Just catching up after a week away Nick, so I'm comment 46! Welcome back Narvik, a Renaissance song is always wonderful. This was the first album I heard from them and I became an instant fan. Why is it that when great keyboardists are discussed John Tout is never mentioned? I love his tasteful playing. To-Mera was new to me but I liked them a lot. Reading up I see they share members with Haken, perhaps that's why this appears to be their last album? Thanks Nick, I hope your Mom enjoyed Ashes Are Burning.
You came back in style with a great marathon, Narvik! I've loved Renaissance for over 50 years, first exposed to them by WNEW-FM New York when I heard "Sounds of the Sea" and couldn't believe my ears. Got heavily into their albums, and had the privilege of seeing them at Carnegie Hall, and Annie's solo show at the Bottom Line. When I ran a Classic Rock station in Atlanta during the late 90's I brought her in for a live show, and had her interviewed live on the air. I had the honor of hosting her with her actually staying over as a guest at my house, and with all the disappointing experiences I've had of "fantasy-meets-reality" meeting so many rock legends only to find they were dissappointing as people in real life, Annie is a genuinely spiritual human, a special soul who is too good to be true.
So sad Alexia wasn't here for this one. This is probably their most famous piece of music. You guys should listen to their live performance at Carnegie Hall. It's 23 minutes long, and at one point, I won't say when, Annie's voice goes into the upper stratosphere. It's unreal.
"Ashes Are Burning" is the title track of Renaissance' 4th album, released in 1973. Their next album, the magnificent "Turn Of the Cards" was released exactly 50 years ago this month, in July 1974. You've already heard the song "Mother Russia" from this album. In honor of its 50th birthday, maybe you could do a marathon of the rest of this album, or at least do Side One ("Running Hard", "I Think of You", and "Thing I Don't Understand", 22 minutes total) plus the awesome "Black Flame" (6-1/2 minutes)
✨️ 1. I was able to see Annie in a 1,000 seat venue in Kent, Ohio, in 2018, I believe. I was in the front row where there was an autistic guy in Annie's face, the entire concert. I don't know for certain about the guy being autistic, but he made poor Annie stop to collect her thoughts. She handled it very well and asked him to sit. 2. When I purchased the "Annie in Wonderland " LP, I played it loud and my mom heard it from the other room. My mom had a wonderful voice as she came from the kitchen and sang a few songs on side 1. I asked her how she knew the songs. They were show tunes, but beautiful show tunes. Anyhow, my mom taught me that great music is not generational. I can still hear my mom singing "If I Loved You", not as well as Annie, but much better than I could.
This is from their 4th album, this song being the title track. The Wanderer is from their 1st album. Their first two albums were from before Annie Haslam and the other four members reformed the band, in 1972.
The album you had was the debut album but had completely different personnel. The singer was Jane Relf. The drummer was Jim McCarty. Jim was the drummer for The Yardbirds and Jane’s brother Keith was their singer. Annie Haslam turns up on their 3rd album Prologue 1972: Jane started her own band and named it after the 2nd Renaissance album,Illusion. They released 2 albums and I bought the first Out Of The Mist and not surprisingly it sounds a lot like Renaissance. Keith started a new band called Armageddon and they were a one and done band because Keith tragically died by electrocution in 1975.
For me, some laws/structure should always be there Nick and the big one is MELODY. I've grown up with some huge bands but only recently picked up on Renaissance and IQ, both deserve more exposure. Annie Haslam I think is up there with Mama Cass and Karen Carpenter for pure magical voices.
The first time I heard "Ashes" was live, as a set after the band played "At The Harbour" from the same album. This song's piano part is based on Debussy, which John Tout played as a concert pianist. I'll always treasure having seen Renaissance live, because their keyboardist (along with Yes and ELP) always had a concert grand piano on stage.
@@bmac1205 Didn't ever see him play the harp. I saw them twice during their Novella '77 tour, and John played an acoustic guitar for songs like "Midas Man".
I ve heard To-Mera's second album long ago. It was very unique but didnt quite like the vocals. Here it sounded more palatable, I will surely listen to that album. No one is mentioning that in To-Mera you actually have Haken's first bassist Tom Maclean playing guitar here, and current Haken guitar player Richard Henshall, playing keyboards!
