Classical Composer Reacts to Things I Don't Understand (Renaissance) | The Daily Doug (Episode 178)
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2021
- #Renaissance #RenaissanceReaction #AnnieHaslam #ThingsIDontUnderstand
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to the band Renaissance for the first time. I was blown away with their unique sound...especially Annie Haslam's beautiful voice. Things I Don't Understand is a beautiful and moving song. I hope you enjoy this reaction.
Reference Video: • Renaissance - Things I...
Renaissance: the best kept secret in prog. Welcome to the club, Doug. The music and your smile did each other justice.
From Hofstadter's Godel, Escher, Bach:
Crab: Oh, you needn't fear that infatuation will totally die. One of the nice things
about that sort of youthful thrill is that it can always resuscitated, just when you
thought it was finally dead. It just takes the right kind of triggering from the outside.
Achilles: Oh, really? Such as what?
Crab: Such as hearing it through the ears, so to speak, of someone to whom it is a totally
new experience. Somehow the excitement transmits
itself, and I can feel thrilled again.
Renaissance never get any credit for their music in the critical world, but if you listen, they really can play and sing. Wait until you do Scheherazade.
so true
Yes hope he chose the live with orchestra even if their studio version also is fine! 👍
+1
@@peterbacke1804 On of my favorites.
Yes! Please do Scheherazade!
Renaissance is the most under rated PROG Band in Rock History.
Pretty much all of their 70s output is absolutely stellar.
Please let your audience know that the band celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019 with a boxed set and Annie just celebrated her 50th with the band this year! Still going strong! "Ashes are Burning" on Live at Carnegie Hall (1976) where she sings the guitar solo and creates a vocal masterpiece. Albums don't do her justice - there is no other like her.
Renaissance. Prolog would blow your Mind. Instrumental and vocal but no words just unbelievable vocal artistry
Scheherazade by Renaissance is a fantastic piece that takes up half of the album Scheherazade and Other Stories, definitely one of the best works of music ever made
Since Doug is a composer, I'm surprised he missed the musical "quote" from Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade" at the end of "Things I Don't Understand"
I was the album that got me hooked listening to WRPI underground radio in college.
Ooooh yeah!!
I so agree .Renaissance is my all time favorite band.
The daily Doug is a Renaissance all of its own.
Agree
Doug, welcome to the sadly, little known but wonderful world that is Renaissance. Any tracks from any of their albums between 1970 -1978 will repay you with some wonderful music. Enjoy. With love from England.
Welcome to "Annie's wonderful voice" world! She's a fantastic singer, and still one in the 21st century, yet! I am one of those who asked for some Renaissance song, and I am more than happy that you've enjoyed it, because it means we will see you reacting to more of their songs! Hope we all get there soon! Thanks from Brazil!
I recently discovered Renaissance. "Can You Understand?" was the song that immediately got me hooked.
Besides Annie’s voice, and John Tout’s mad piano skills, Renaissance had the absolutely stellar Jon Camp on bass and vocals. Like Chris Squire, he played a Rickenbacker bass as a lead instrument. And Terry Sullivan is an unjustly overlooked drummer. He shunned the limelight, but his astonishing abilities really leap out at you when you see him on video.
Agree with all of the above!!
I completely agree about Jon Camp, so overlooked ..
My introduction to Renaissance was as the opening band for Yes in '76 (Relayer) and the Rick bass seemed required for that level of bass playing. That night stands out as best ever for a concert experience.
Renaissance may just be the most under appreciated band in all of rock! Their musicianship is wonderful. They are technically skilled and their arrangements are spectacular. Then, to top it off, is the amazing singing of Annie Haslam, one of the greatest voices in popular music IMO.
Oooh, Annie Haslam. What a voice! I love Renaissance, but my all time favorite piece is her duet on “Turn of the Century” with Steve Howe (Yes) from the Yes tribute album. Absolutely PRISTINE.
She also did a cover of Ripples on the 1995 Genesis tribute album "Supper's Ready"
Beautiful song, beautiful group and beautiful reaction!! well Doug, you are ready now for songs like A song for all seasons, Song for Scheherezade or Mother Russia
their big 3
+1
Lots for you to discover now Doug Renaissance are a magical band and Annie's voice is like no other Mother Russia next would be my suggestion ..or Ocean Gypsy
Love Scheherazade and Other Stories. Takes you out of misery into another world ;)
The last three minutes of Song of .... is just plain out of this world beautiful.
