Record Reviews

ARMAGEDDON ~ ARMAGEDDON ESOTERIC 2150 (Barcode: 5013929725027) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2009 Only album by the short-lived Prog / Hard Rock band ArmageddonFind albums by this artist formed by keyboardist / vocalist Keith RelfFind albums by this artist (founding member of YardbirdsFind albums by this artist and then RenaissanceFind albums by this artist), guitarist Martin Pugh (SteamhammerFind albums by this artist), bassist Louis Cennamo (Renaissance, Steamhammer) and US drummer Bobby Caldwell. With strong Prog / Blues / Rock background the group eventually opted for a heavy Hard Rock sound, which dominates this, their only album. The group folded shortly after the album was released, which was followed by Relf´s tragic death in 1976. The album is considered to be an iconic Hard Rock album, completely overlooked at the time, but now considered a classic. In retrospect it is definitely a milestone of the genre, emphasizing the saying: They don´t make music like that any more! For guitar freaks this is heaven on earth, but most Classic Rock fans should have a field day with this.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ANNIE HASLAM ~ ANNIE HASLAM T-BIRD 0022 (Barcode: 5013929882263) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1988 - 1989 Released: 2010 3rd album by the divine Annie HaslamFind albums by this artist, one of the most distinctive voices of British Prog, mostly known as the lead singer of the legendary band RenaissanceFind albums by this artist. Haslam maintains a solo career since the original Renaissance disbanded. Based in the US, she often performs with the former band members and participated in several reunion projects. This album was her most ambitious effort to capture wider audiences, but unfortunately the initial impact it made was cut short by her illness, which kept her silent for a few years following the album´s release. The album includes many guest artists of fame, such as Justin HaywardFind albums by this artist (Moody BluesFind albums by this artist), Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist (King CrimsonFind albums by this artist) and many others and presents her five-octave voice in the full splendor. Lavishly produced by Larry FastFind albums by this artist, the orchestral instrumentation is however all synthesized, which is the only drawback. The material is all new and written especially for this album except for one classic Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist song. Considering the fact that this album was unavailable for so long should make the numerous fans of Annie Haslam truly happy!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ILLUSION ~ ILLUSION ESOTERIC 2260 (Barcode: 5013929736023) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1978 Released: 2011 This is the 2nd and last album by the British Prog group IllusionFind albums by this artist, which in fact was just another version of the legendary RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, reformed by the group´s five original founding members: singer Jane RelfFind albums by this artist, her brother guitarist Keith RelfFind albums by this artist, who died tragically before the debut album was released and was replaced by John KnightsbridgeFind albums by this artist, bassist Louis CenamoFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist, and keyboardist John HawkenFind albums by this artist. With the addition of the drummer Eddie McNeilFind albums by this artist the band came together and recorded some superb music, similar to the first two Renaissance albums. This is too good to be forgotten and this new edition is a most welcome opportunity to listen to this music again.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ILLUSION ~ OUT OF THE MIST ESOTERIC 2259 (Barcode: 5013929735927) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2011 This is the 1st album by the British Prog group IllusionFind albums by this artist, which in fact was just another version of the legendary RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, reformed by the group´s five original founding members: singer Jane RelfFind albums by this artist, her brother guitarist Keith RelfFind albums by this artist, who died tragically before the debut album was released and was replaced by John KnightsbridgeFind albums by this artist, bassist Louis CenamoFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist, and keyboardist John HawkenFind albums by this artist. With the addition of the drummer Eddie McNeilFind albums by this artist the band came together and recorded some superb music, similar to the first two Renaissance albums. This is too good to be forgotten and this new edition is a most welcome opportunity to listen to this music again.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MAGDALENA ~ MAGDALENA MUSEA 4128 (Barcode: 3426300041821) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1987 Released: 1997 Only album by the superb Japanese Prog band MagdalenaFind albums by this artist, which although short-lived is considered to this day as one of the best bands that ever emerged in the country. Fronted by an incredible female vocalist Meguni TokuhisaFind albums by this artist, who has truly operatic abilities, the band is often compared to early RenaissanceFind albums by this artist. The music is richly melodic and based on Classical music motifs. With the vocalist hitting incredible high notes, some of the passages sound like arias. The instrumental parts, especially the guitar played by Taku FujiiFind albums by this artist, are excellent. The band is supported by several guest musicians from other top Japanese Prog bands, like PageantFind albums by this artist, Terra RosaFind albums by this artist and MiyatakeFind albums by this artist, active at the time. This is classic Symphonic Prog at its best and fans of the genre will have a field day with this.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MELLUSYA ~ Z SERCA SOLITON 660 (Barcode: 5901571096605) ~ POLAND ~ Sung Poetry Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the debut album by Polish ensemble MelluSyaFind albums by this artist led by vocalist Kaja MianowanaFind albums by this artist and including Russian (resident in Poland) pianist Vlasta TraczykFind albums by this artist, violinist Kinga KloczkoFind albums by this artist, bassist Adam WardziakFind albums by this artist and drummer Karol KrasinskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original songs, all composed by Traczyk, with lyrics by Polish, Russian (Anna AkhmatovaFind albums by this artist), French (Christine de PisanFind albums by this artist), American (Emily DickinsonFind albums by this artist) and British (Edgar Allan PoeFind albums by this artist) poets and two original texts by Mianowana. Two of the songs have lyrics in English and the rest feature Polish lyrics, including translations into Polish. The music is a typical example of the Polish Sung Poetry idiom, which is an extremely fruitful and popular sub-genre of the Polish Pop / Art Pop music, with a long and glorious tradition in Polish music scene and which is a companion to the Polish Jazz & Poetry idiom. Not surprisingly the music is mostly influenced by Traczyk, who composed all the songs, and offers an amalgam of Russian Classical Music influences and East European lyricism and melancholy with a dash of poetic Progressive Rock nostalgia. They are well structured melodically and harmonically, and have a tad of Siberian wintriness in them, which takes a while to get into, but which manages to create a unique atmosphere. Mianowana is an accomplished vocalist with a beautiful voice and great range. Her career and experience in musicals results in a certain over-theatrical approach, which is not naturally suited for Sung Poetry, which relays first and foremost on feeling and empathy with the poetic contents rather than a display of vocal mastery. But having said that, this is not really an issue here and she manages to deliver these songs very impressively. All four instrumentalists are well educated and highly trained, and all perform their parts without a hitch, as expected. The violinist is a bit hidden in the mix and might have been featured more prominently INHO. For Prog fans, the piano / vocals dominance brings fond memories of the RenaissanceFind albums by this artist / Annie HaslamFind albums by this artist albums – Prog-heads check it out! Overall this is a very solid and classy debut album, which should keep connoisseurs of Sung Poetry / Art Pop / Prog extremely happy. Definitely worth investigating and warmly recommended – good job Ladies and Gents!

