Prologue - RENAISSANCE***

Prologue/Kiev/Sounds Of The Sea/Spare Some Love/Bound For Infinity/Rajah Khan

The release of Prologue came during a turbulent period for the progressive band Renaissance. By this time all the original members had departed, but despite this there was still some continuity in their sound and they benefited from new vocalist Annie Haslam.

“Although this was the first album for the new Renaissance, they brilliantly carried on in the same classical/rock style of the original group, so Prologue is definitely their third album, and it is absolutely fantastic. With founder Jim McCarty passing the torch to the new group by co-writing two songs on Prologue, the third Renaissance album is a sparkling gem. The new line-up, including the gorgeous, soaring voice of Annie Haslam, is just as superb as the original group.”

“Strange indeed that both founding members, and even the second wavers were now gone, yet they had written enough musical material to nourish the bands coffers, leaving this album with no songs written by anyone still in it.”

“It signifies a new beginning and the Renaissance we all know. Not quite the classic line-up but Anne Haslam makes her debut and what a fine performance it is; she more than shows her capabilities. Unfortunately this really seems like a prologue to the following Renaissance albums and feels like a teaser of what is to come.”

“A bizarre album, resulting from a period of total chaos in the Renaissance line-up that sees a group of entirely new performers, none of whom wrote any of the songs. This is a transitional album that sits partway between the classical-influenced symphonic prog of the original group and the folk-tinged symphonic rock of the classic line-up.”

“This is not a bad album at all. Some wonderful tracks delight us with power and smoothness. The beautiful voice of Annie Haslam, make us thinking how precious life is in a moment of time. The first track Prologue is the highlight, but Rajah Khan is close. A strong album and one that made Renaissance one of the greatest bands in prog music.”

“This is the first Renaissance album with Annie Haslam on the lead vocals. It is definitely a complex and refined piano oriented album, although the tracks are loaded with other instruments.”