I agree about Ocean Gypsy - wonderful song. If angels can sing, they would sound like Annie Haslam
I love how Doug can hear it once and just start playing it. I envy that gift
Great band. Some more suggestions from Renaisance:
- Ashes are Burning
- Carpet of the Sun
- Song of Scheherazade
- Day of the Dreamer
- Mother Russia
- Kiev
Golden Thread, Kings & Queens with Jane Relf from the first albums are great too...
Day of the Dreamer always transports me ....somewhere. Just lovely.
@@andyambrose4517 Yes, but it's a different line-up.
Ashes are Burning - Live version
Ocean Gypsy is really good, too...
This is one of Opeth's Mikael Akerfeld's favourite bands.
"Song For All Seasons" is another nice song of theirs.
Day of the Dreamer on that album is even better in my view! Also first track Opening Out is Nice, but too short sadly!
pretty much every 70s prog band is a favorite of Mikael's ha
I love A Song for All Seasons.
Lucifers Friend.
The most underrated progressive rock band of the 70's.
Saw them many times. Outstanding live band.
saw the classic band twice in philly
I'd argue Camel for THE most underrated, but Renaissance are not far behind They should both have been right up there with Genesis, Pink Floyd and Yes.
Extremely underrated band and NO ONE sings like Annie Haslam
true squared
As a big Renaissance fan I have to say this has been a great reaction (I watch all reactions to R). They are an unique band with no lead guitar, mostly lead by Jon Camp's bass. John Tout the pianist played on John Lennon's Imagine album (not on the title track), Mick Dunford was a fantiastic composer and Annie's vocals are sadly unknown to the wider public. Thank you for this, you have a new subscriber.
I love Jon Camp's basslines. He had a really good voice too.
@@allisonrich5061 Total agreement!
I loved your comment as much as I loved this video! I'm a huge Renaissance fan as well! Have a marvelous day!
@@heliobluesrock You've made it better already!
Not forgetting Thatcher's contributions to the songs, I think the lyrics.
Silly trivia time- When The Yardbirds (you remember The Yardbirds, right?) broke up in 1968, the group split in two. Keith Relf and Jim McCarty, the soul of the band went off and formed a folksy-classical rock band called Renaissance, while Jimmy Page and some buddies formed Led Zeppelin. True story. This song was co-written by Jim McCarty and carries a lot of the blues-ier influence from the early incarnation of the band, although he and Relf had left in 1971.
Jon Camp will never get the recognition he deserves for being one of the greatest bassists not just in progressive circles, but in all of rock.
Renaissance is right up your alley, Doug. Lush, orchestral pop-rock-prog with a powerhouse lead vocalist that rewards deeper listening. The writing and playing might not be as clever as bands like Yes or Genesis, but Renaissance were smart enough to play to their strengths (pardon the pun). They were also a bit odd for their time in that there was no electric guitar and the sound focused on John Tout's piano and the backing orchestral arrangements. And here's a bit of trivia: Renaissance evolved out of the Yardbirds after that band folded in '68, founded by Kieth Relf (and his sister Jane) and Jim McCarty. The other English 60s band that played a part in Renaissance's history was the Nashville Teens, which saw many former members spend some time in the group.
There's electric guitar on the Prologue album (which was a kind of transition). "Rajah Khan" comes completely out of left field.
@@christopherheckman7957 Yup, courtesy of Rob Hendry who left the band after that album. Dunford didn't even play the electric solo on "Ashes are Burning" on the next album.
Funny you mention that evolution. I spent many hours searching cut out bins for copies of Illusion's "Out of the Mist" in the early 80's. (Still have the 2 copies I found) It's one of those turn out the lights, turn up the volume and let the music wash over you albums. That album was my jumping on point to Renaissance, though at the time I didn't understand the bands history. I had just heard there was a relationship between the two bands. Oddly enough, again thanks to cut out bins, Azure d' or was my first Renaissance LP. I still enjoy listening to it but it's quite the departure from what came before it.
