Renaissance – Illusion – Vinyl LP

• 180g Vinyl – Half speed mastered at Abbey Road Studios
• REMASTERED 180g VINYL IN STEREO WITH MATT FINISH GATEFOLD SLEEVE

The extremely rare second album by the original version of Renaissance was made before founder members Jim McCarty and Keith Relf abruptly quit the band in 1971. It was originally released on ISLAND in 1971.

Their aim was to abandon the classical and folk style they had once embraced and return to hard rock mode. However, this six-track LP retains the melodic mood of their early work with Renaissance. It boasts many attractive songs with lyrics by the Cornish poet Betty Thatcher, notably on such pieces as ‘Love Is All’ and ‘Past Orbits Of Dust’.

The association with Thatcher continued onwards, and it was not long before Renaissance was reborn with new singer Annie Haslam – but meanwhile, here is a fascinating glimpse into the origins of a creative musical dynasty.

About the group:

Renaissance came together in the Seventies with an appealing blend of classical and rock themes mixed overtones of folk. The band has undergone a welcome revival in recent years and is still performing with original members singer Annie Haslam and composer/guitarist Michael Dunford. Today they are reaching out to young audiences who appreciate their fine music and long history.

The original Renaissance began life way back in 1969 formed by former Yardbirds, Keith Relf and Jim McCarty. They released an album called ‘Renaissance’ on the Island label in 1969. But Jim and Keith didn’t enjoy touring after so many years on the road and decided to quit.

Keith and Jim were replaced by Michael Dunford and Annie Haslam. When original pianist John Hawken also quit he was replaced by John Tout. Jim McCarty carried on writing songs for the new band and also collaborated with poet Betty Thatcher, who provided imaginative lyrics. Betty also worked with Michael Dunford as the group progressed. She sadly passed away in 2011.

The revised Renaissance released debut album ‘Prologue’ with John Tout (keyboards), Annie Haslam (vocals), Rob Hendry (lead guitar) John Camp (bass) and Terry Sullivan (drums). Annie was from Bolton, Lancashire and began singing in clubs, pubs and cabaret in 1971.

With manager Miles Copeland at the helm, Renaissance toured Europe and the States, and went down a storm at the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall, performing ‘live’ with orchestras. They went to America in 1973 to promote the ‘Prologue’ album and its follow up ‘Ashes Are Burning’. Other albums include ‘Turn Of The Cards’ (1974), ‘Scheherazade And Other Stories’, (1976), ‘Novella’ (1977), ‘A Song For All Seasons’ (1978), ‘Azur D’Or’ (1979), ‘Camera Camera’ (1981) and ‘Time Line’ (1983).

Renaissance enjoyed a hit single with ‘Northern Lights’, that got to Number 10 in the UK charts in July 1978.The group reformed in 1998, and in 2011 the band were back on the road with a U.S. tour fronted by Annie. Repertoire has also re-issued ‘A Song For All Seasons’ together with the ‘live’ ‘Dreams & Omens’ album.

Side A
1 Love Goes On
2 Golden Thread
3 Love Is All
4 Mr. Pine

Side B
1 Face Of Yesterday
2 Past Orbits Of Dust