The singing and playing here is rapturous with a transcendent melody and pure musicality. Annie Haslam remains THE most underrated singer in the rock-n-roll era. May the advent of the new social media elevate her to the stratosphere she so richly deserves!
The purity of their music and of Anne Haslam's voice always gave me chills; their songs have always remained in the back of my mind, moving me to write and create through four decades.
Great version, 22 yrs after the original! As to who wrote it, on the album, this portion of 'Song of Scheherazade' is credited to Dunford/Thatcher, as were most of the songs from this era. Various other pieces are by Tout (Fanfare) or Camp/Dunford/Tout (Finale), etc. But as has been remarked, everything fits together seamlessly. Sounds best with a full orchestral backing, which is not too practical to do!
What can you say when you hear songs like this?It's just unreal.This group still performs today.How many decades ago did the other half of The Yardbirds,Led Zeppejoke use their drummer's death as an excuse to quit?
That's just half of the 70s lineup and after a very long hiatus. That way, even LZ reunited and Queen are still playing. Of course, judging from your earlier, disrespectful comment on 'women' (Roy Wood wrote the beautiful Rockalise FYI and the arrangements for the If I Loved You cover on the same album are beyond the grasp of the best Dunford can do) you seem to be a rather opinionated sort.
@CrimsonKing589051 Hearing the voices of Haslem and Karen Carpenter are among my greatest musical joys.No man's voice in history can match such beauty or perfection.Roy Wood was terribly over-rated and every immortal song Haslem has sang to this day was penned by Dunford.They were obviously soulmates,music of that astouding beauty doesn't come into the world by accident.When it comes to chosing a partner,women have a strange psychy unfortunately.History itself is my proof,experience too.
@CrimsonKing589051 Despite what you think,I'm actually a very open-minded person and very quick to admit when I think I'm wrong about something.In this case,I'm not.How do I know?Time is the one and only true test of great music.Wood produced nothing of lasting value.Dunford is a most unusually gifted song writer.The test of time has ALREADY proved that simple fact.No human being can argue against the uncomprehensible essense of time.(Haslem divorced her husband and lives alone by the way).
Erm, I don't think you realize or know then that Roy Wood penned an 'immortal' album called Annie In Wonderland, Annie's first solo album and those songs I referred to are off that album. Have you ever heard those songs and on what basis do you claim they are not of lasting value? Because you say so it is so? And the husband you refer to was a man in Pennsylvania, she never married Wood. You sure do know a lot, sir!
@CrimsonKing589051 Well you just stuck your foot in your mouth about 5 times! I still own Annie in Wonderland.The album sits in my closet as I'm writing to you.They are planning on releasing it on cd any day now.It is not a true prog album,it's o.k.,but does not come close to Renaissance standards.The best song on it is the last one taken from the famous slow movement of Dvoraks New World Symphony.I was well aware that she never married Wood,but did some other American that didn't work out.
@rematpac Ho ho and so Carpet of the Sun and Northern Lights are true prog songs? Need we get started on Camera Camera/Timeline? And what's the deal with true prog? Songs in the Key of Life and Abbey Road are not true prog albums either, so what? As for Going Home being derived from New World Symphony, we know what is Renaissance's track record appropos that, don't we?
@CrimsonKing589051 Yes,they are prog songs,which don't have to be 20 minutes in length.Part of the genius of those 2 very popular songs is their perfectly balanced structure besides the brilliant instrumental harmonies that improve upon their flawless structures.Why do you think they're so popular?Brilliant melodies both.I also own the albums Camera Camera and Timeline,though never popular enough to be made into cds (yet),they're leaps and bounds compared to the New Wave crap that came out then.
@rematpac I think that tells me all I need about how much you know. No, my dear sir, both Carpet...and Northern Lights are both pop songs. Merely, the presence of an instrumental break does not make it prog, unless Stevie Wonder is prog in an alternative universe. Yes, it is true that prog songs don't have to be 20 minutes long, but we are talking of Renaissance here, not King Crimson and Gentle Giant. And I will comfortably take Discipline over Camera Camera and Timeline, thank you.