Lastly as a plug for Illusion, if you are a Renaissance fan, check out Madonna Blue from their second album. ua-cam.com/video/0RS3YGmbuT8/v-deo.html Illusion does that same establish a musical theme and build on it thing that I love about Renaissance.
Nashville Teens had a groovy song called Tobacco Road."
I just recently discovered Renaissance myself. Love their music, and Annie Haslam is the greatest female singer I've never heard.
"Turn of the Cards" is a great album, as "Ashes Are Burning". Go for the songs "Running Hard" and "Black Flame".
Yes!
My reactions to the composer's reactions.
(1) Annie Haslam is known in some prog circles as The Voice. Very versatile and a warm personality, too. (She signed some autographs after a performance in Atlanta that I went to.)
(2) The band had a completely (or almost completely) different lineup for their first two albums; they were former members of the Yardbirds. The first album with this lineup was Prologue and features some experimentation, including "Rajah Khan" which sounds unlike anything they did before or after.
Renaissance has been one of my favorite bands for almost 50 years. Saw them live several times in the mid-70s. Their album “Live at Carnegie Hall” from 1976 is one of the best albums of all time in my humble opinion. This band laid the groundwork for so much great music over the last 4 decades, from prog rock to classical rock and even to symphonic metal.
Song of Scheherazade Doug... it's all you need
I have been a huge fan of Renaissance since the early/mid 70's....and was fortunate enough uto have seen them live in 1977., one of my most cherished memories. You have uncovered just the tip of a wonderful mountain of songs, well actually pieces..
since many run over 10 minutes in length. Some of my favorites to consider: "Mother Russia" ; "Black Flame" ; " Can You Hear Me?" ; "Ashes Are Burning."...etc!
Probably the most underrated bands in prog rock
Great to see Turn of the Cards, one of their best albums
Now you need to listen to more.
Damn you Doug - you made me dig out all my Renaissance albums!
So happy to see you discovering the greats from the 70s like Yes, Gentle Giant, Genesis etc. Renaissance was up there with the best but less well known.
You must listen to Ashes Are Burning. Indeed, you should listen to all their stuff. Annie Haslam had one of the best voices ever. Her range was incredible.
5 octaves.
I was lucky enough to have seen Renaissance when they played The Royal Albert Hall in London in 1977, with the backing of the full Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz. Still the most memorable concert I have ever been to.
You are sooooo lucky to have seen that. Must have been a really emotional experience.
@@allisonrich5061 I have seen many great groups or solo artists in concert including Genesis, Wishbone Ash, Barclay James Harvest, Al Stewart, Status Quo etc, but nothing comes close to that evening at the RAH. Cherry Red records have released the CD of the concert, just a shame a video was never recorded
I told you that you'd love it, Doug!
It must be pointed out that Annie has that beautiful five-octave range, and she uses her sweet, angelic, ethereal voice as an instrument equal to the rest of the band; absolutely stunning!
SO HAPPY you finally found Renaissance. Annie’s voice is an absolute weapon. It think it’s time to add “Song of Scheherezade” to the list for your long play reactions!
Renaissance means love, tenderness, hope & beauty in Progressive Rock world. Loved them from the beginning (the 1st incarnation of the band in 1969) and this love grew more and more until it took me to the heavens by their masterpiece album "Scheherazade and the other stories". Once you get in touch with their fantastic music and the beautiful heavenly voice of Annie they will be always with you, like guardian angels. R.I.P great and underrated Maestros Michael Dunford & John Tout. And thank you master Doug for all the great music that you share here with your knowledge and pure joy. Cheers!
This is one of my top 3 favorites Daily Doug’ videos already! Awesome! Thanks for doing Renaissance!
PS: I miss Tout very much! My favorite keyboard player in Rock music!
Annie Haslam could sing the phone book and I'd listen. Almost anyhthing from Renaissance in the 70's is worth a listen. Annie has also done a few outstanding prog covers that I recommend folks check out: Turn of the Century by Yes, Ripples by Genesis, and Moonlight Shadow by Mike Oldfield--all three are beyond beautiful.
Thanks, I didn't know about those covers.
@@markharwood7573 Her cover of Turn of the Century is with Steve Howe on acoustic guitar. I think it rivals, and maybe even surpasses, the the excellent original from Going for the One!
