Scheherazade - RENAISSANCE****

Trip To The Fair/The Vultures Fly High/Ocean Gypsy/Song Of Scheherazade

Scheherazade was an album of extended progressive rock tracks featuring the distinctive voice of Annie Haslam. Undergoing many personnel changes, Renaissance never quite achieved the commercial success which their potential might have promised. (US:48)

“It’s definitely soft, gentle music by modern standards, but still dramatic. Side one is strong, culminating in Ocean Gypsy, a fine, poignant and touching rock ballad. The sidelong title track has some bombastic orchestral elements which remind me of fifties film scores. But the beautiful dreamy prog ballad sections are my favourite parts.”

“Finally the progressive-folk of Renaissance takes form in a cohesive way, with more concentration on the instrumental passages; the first side shines, with Trip To The Fair. But the suite on the second side is too verbose.”

“It must be remembered that this was rather a manufactured band directed to perform the task of creating a specific symphonic prog sound, which they did quite well. Perhaps it is a little predictable and I would much prefer some spontaneity lending a surprise or two, but that was not to be in the mix. Taken as the progressive pop it is a very pleasant album that never fails to entertain from the predictable piano run of Trip To The Fair to the finale nine part title track which is one of the most sophisticated the band has ever done.”

“The music is absolutely stunning. On side one, Ocean Gypsy ranks among Renaissance's best pieces, but it is side two that defines this album. The Scheherazade suite is one of the highlights of rock history, featuring gorgeous melodies and fabulous musicianship.”

“Their symphonic progressive rock style is just beautiful and Annie Haslam performs some amazing vocals once again. Just four songs here and I must say that all are pretty awesome. Ocean Gypsy is probably my favourite, but also the massive title track offers some unbelievable moments.”

“This is the most ambitious work in their career, keeping to the same formula as their previous albums, but lacking in catchier melodies. This would've been a good album, if there wasn't the overly long and sometimes boring title track.”