@CrimsonKing589051 I would agree with you,except they were written by a prog group and you tell me where I can find the definition of what a prog song is?
@rematpac So, everything written by a prog group is prog? Like how Owner of a Lonely Heart is prog, for instance? And I know what road you're going down. There is no rigid definition of prog because it is an approach and not a genre but that doesn't mean one can call straightforward pop songs prog, prog is supposed to be a 'progression' on mainstream pop/rock. An element of subjectivity doesn't mean there is no right or wrong (and if that was so, would render your precious knowledge useless)
@CrimsonKing589051 The best definition of prog rock I've found is,'Progressive rock has always been about the music"(only).You laugh at the simple beauty of those 2 Renaissance songs yet Dvorak's melody was much simpler,Wood's arrangement simpler yet.
@rematpac I think from reading this conversation (or Renaissance threads in general), it would be quite clear to all but you who is the braggart here. Somebody who sends threats on my profile must take himself WAY too seriously. :D And these 'incredible' facts are those which I myself posted on this thread and which most Ren fans would be aware of anyway, I don't need to read a book to know. But I am grateful that you only intend those to be your famous last words, do be going! :D
@CrimsonKing589051 No ,you were the one who was trying to be a braggart but you came up way short ,not me.I sent you that advice so you might not feel so bad because very few people have beat me on their musical knowledge.I didn't say you read a book,I was implying for you not to try it because that would be unfair.The famous last words were referring to what I thought would be yours .If you want to engage in an intelligent conversation,especially about music,I shall be more than happy to .
@rematpac Intelligent conversation with someone who comes up with trumped up arguments to call Northern Lights and Carpet prog (whereas If I Loved You and Rockalise somewhat aren't?)? Good day to you. And your own words let you down so badly, here you go:
"because very few people have beat me on their musical knowledge."
This after calling Carpet...a prog rock song??? I sincerely hope you are just an internet troll and don't earnestly intend your words.
@CrimsonKing589051 Unbelieveable,I'm trying to make friends with you and you're calling me a troll?What have you got to say about King Crimson's Top 40 output after their 1st 9 outstanding albums?And every message I take the time to send you is very irritating because youtube is making me spell an impossibly read word to get through!
How is King Crimson relevant here? I wouldn't call the albums between ITCOTCK and Larks...outstanding by the way, they were ok. As for Dvorak, Going Home is not simpler than Carpet..., it has a second verse while Carpet is a single verse chorus cycle. And I did not laugh at those songs, I said they are not prog, which you seem to find so difficult to digest. Remember never to put down stuff just because it's not prog, that's the dumbest thing on earth for a music listener to do.
@rematpac I said the albums BETWEEN ITCOTCK and Larks, i.e. Poseidon, Lizard, Islands. And if you love Carpenters, your attempts to put down Annie In Wonderland on the grounds of not being prog is even more inexplicable. You clearly have a strong prejudice against Wood. He came up with beautiful arrangements and brought out a warm, fragile and vulnerable side to Annie's singing which is not so much in evidence with Renaissance. If you hadn't been expecting prog, you'd probably have liked it.
@CrimsonKing589051 I have all those Crimson cds and love them all.There is a far cry between The Carpenters immortal classics and Annie's album.We're going to have to disagree on this one that's for sure.Ilike her album,but I haven't played it for years
@rematpac Annie's renditions of If I Loved You and the Dvorak song leave those of other singers far behind and I don't say this just because she sang them or whatever (because I wouldn't rate her take on Nature Boy that highly). What can I say, people only call that immortal which is told to them to be so. Annie in Wonderland never got very popular but I haven't heard her sing better in any other studio recordings, all the virtuosity of Ren but with a lot more soul to go with it too.