Steve Howe also contributed to Haslam’s cover of Turn of the Century! Absolutely gorgeous take.
@@jeffreygould101 so often disappointed with cover versions in the prog genre ( especially Yes as I feel the record is the artwork, whereas Genesis are self confessed songwriters ( side discussion for later maybe)) but Annie’s Turn Of The Century made me appreciate the song SO much more. Didn’t know about ripple, much gratitude.
That's the exact song that introduced me to Renaissance...Her and Steve Howe together for Turn of the Century was just eargasmic.
Doug- if you liked this, you will LOVE 1977's "Novella", with two long-format pieces and full orchestra. Also some cribbed Rimsky-Korsakov, as Dunford had a habit of 'borrowing' Russian themes quite often. It wasn't popular when new, but IMHO is the apex of Renassiance's composing, arranging and performing skills. Also, Annie grabs a couple of notes higher than in TIDU. Worth 40-ish minutes of your time, relevant to this channel or not.
I never get tired of Renaissance. Saw them many times in the 1970s- the classiest of all the prog bands. I saw them do "Things I Don't Understand" at a free outdoor concert in a park on Lake Michigan-- one of the best musical experiences I ever had. Recommended tracks: "At the Harbour," "Ashes are Burning" (about the near death experience of their lyricist Betty Thatcher), "Can You Understand," "Can You Hear Me Now?"/"The Sisters" (side one of Novella), "The Captive Heart," and "Mother Russia." You'd also probably like the acoustic piano work on "Running Hard."
Yup, saw them 5 times in Upstate N.Y.Rocester...in the 70s..,
Doug, you are absolutely amazing. I love watching your reactions and especially to Renaissance. If I can remember way back when, I think I had those same facial expressions the first time I heard this piece. Keep up with Renaissance, it’s truly enjoyable. Bravo 😁👏🏽
Wonderful experience with you here Doug! Loved being uplifted by Renaissance as seen through your eyes, and heard through your ears! ❤️👍
Man, I guess I've never laughed so much on a Doug's video as I did on that! Seems that every time he thought he had figured out the music, it changed in an unexpectable way (for him), surprising him, what he shows to us in so many fun ways... that was just great, a great "reaction" video, really, because your reactions during it... very funny!
Try "trip to the fair" from Renaissance and after that "Song of Scheherazade" it's amazing!
Annie Haslam have one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. She a five-octave vocal range. Song of Scheherazade is a gorgeous piece that I think you would enjoy. Annie's singing is perfection. I first discovered Renaissance nearly 50 years ago when they were on Don Kirchner's rock concert.
They always gave you so much to listen to in every track.
Sadly, you only get to hear Renaissance for the first time just once per lifetime. Fortunately, these songs continue to sound great over a lifetime too.
Renaissance is a feeling that I just love. That diatonic baroque music with Annie’s vocals just takes me to a happy place.
I saw Renaissance back in the late 70's, a real hidden gem of a band, heavily influenced by Classical music. As to Annie Haslam, she has a five-octave range, absolutely an amazing voice. I really hope you explore more of their catalog.
Thanks Doug, I'm glad you enjoyed Renaissance! I look forward to you reviewing more, especially my favorites like Ocean Gypsy, Scheherazade, Can You Hear Me?, The Sisters, The Captive Heart, Touching Once, Song For All Seasons, etc, etc, etc
I love the fact that you are playing the chords and understanding the gorgeousness of what they are doing. And the look on your face, Doug, when you heard Annie easily move from that high g# after her lovely low g was wonderful
Renaissance, and this album, was my gateway drug into symphonic prog nearly 50 years ago and they remain one of my favorites. I was fortunate to see Annie and Michael Dunford play a 2 person show at a small venue. It was incredible and is still a concert highlight for me. Thanks for this one.
Loved your reaction when you were hit by the top of Annie Haslam's five octave vocal range
I hear it's 6, but I don't know how that's possible 🙂
@@Lightmane She's not an earthling. She's an angel.
YAY!!! Fan of Renaissance since the 70s. Saw them several times in the Philly area back then. Just an amazing band. You are going to love what you hear next. I envy your journey!!