Updated: 23/10/2020Posted: 03/04/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ A SONG FOR ALL SEASONS WOUNDED BIRD 6049 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 9th album from 1978. Although received badly by the critics, this album is still quite good in every respect - wonderful compositions (including the great `Day of the Dreamer` and the album epic title song), Hasslam in superb form as usual and the musicians play their hearts out. Perhaps this was slightly more commercially oriented then the earlier material, but Renaissance were such professionals that they just could not produce a bad album.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ ASHES ARE BURNING REPERTOIRE 4575 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 4th album from 1973, with richly orchestral works and stunning vocals by Annie. On this album the band really defined their ultimate sound and style, which will continue for several years, producing one masterpiece after another. The acoustic piano sound, developed on the early albums as the main orchestration, is replaced here by the orchestra with strings and what have you. It`s an unmissable musical experience and an essential Prog masterpiece.

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ AZURE D`OR WOUNDED BIRD 6068 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 10th album from 1979. This one truly is the last great Renaissance album, so good in fact that it compares well even with their best material. The songs are shorter and more structured, lacking the long indtrumental passages of the earlier albums, but the level of songwriting is superb and Annie Haslam delivers some of her greatest performances. After this one they released just 2 weaker album in the early 80`s and disappeared for almost 12 years before re-uniting again.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ BBC SESSIONS WOUNDED BIRD 1001 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Absolutely wonderful collection of the band`s BBC recordings between 1975-1978. The material spans some of the best and well known tunes like `Prologue`, `Scheherazade` (over 25 minutes), and `Ashes Are Burning` (over 18 minutes). The band is in superb form an all of these, with Annie delivering her angelic vocals with ease and ellegance. A superb document!