A friend, one night after closing at the pubnight, put this on the sound system. First time hearing it in that empty space... it was like being in the studio. 4 of each.. bass cabinets, mid Tanoys, bullhorn highs and bullet tweeters. Blown away. Her voice is equal to, my other favourite, Joni Mitchell. Great tracks. Thanks Narvic(?) Made for a beautiful walk. Toby seems to be "slowing down" on the way to the waterfall.... But most of us are ... We will empathisise later....
Anathema is a great band with Lee Douglas as their second lead singer you guys need to react to. Also Curved Air is a fantastic prog band with a Female lead singer.
Found Rennaisance after hearing their beautiful hit single 'Northern Lights' in the late 70's, their best song for me is A Day At The Fair, I do have their first album with Jane Relf on vocals and brother Keith on guitar (ex Yardbirds). I much prefer guitar music so don't delve into them that often but they do what they do better than any other female fronted prog band. Different time signatures and chord progrssions are fine if there's a nice melody over the top of it, that's where a lot of prog bands fail for me, lack of melody.
I get the reluctance to do live versions… but just know their live album at Carnegie Hall…with a full orchestra are the definitive versions. And can you imagine showing up at Yes and Gentle Giant shows back in the day and realizing that Renaissance was the opening act? It was almost too good. Almost
Try Hemina: Romancing The Ether but it's 35 minutes long. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND you give it a listen. Australian prog rock/metal band #nicknlexrequest It will take you on a ride
First of all . . . Thank you Narvik for introducing "To-Mera" to Nick (and Lexi)! Funny you mention Spiral Architect Nick, and how over the top they can be (who are very much a modern day version of "Watchtower", but with 2 guitarists), but its one of my fave albums . . . This album (which is unfortunately their last), was more concise and focused than their previous albums, which have very abrupt/sudden changes, more angular, dissonant chords and Heavier (which really made an impact on me, 1st hearing them on a Prog Rock/Metal internet station back in 2006). Vocalist "Julie Kiss" is from Hungary (and apparently comes from a well regarded Hungarian Gothic Prog Metal band), but the rest of the band is from South Oxfordshire England. The Guitarist "Thomas Maclean" was the original _Bassist_ on the 1st 3 "Haken" albums. I often referred to them as "(Tarja era) Nightwish meets Spiral Architect". That's why they were so appealing to me, because they were so different than anything else out there, and heavy. Heavy, Progressive and Beautiful. You have "2" album CD's (I know one of them is the wilder/heavier album "Delusions", so don't be depressed and saddened 😉) that I hope you'll do a deep dive, unless more fans request them (you also have Circus Maximus, Vanden Plas, Andromeda, Spiral Architect and Aghora too, coincidently!). Annie Haslam and Renaissance are awesome (always thought the bass at times sounds like Chris Squire). It took a long time to get into them, and I don't know why. I started to pay more attention to them about 10 years ago. I have MANY albums to purchase and catch-up on. - Great stuff Narvik! Thank you and glad you enjoyed it Nick, would love to see a Lexi reaction to To-Mera too!
Renaissance is a great live band. The live @ Carnegie Hall is fantastic!! More from this band!!
Just catching up after a week away Nick, so I'm comment 46!
Welcome back Narvik, a Renaissance song is always wonderful. This was the first album I heard from them and I became an instant fan. Why is it that when great keyboardists are discussed John Tout is never mentioned? I love his tasteful playing. To-Mera was new to me but I liked them a lot. Reading up I see they share members with Haken, perhaps that's why this appears to be their last album?
Thanks Nick, I hope your Mom enjoyed Ashes Are Burning.
You came back in style with a great marathon, Narvik! I've loved Renaissance for over 50 years, first exposed to them by WNEW-FM New York when I heard "Sounds of the Sea" and couldn't believe my ears. Got heavily into their albums, and had the privilege of seeing them at Carnegie Hall, and Annie's solo show at the Bottom Line. When I ran a Classic Rock station in Atlanta during the late 90's I brought her in for a live show, and had her interviewed live on the air. I had the honor of hosting her with her actually staying over as a guest at my house, and with all the disappointing experiences I've had of "fantasy-meets-reality" meeting so many rock legends only to find they were dissappointing as people in real life, Annie is a genuinely spiritual human, a special soul who is too good to be true.
So sad Alexia wasn't here for this one. This is probably their most famous piece of music. You guys should listen to their live performance at Carnegie Hall. It's 23 minutes long, and at one point, I won't say when, Annie's voice goes into the upper stratosphere. It's unreal.
Love Annie, this song and this epic band!
In the last years, due to channels like yours and others, I've really come to like the band Rennaisance a lot! Stunningly beautiful music.
Love it
Just wait till you hear /see the live version 🎶❤️
The bass solo is amazing
"Ashes Are Burning" is the title track of Renaissance' 4th album, released in 1973. Their next album, the magnificent "Turn Of the Cards" was released exactly 50 years ago this month, in July 1974. You've already heard the song "Mother Russia" from this album. In honor of its 50th birthday, maybe you could do a marathon of the rest of this album, or at least do Side One ("Running Hard", "I Think of You", and "Thing I Don't Understand", 22 minutes total) plus the awesome "Black Flame" (6-1/2 minutes)
Renaissance was one of my absolute favorite bands ever.
✨️ 1. I was able to see Annie in a 1,000 seat venue in Kent, Ohio, in 2018, I believe. I was in the front row where there was an autistic guy in Annie's face, the entire concert. I don't know for certain about the guy being autistic, but he made poor Annie stop to collect her thoughts. She handled it very well and asked him to sit.
2. When I purchased the "Annie in Wonderland " LP, I played it loud and my mom heard it from the other room. My mom had a wonderful voice as she came from the kitchen and sang a few songs on side 1. I asked her how she knew the songs. They were show tunes, but beautiful show tunes. Anyhow, my mom taught me that great music is not generational. I can still hear my mom singing "If I Loved You", not as well as Annie, but much better than I could.
This is from their 4th album, this song being the title track. The Wanderer is from their 1st album. Their first two albums were from before Annie Haslam and the other four members reformed the band, in 1972.
Not quite correct. There was never a 'reforming' The members changed over time.
This song is beautiful... and this final part is a journey!!!
Wishbone Ash's guitarist Andy Powell on Ashes Are Burning.
The album you had was the debut album but had completely different personnel.
The singer was Jane Relf. The drummer was Jim McCarty. Jim was the drummer for The Yardbirds and Jane’s brother Keith was their singer. Annie Haslam turns up on their 3rd album Prologue 1972:
Jane started her own band and named it after the 2nd Renaissance album,Illusion. They released 2 albums and I bought the first Out Of The Mist and not surprisingly it sounds a lot like Renaissance.
Keith started a new band called Armageddon and they were a one and done band because Keith tragically died by electrocution in 1975.
Great video Nick! I keep learning of great bands watching your videos! Keep it up!
Quite impressed by To-Mera. A good combination with Renaissance.
For me, some laws/structure should always be there Nick and the big one is MELODY. I've grown up with some huge bands but only recently picked up on Renaissance and IQ, both deserve more exposure. Annie Haslam I think is up there with Mama Cass and Karen Carpenter for pure magical voices.
To-Mera was tasty indeed! Thanks for the intro...
Loved both songs! Second one though is beautiful and so epic! What a song! Thank you Narvik! Glad you are back in action! 🤟🏻
Narvik's back! Really good songs! I didn't know any of them, but I would listen to them again!
73 The first band I ever saw. Harrow College. NW London... Just Brilliant 👏
The first time I heard "Ashes" was live, as a set after the band played "At The Harbour" from the same album. This song's piano part is based on Debussy, which John Tout played as a concert pianist. I'll always treasure having seen Renaissance live, because their keyboardist (along with Yes and ELP) always had a concert grand piano on stage.
I saw them at the Tower as the Acoustic Renaissance in 1985 and Tout also played a Harp.
@@bmac1205 Didn't ever see him play the harp. I saw them twice during their Novella '77 tour, and John played an acoustic guitar for songs like "Midas Man".
Annie lives (at least part of the year) in Bucks County Pennsylvania.