This was cool. Never heard this before. Good reaction as always Doug,
Saw them live in Manchester, UK, way back. Fantastic. Annie Haslam has a five octave vocal range.
That’s a cool one. I have listened solely to their live recordings. Might have to change that… Doug, hit Mother Russia or Running Hard after that! Thanks for the lovely time.
Yay, Doug!!! Renaissance was great! You should really try the Live At Carnegie Hall (with an orchestra) album from 1976. For me the sound and performances surpass all the studio versions. Every song is a gem! Hearing Renaissance and Annie’s voice and how she used it as an instrument in her upper range in 1976 is what made me want to take voice lessons which was the best thing I ever did. Their great songs, vocals, musicians and creativity are unique in the progressive rock world. Renaissance has enriched my life immeasurably! I’m glad you’ve discovered them. I never get tired of their timeless music. I loved how you picked up on the chords and played along. Try “Mother Russia” next!
DOUG this is just the tip of the iceberg with Renaissance
Renaissance é simplesmente uma pedra preciosissima dentro do universo musical. Para mim, sempre tocante❤🎶🎵🎼🎹🎼
Vamos pedir p ele reagir a Holy Land, do Angra. E TB vamos no canal do lfr JoJo pedir pra reagir a Carry on do Angra
Em pensar que eu tava quase pra ver eles + Curved Air em SP e no fds anterior ao show veio o início da quarentena e cancelaram =/
@@vitorvenancio7545
Haverá outras oportunidades 🙏
@@vitorvenancio7545
Conheces uma banda francesa chamada SANDROSE? O único disco que lançaram é de 1972. 🎵🎶🎼🎧
@@vitorvenancio7545 Aqui em BH remarcaram para março de 2022! Tô torcendo pra rolar mesmo 🙌🏾
I've been listening to Renaissance since about the time that album came out. Later, I delved into some of the original band's earlier stuff. They had a close connection to The Yardbirds. Keith Relf played guitar and Jane Relf was the lead singer.
Annie's voice transcends all. She's gifted.
It makes sense when you realize Annie is an angel sent from Heaven.
I saw many bands in the 1970's and 80's.
No one is close to Annie's vocals.
I saw them at the Academy of Music in Philly, wow, what musicianship and masterful playing
I hear and play (bass) this song for a long long time, but all your surprise's reaction I have every day that I heard it too. Thank you for sharing your knowledge for talk about this masterpiece.
John Tout (RIP) was a very underrated keyboardist. That man could play.
Thank you for the Renaissance! It was a pleasure to watch and can't wait for more :)
Good choice of track in my opinion. One of Renaissance's more proggy numbers, with its delightful 'movements' from rock to choral to ballad. I can enjoy this one again and again especially the latest remaster (Esoteric). In isolation the lyrics might sound a bit hippie-ideal, but the quality of the composition and its superb execution gives it an enduring profundity, which to me is utterly irresistible.
Glad that you appreciated this band. We’re a lot in the Renaissance club! You will find beautiful classical arrangements throughout their songs. Mother Russia or Ocean Gypsy are great examples. Song For Scheherazade or A Song For All Seasons are majestic.
Ok, now I need to listen all of their albums, from the start. Damn, this will be fun.
This was cool music...Never heard.. Must check up this..!
Another gem I found long time ago. Thank you for showing this to others!
How lovely was that? Wow! Heading over to listen to Scheherazade right away. Thank you again Doug and all.
I remember Renaissance, had to be reawakened to them. Fun to see you Doug digging this wonderful music. :D
Thanks Doug- Nice compliment( One of the writers)
Another great video. Love seeing the joy you express when something unexpected appears. Music has power!
It is interesting watching Doug listen to this for the first time, when I have been listening to this solidly for 46 years!
Anni8e Haslam - one of the greatest voices ever, with a 5 ( and sometimes 7) octave range. The whole group was beyond belief most of the time.
Simply beautiful. Will definitely be looking them up. Thanks Doug
I was late to the party and only discovered Renaissance in '75 when I heard Trip To The Fair (still my most favorite of all their wonderful songs) on Radio Clyde. Bought the album and brought it round to my friends, who instantly made comparisons to Curved Air, yet more music I was unfamiliar with. I went on to see Renaissance in the States in April of '77 and again in March '82. Very impressive as a live band. Loved your interview with #AnnieHaslam - still (maybe more) fun and charming.