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RENAISSANCE ~ CAMERA CAMERA REPERTOIRE 4628 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 11th album from 1982. It album marks the entry into the 80`s with much more commercial material and shorter songs. Nevertheless this is still Renaissance and Annie Haslam, so for the hard fans this is still a must and in perspective quite interesting. Of course Renaissance were just about ready to call it quits (which they did after the next album), only to be re-united again by the late 90`s.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ DREAMS & OMENS FRIDAY MUSIC 1093 (Barcode: 829421109327) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1978 Released: 2008 By the late 1970s the great British Prog group RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, which dominated the scene for the last decade (although quietly and never reaching the popularity of the Big 5) and released a series of absolute classic albums, was reaching the end of the line, as all it´s contemporaries. The musical atmosphere was changing and artistic and intelligent music was rapidly loosing ground to more primitive music forms. With slight personal changes over the years the group reached a stage of perfect professionalism and stunning delivery, which marked the pinnacle of their musical path. Fronted by the vocal diva Annie HaslamFind albums by this artist, whose angelic voice had no competition whatsoever and with great players on board, the band was capable to produce a truly spectacular sound on stage, as documented by this recording. John ToutFind albums by this artist on keyboards, Michael DunfordFind albums by this artist on guitar, Jon CampFind albums by this artist on bass and Terrence SullivanFind albums by this artist on drums produce a stunning instrumental background for Annie´s heartbreaking vocals. The material includes some of the band´s most ambitious compositions, including a 14 and a half minutes long version of "Can You Hear Me". The music was recorded at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia, a town where the band had quite a following and played in often enough. Every new document of the band´s performances is of course most welcome and the many fans will jump upon the occasion to hear some more of their eternal music. Although the music was not recorded with the intension of being released and therefore suffers from some technical imperfections, the overall strength of the performance makes is an absolute must for any fan of the band. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ ILLUSION ESOTERIC 2232 (Barcode: 5013929733220) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010 2nd album by the legendary British Prog group RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, founded in 1969 by ex-YardbirdsFind albums by this artist vocalist / harmonica player Keith RelfFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist. Joined by keyboardist John HawkenFind albums by this artist and bassist Louis CennamoFind albums by this artist and fronted by female vocalist Jane RelfFind albums by this artist, Renaissance soon became the epitome of the emerging Progressive Rock and their amazing debut album was destined to become a cornerstone of the genre. A perfect mixture of Classical Music, with long acoustic piano cadencas, Jazz, Folk and Rock, the album´s beautiful melodies and innovative atmosphere of mystery and grandeur created, perhaps for the first time, the splendor of Prog at its best. There´s little need to expand about this album, as in time it has become an absolute classic and any Prog fan wouldn´t consider this album not being included in his collection. An absolute must!

Updated: 23/08/2024Posted:

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

	RENAISSANCE ~ ILLUSION REPERTOIRE 4513 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 2nd album from 1971, which is quite similar to the debut with more enchanting compositions. After this one Jane Relf and her brother left to form the group `Illusion` (see under this name).
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ IN THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN GEP 1032 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded live in Japan during the 2001 tour, the group is in excellent form and Annie`s vocals as strong as ever. A collection of newer songs from their last album `Tuscany` and old favorites in extended versions (`Mother Russia` over 10 minutes, `Ashes Are Burning` almost 20 minutes). Brilliant sound. An absolute must to every Renaissance fan!

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ INNOCENTS & ILLUSIONS CASTLE 874 (Barcode: 5050159187423) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2004 1st & 2nd albums by the UK Prog band RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, which symbolizes the genre more then any other outfit of the era. Founded by two ex-YardbirdsFind albums by this artist members (Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist & Keith RelfFind albums by this artist) and featuring Jane RelfFind albums by this artist as the lead singer, the band recorded those two excellent albums, which combined strong classical influences (emphasized by the acoustic piano parts) with rock rhythms and lyrical atmosphere. Long (over 10 minures) suites with lengthy instrumental passages are well developed and beautifully executed. This particular incarnation of the band dissolved following the release of the 2nd album, to be re-born with the phenomenal Annie HaslamFind albums by this artist as lead vocalist. This elegant reissue collects all the output of Renaissance Mk. I. A must!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR PART 1 KING BISCUIT 88020 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded in 1977 at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this is Renaissance at their prime. Absolutely marvelous recording and perfect sound quality make this the group`s best live recording ever. This album inclues 5 tracks, among them extended versions of `Prologue` and `Scheherazade`. An absolute must for all Renaissance fans.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	RENAISSANCE ~ KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR PART 2 KING BISCUIT 88026 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 2nd part of the 1977 live recording. This album includes 7 tracks, among them extended versions of `Mother Russia` and `Ashes Are Burning` as well as bonus material, which includes another version of `Prologue` recorded in 1979 and a previously unreleased studio version of `You`. Pure delight!
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL REPERTOIRE 4506 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 7th album from 1976, a 2CD live recording of their most memorable songs with the New York Philharmonic. One of the best `live` albums ever recorded with crystal clear sound and perfect ballance between the group and the orchestra. Annie Haslam is in top form and the orchestral arrangements add a new dimention to the music of Renaissance, which becomes even more melodic and dramatic then ever. A must!

CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ NOVELLA WOUNDED BIRD 6024 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 8th album from 1977. Considered by some as the last of the great Renaissance albums, marking the end of the `golden` era of the group, which started with `Prologue` in 1972. Annie Haslam delivers her wonderful vocal parts with feeling and grace and the compositions bear a strong classical influence. A true gem and a must for all the fans of melodic, relaxed, sometimes melancholic Prog.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	RENAISSANCE ~ PROLOGUE REPERTOIRE 4574 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 3rd album from 1972, but the 1st with the new lineup featuring the fabulous voice of Annie Haslam. Absolutely beautiful and melodic, this is a real treasure.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ RENAISSANCE ESOTERIC 2231 (Barcode: 5013929733121) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2010 Debut album by the legendary British Prog group RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, founded in 1969 by ex-YardbirdsFind albums by this artist vocalist / harmonica player Keith RelfFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist. Joined by keyboardist John HawkenFind albums by this artist and bassist Louis CennamoFind albums by this artist and fronted by female vocalist Jane RelfFind albums by this artist, Renaissance soon became the epitome of the emerging Progressive Rock and this amazing debut album was destined to become a cornerstone of the genre. A perfect mixture of Classical Music, with long acoustic piano cadencas, Jazz, Folk and Rock, the album´s beautiful melodies and innovative atmosphere of mystery and grandeur created, perhaps for the first time, the splendor of Prog at its best. There´s little need to expand about this album, as in time it has become an absolute classic and any Prog fan wouldn´t consider this album not being included in his collection. An absolute must!

Updated: 23/08/2024Posted:

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

	RENAISSANCE ~ RENAISSANCE REPERTOIRE 4512 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 1st album from 1969-1970 by the first reincarnation of the group formed by ex-Yardbirds Keith Relf & Jim McCarty with Jane Relf on vocals. Very atmospheric and deeply enchanting music, superbly played.
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RENAISSANCE ~ SCHEHERAZADE REPERTOIRE 4490 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 6th album from 1975, includes the 6 part epic `Song of Scheherazade` with full orchestra. A great `concept` album (based of course on the 1001 Nights tale) and a true relic of the era. Exquisite vocals by Annie Haslam and rich orchestral passages in addition to the excellent instrumental work by the group members. The ability to compose very melodic but yet intricate music was brought here to the peak. Essential Prog!

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

	RENAISSANCE ~ SONGS OF RENAISSANCE DAYS REPERTOIRE 4672 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock A collection of previously unreleased material, singles, outtakes, etc. Every fan of the group will love this rare material made available for the first time.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RENAISSANCE ~ TIME-LINE REPERTOIRE 4655 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 11th album from 1983. This album is another effort by the band to `move` with the times, but still maintaining the quality they can produce. Very melodic and basically good songs, Annie`s voice crystal clear as always. Prog afficionados dismiss this one, but this is still a piece of the band`s history. This was the last album they recorded before disbanding for over 12 years, to be re-united by the late 90`s.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	RENAISSANCE ~ TURN OF THE CARDS REPERTOIRE 4491 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 5th album from 1974, considered by many as their finest effort. More great melodies and angelic vocals.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	RENAISSANCE ~ TUSCANY GEP 1030 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock The long awaited reunion album (recorded 2001) by the original members with Annie Haslam in the vocal chair as usual, with a collection of completely new songs, beautifully performed, as only they can. Previously released only in Japan and now available worldwide.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

YARDBIRDS ~ BIRDLAND FAVORED NATIONS 2280 (Barcode: 690897228023) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 Forty years after The YardbirdsFind albums by this artist ruled the British Rhythm And Blues scene for a while and than splintered into several seminal Rock and Prog bands like Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, Jeff Beck GroupFind albums by this artist and RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, to mention just a few, here they are again alive and kicking. The original founding members Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist and Chris DrejaFind albums by this artist drafted three younger musicians: guitarist Gypie MayoFind albums by this artist, vocalist and bassist John IdanFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Alan GlenFind albums by this artist and reunited the Yardbirds to record this album, which includes several re-makes of classic Yardbirds material and a nice batch of new songs written by the band members. I´m usually skeptical about reunions, being right most of the time, this album however works amazingly well, as if time stood still (which is a good thing) for all these years and The Yardbirds never disbanded at all. Mayo plays some amazing guitar licks and easily joins the Yardbirds lead guitarists list (Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist & Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist), the songs smoke from start to finish and the entire album simply kicks ass. Some spectacular guest guitar players add solos as well: Jeff Beck, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Joe SatrianiFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist and others. Definitely no regrets here – a must!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend