Renaissance

Renaissance are an English progressive rock band, best known for their 1978 UK top 10 hit "Northern Lights" and progressive rock classics like "Carpet of the Sun", "Mother Russia", and "Ashes Are Burning". They developed a unique sound, combining a female lead vocal with a fusion of classical, folk, rock, and jazz influences. Characteristic elements of the Renaissance sound are Annie Haslam's wide vocal range, prominent piano accompaniment, orchestral arrangements and vocal harmonies.
The band was founded by vocalist Keith Relf and drummer Jim McCarty, formerly of the Yardbirds; along with John Hawken, Louis Cennamo and Relf's sister Jane. They intended to put "something together with more of a classical influence". Renaissance released their self-titled debut album in 1969, but fell apart during the sessions for their follow-up, Illusion (1971). New musicians were brought in to complete the record, and Renaissance was kept active through a period of fluctuating personnel until none of the original lineup remained, although McCarty continued providing compositions for the band to record for several more years. By 1972, a stable lineup consisting of Annie Haslam, Michael Dunford, John Tout, Jon Camp, and Terry Sullivan solidified. Aside from McCarty, they were assisted with lyrics on many songs from Cornish poet Betty Thatcher-Newsinger. From 1972 to 1979 Renaissance released seven studio albums, toured extensively, and sold out three nights in a row at Carnegie Hall with Tony Cox conducting the New York Philharmonic. The band's success was largely concentrated in the United States, where they built a cult following.
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==Links to Peel==
Peel first played Renaissance in 1969, especially their session which they recorded for his show. He continued playing further material from the group on his radio programmes until the rise of punk in the late 70's. After the 70's, Peel rarely revisited the band's material.
==Sessions==
1. Recorded: 1969-10-07. First Broadcast: 18 October 1969. Repeated: 10 January 1970
*Island / Ballet / Innocents
==Live==
Recorded unknown. First Broadcast: 05 April 1970
#Kings And Queens
#Face Of Yesterday
#Island
#Innocence
==Other Shows Played==
;thumb|220x220px1970
*03 January 1970: Wanderer (LP -Renaissance) Island 
*Renaissance 1970: Face Of Yesterday 
;1976
*19 August 1976: Wanderer (LP – Renaissance) Island
==External Links==
*Wikipedia
*Discogs
Category:Artists