So glad to see you doing Renaissance. Under the radar, but great band. Thanks for this.
You sat down at the piano and tapped out the chord progression to this song on the fly......you are my new hero!
Annie Haslam's range was just phenomenal. She was trained as an opera singer, I believe.
Brought me back to my youth.
I was introduced to Renaissance in 1974 when I started college. Turn of the Cards is one of my all-time favorite albums, with Art Garfunkel's Angel Clare, Queen's A Night at the Opera, and such. I love singing along with Annie Haslam. She's a vocal heroine. Check out her solo album Annie in Wonderland and listen to Going Home. It's stunningly beautiful.
Thank you Doug! You did it. Renaissance, they have so many tremendous songs and epics. And as said before… the 25min Song of Sheherazade is their ultimate best. But, if you want to see them and a lovely young Annie singing… just discovered on UA-cam a live studio recording from 1974 them playing three songs from RTL Luxemburg television. Amazing, brought tears to my eyes, with two of my favs from them: Can you understand? and Ashes are burning. Both absolutely worthwhile doing, the album versions are great but these RTL live versions blew me away! Curious what it will bring to you…
Renaissance: music for people who THINK. Doug, you have a wonderful talent with that ear of yours. I’m envious that you can hear those chords and just play along at the piano. Thanks for doing this tune and reminding me that it coexists on an album with two other powerhouse tunes: Running Hard and Mother Russia. Running Hard was the Renaissance song that hooked me. The piano intro to it is phenomenal.
Thanks for showcasing one of my favorite all-time bands. It was kind of cool seeing some of your piano fills too, because they actually added even more to the feel of the music. If you really want to listen to a crazy one that has several styles in one song, listen to the song Trip to the Fair.
Annie Harlem is in my top three women lead singers. Love Renaissance ❣️
NO doubt why you immediately do like Renaissance's music: Obviously you're well classically trained, and their music completely resembles classical music. As an educated pianist, you'd be a proven replacement for John Tout, who sadly passed away in 2015. This reaction of your's literally made me goose bumps, not only by the beauty of this song, but also because of how you did it. I'd wish you'd sit at the piano in all of them.
More stupid trivia- in the film/video of the Beatles' "Get Back" from the rooftop concert, you can see Annie in one of the full crowd shots. First time I saw it, I thought, "That looks just like Annie Haslam!". Later, she verified that in the liner notes for one of the Renaissance retrospective collections. She was still a struggling fashion designer at the time.
wow.
That was way too cool trivia!! Thanks for the fact soggytom! 😃
Do you mean the crowds in the street looking up at the rooftop concert?
@@SunFellow941 Yes
You greatly need to listen to their "Live at Carnegie Hall" album. Possibly the best album no one ever heard.
Man, I was 7 years old. The Carnegie Hall concert is one I wish I had been older to have attended that magical evening.
I heard it. I have it. Phenomenal!
Oh man do I agree%100!
Saw them in Jax,Fla. 1974 on their Turn of the Cards tour, Annies range just blew me away. Amazing performance. Love your reaction at 3:55. Nice man.
Doug - you've come of age. This is one of the greatest bands ever and so horribly underrated by press and public
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Great episode, thanks Doug for putting this! I have been a long time fan Renaissance, there are so many master pieces to listen!
Doug I'm a drummer, started in the '70s and I lived for progressive rock, but I never gave Renaissance a listen until now. Thanks. You just made me a big fan 😀
A Song for All Seasons is the eighth studio album by Renaissance, released in 1978. It marked the return of electric guitars to the band's music after several years of absence. "Northern Lights" from the album reached the top ten on the UK Singles Chart and is the band's only UK chart single
I have been listening to this album since it first came out, and I was just listening to it it the other day. I was thinking to myself, Doug would love to react to this it’s right up his alley. Now you have I am so pleased, there is nothing like Renaissance. I hope in the future you do some reactions to Glass Hammer. The Inconsolable Secret is a double album, some might say “a high point” with so much great stuff I think you would like.
Renaissance has a rich place in my heart. I have been a fan since the 70's