Annie Haslam is epic- with Linda R, probably the two greatest rock female vocalists
I ve heard To-Mera's second album long ago. It was very unique but didnt quite like the vocals. Here it sounded more palatable, I will surely listen to that album. No one is mentioning that in To-Mera you actually have Haken's first bassist Tom Maclean playing guitar here, and current Haken guitar player Richard Henshall, playing keyboards!
Live version of “Ashes Are Burning” has an amazing bass solo you’d adore!
A friend, one night after closing at the pubnight, put this on the sound system. First time hearing it in that empty space... it was like being in the studio. 4 of each.. bass cabinets, mid Tanoys, bullhorn highs and bullet tweeters. Blown away.
Her voice is equal to, my other favourite, Joni Mitchell.
Great tracks.
Thanks Narvic(?)
Made for a beautiful walk.
Toby seems to be "slowing down" on the way to the waterfall....
But most of us are ...
We will empathisise later....
it's very good music, it sounds like it takes a lot of time to create, the talent is very good, it's very enjoyable
Annie Haslam is perfection
I was really into To-Mera back in the day! Great band, but they never made it to the states. I would have loved to have seen them.
The second tune by To-mera is very interesting with a jazzy metal and classical blend though at times the vocals get washed out by the instrumentals!
Anathema is a great band with Lee Douglas as their second lead singer you guys need to react to. Also Curved Air is a fantastic prog band with a Female lead singer.
Found Rennaisance after hearing their beautiful hit single 'Northern Lights' in the late 70's, their best song for me is A Day At The Fair, I do have their first album with Jane Relf on vocals and brother Keith on guitar (ex Yardbirds). I much prefer guitar music so don't delve into them that often but they do what they do better than any other female fronted prog band.
Different time signatures and chord progrssions are fine if there's a nice melody over the top of it, that's where a lot of prog bands fail for me, lack of melody.
I get the reluctance to do live versions… but just know their live album at Carnegie Hall…with a full orchestra are the definitive versions.
And can you imagine showing up at Yes and Gentle Giant shows back in the day and realizing that Renaissance was the opening act?
It was almost too good.
Almost
Try Hemina: Romancing The Ether but it's 35 minutes long. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND you give it a listen. Australian prog rock/metal band #nicknlexrequest
It will take you on a ride
I'll have to check that out!
@@mvunit3 You won't regret it
very long but parts were really good
I named my cat after Annie.
Not familiar with 'To-Mera'. I'll need to do a dive!!!!
First of all . . . Thank you Narvik for introducing "To-Mera" to Nick (and Lexi)!
Funny you mention Spiral Architect Nick, and how over the top they can be (who are very much a modern day version of "Watchtower", but with 2 guitarists), but its one of my fave albums . . .
This album (which is unfortunately their last), was more concise and focused than their previous albums, which have very abrupt/sudden changes, more angular, dissonant chords and Heavier (which really made an impact on me, 1st hearing them on a Prog Rock/Metal internet station back in 2006).
Vocalist "Julie Kiss" is from Hungary (and apparently comes from a well regarded Hungarian Gothic Prog Metal band), but the rest of the band is from South Oxfordshire England. The Guitarist "Thomas Maclean" was the original _Bassist_ on the 1st 3 "Haken" albums. I often referred to them as "(Tarja era) Nightwish meets Spiral Architect". That's why they were so appealing to me, because they were so different than anything else out there, and heavy. Heavy, Progressive and Beautiful.
You have "2" album CD's (I know one of them is the wilder/heavier album "Delusions", so don't be depressed and saddened 😉) that I hope you'll do a deep dive, unless more fans request them (you also have Circus Maximus, Vanden Plas, Andromeda, Spiral Architect and Aghora too, coincidently!).
Annie Haslam and Renaissance are awesome (always thought the bass at times sounds like Chris Squire). It took a long time to get into them, and I don't know why. I started to pay more attention to them about 10 years ago. I have MANY albums to purchase and catch-up on.
- Great stuff Narvik! Thank you and glad you enjoyed it Nick, would love to see a Lexi reaction to To-Mera too!
Just bought exile album from to mera! So good!!