two most beautiful and talented female British classic rock singers of all time. The other musicians on Jane's Renaissance are effective, including as they were the songwriters and they often have interesting classical music passages in the songs. Special credit should be given bassist Louis Cennamo in terms of his sensitive bass playing both in the rock portions and the very classical music portions of the overall songs."

SOMETHING DIFFERENT..

peace train | richmond va | 07/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS IS NOT YARDBIRDS MUSIC, BUT IF THATS WHY YOU BUY IT YOU MAY BE UNHAPPY. WHAT THIS IS IS A GORGEOUS MIXTURE OF FOLK, CLASSICAL, AND POP THAT IS PERFECT FOR ROMANCE..IF YOU KNOW RENAISSANCE, THIS IS THEIR FIRST STUFF, AND I THINK THE BEST! THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER GROUPS ON HERE,TOO, BUT THE CORE FEELING OF THE MUSIC..SOFT AND YET ENERGIZING, IS UNLIKE ANYTHING I HAVE HEARD. PENTANGLE AND FAIRPORT COME TO MIND, BUT THIS IS UNIQUE..MANY SONGS YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE, EVEN IF YOU ARE A FAN, AND THE SOUND IS VERY GOOD ON BOTH CDS..GOOD BOOKLET TOO..BUY IT! BRITMAN"

Search - Jane Relf :: Jane's Renaissance: The Complete Jane Relf Collection, 1969-1995

CD Details

CD Reviews