Ashes Are Burning - RENAISSANCE***

Can You Understand/Let It Grow/On The Frontier/Carpet Of The Sun/At The Harbour/Ashes Are Burning

After many personnel changes the progressive folk band Renaissance had managed to finalise their distinctive sound with the release of Ashes Are Burning, aided by the vocals of Annie Haslam.(US:171)

“Very smooth progressive folk music that is a continuation of their previous work. Good musicianship and that beautiful voice, make this a nice LP to have.”

“This is where it really comes together for Renaissance after the non-stop personnel changes that they endured since their formation. Ann Haslam's second release finds her hitting her stride. It was also the first to feature a full orchestra, and so is a symphonic progressive album in the truest sense.”

“The formula falls into place, with stunning results first time around. A lush, luxuriant sound, something extremely rarely seen in music.” “Fairly brilliant symphonic, melodic prog, a little like contemporary Genesis but with female vocals. Annie Haslam possesses what may be the most exquisite female voice in pop music; crystalline and perfectly in tune.”

“The title track is one of the best ever written by the band, with long keyboard parts, very symphonic prog. The voice is again very good and shines on every track. The band are among the best from the prog old school.”

“A mix of stirring upbeat soft-rock, classic English folk-rock and epic prog, woven together with lovely mystical peace and love lyrics.” “The performances are wonderfully creative and skilful supporting the remarkable vocals of Annie Haslam. A unique band that sadly succumbed to the pressures of the recording industry to update their sound, which eventually led to them losing that which made them unique.”

“Classical folk-rock with a jazz influence. By the time of Ashes Are Burning they had finally developed their distinctive sound. No one before or since had blended soaring melodies, complex orchestration and the occasional classical quote with the modern stylings of rock and jazz like this. Of course, Annie Haslam's gorgeous voice and singing are alone worth the price, acting as an additional instrument, an integral part of the composition rather than following a vocal over the instruments.”