"I am bound to love her nightingale vocals for the rest of all my days". I have the Annie in Wonderland LP, and I agree with you. Annie has really grown up with this one and perhaps the former "Move" guy (Roy Wood?) had a hand with the soul. "Going Home" never fails to bring tears to my eyes. It's one of the most gut-wrenching interpretations and ranks up there with the ending of "Ashes" to send shivers down my spine.
@TheLilithFair She herself gives a lot of credit to Wood for getting her to explore her voice more on this album. Also, she probably found it easier to handle the lyrics on these songs and lend warmth. It's much tougher for the singer to emote over prog's cryptic/abstract lyrics. Annie did a great job with Renaissance too but there's evidently more heart in the singing here. Yes, especially Going Home is powerful beyond belief, she really goes for it on that song.
Back in 1977, I recorded the Carnegie Hall concert out of AM radio during a summer thunderstorm. The static noise caused by lightning got into the recording. I played that tape down to the bone, so that even now I sort of expect to hear the lighting static when I listen to this song.
Renaissance was such a private pleasure for me back then: I actually didn't know anyone else who had heard of them.
I think Micheal Dunford must have been in love with Annie Haslem to have the inspiration to write songs like these.And then she hooks up with that scuz bucket from The Move?-that's women.
Sweet! A few years ago while cleaning out the basement I found a the phonograph record "Live at Carnegie Hall", one of the best things that ever happened in 1976. We used to listen the the Renaissance albums a lot, especially that one, more than ELP. Borrowed a player, put a coin on the tonearm, and recorded it onto a DVD. By today's standards this music defies description, as timeless as Beethoven.
I had the fortune to have seen the earlier Renaissance (with Yardbird's Keith Relf and his sister Jane Relf) live in Switzerland around 1969/70 - with 'Kings and Queens' and many other fabulous songs. Later, around the time of this recording, I did see them with breath-taking Annie Haslam in Zurich. I still must have a cassette tape recording of that concert, in a bad audio quality though. Thanks gnrbc for posting this absolute highlight.
I'm SO glad to be old enough to have had this brilliant music be imprinted upon my soul! It is an oasis....we should endeavour to carry it forward. This world needs it.
When I was a child , the voice of annie Haslam, clear and strange at the same time, put a spell on me... Without a doupte the only time in my life I was really in love with a voice. Thanks to her and thanks to Renaissance forever !
and that my friends is how its done--------sheer perfection-----------no one in todays music scene even comes close-----thank-you Annie for sharing your mesmerizing voice with us
MELTING EUPHORIA IS SIMILAR TO OZRIC TENTACLES AND GONG. MOTHER GONG, MAGMA, EAT STATIC, SYSTEM 7, LISA GERRARD, DEAD CAN DANCE, TONINHO HORTA, PATRICK BERNARD,STEVE TIBBETTS, STEVE HILLAGE ARE GREAT HOLISTIC BANDS as well
Just listen to that last sustained note...I don't think she has held it that long even on the Carnegie or Albert Hall performances. Always striving for excellence, even in an ambience that's hardly flattering...sorry, no disrespect to those who were there that day to applaud her.
I have chills all over. I saw Renaissance twice, back in the late 70s/early 80s. Met Annie at NEARfest in 2004, even sat down and chatted for a few minutes. Truly a priviledge to be in the company of the "first lady of prog". She's a terrific painter too.
usually around Christmastime at the Sellersville theater in Pa. Considering she had bout with breast cancer in the 90's, she does look pretty awesome!
I saw Renaissance twice in the 80s, once at Red Rocks. While there was obviously magic with the entire band at their peak, I agree with emagency that Annie, remarkably, still has IT. What a grand surprise. She obviously has a gift that doesn't fade with time. So very rare.
This has to be one of the most beautiful songs EVER written or performed. What a VOICE! What BEAUTIFUL words! What INCREDIBLE music! As the earlier post said, IMAGINE to BE IN THAT AUDIENCE!
This Month marks the offical 40 years since the Band Reniassance was created, though not in the annie Haslam Trout Dunford group, still its been almost 34 years since I first saw them, the one show I do remeber was 1976 at Seton Hall University with my buddies from HS, we all got togather the spring of Freshman year at College , Great Show, with all the great Bands getting together , why or why cant these guys do it Please.I've seen Annie a few times in PA over the years and she still has it.
Whomever you are, thank you for using this uplifting quote with the second sentence increasing its meaning exponentially It is a thrill and everso encouraging to find such high minded and positive people responding to Renaissance and Moody Blues postings It makes me feel a lot better about humanity to know the high minded , the lovely and loving still have a voice and a place to resonate and hamonize with other high minded spiritual and loving people,
THANK you so much, Anni for this wonderful song,i appreciate your work and your Voice is so clear as in the beginning... congratiolations for this one.
One of my all time favorites. Thank you for posting this.
My best Renaissance memory came when I lived in Houston in the '70s... they played a small(ish) club in the downtown area around the time of the release of their live album, and my date and I ended-up sitting right in front of the stage... no more than 4'-6' from Annie. Eye contact combined with the glorious music and vocals made for a wonderfully surreal experience!
John Tout introduced me to Betty, the first night they played Carnegie Hall. You just got the impression Betty would rather be anyplace on this planet, instead of attending a "after performance party" She was so down to earth and humble...its a long way from cornwell to new york city...hope she's happy! cause she brought so much joy to renaissance fans!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Hello Betty,
I'm so sorry to hear that you've been ill. I hope you're on the road to recovery and good health.
Australian radio never played Renaissance records, and the band never toured down under, but somehow I still managed to discover their incredible music and your delightful lyrics!
Thank you for the joy and pleasure that your Renaissance lyrics have given to me over the years. You must be very proud of your work. Do you still write?
After seeing Renaissance perform in front of thousands....its a little disheartening to see Annie perform in front of maybe 50 middle aged men...Her voice though remains unequal!
DOC......Her voice is so wonderful and unique I had the pleasure of seeing her in concert at Front Row Theater in Cleveland 7/79....and she is still performing today....Bravo Annie
Saw them live in 1978 (A Song for All Seasons tour). This is classical rock at it's finest...creative, unique. Song of Scheherezade is my very favorite.
well said ....you had the grace if seeing Annie......Better than seeing a classical composer ...in yesteryear,,,,,,Once in a life time ......like a celestial event.
Most definitely. The concert was in a small theater and my friend and I didn't get to our seats soon enough; so we got stuck in the last row of the balcony, behind the spotlight..LOL!!
Didn't matter, though...Annie (and the band) had a way of making you feel like you were in the front row.
Annie Haslam has been very active since those days ...we remember. Having a bout with breast cancer in the 90s..she is now involved with saving the whales ,and wolves ...and art wise is involved with Steve Howe of Yes ,and last but not least Becky Thatcher.Annie lives in Buck county Pa...and still performs in a little theater outside of Philly in a town called Sellersville...her next date there is Dec 20....
Becky Thatcher? is that Betty Thatchers sister? Met Betty not Becky at one of the Live @ Carnegie Hall gigs..My guess is that Betty still lives in Cornwall..and is married.
The melody for this segment of Scheherazade is one of the most beautiful 3 minutes in pop music history. I always wind up scrolling back to hear this part again when I listen to that piece.
Well, I was born in 1968, so I couldn't buy all that early Renaissance stuff when it first came out. I bought it ALL in the early 80s... from Prologue to Turn of the Cards to Ashes are Burning to Novella to Scheherazade to Song for All Seasons, Live Album, etc. etc.
I was born late... but I really caught up quickly.
Has anyone heard "Scherazade the musical" composed by Micheal Dunford. I purchased the CD recently and even though 2 tracks are by Annie, "Remember Me" and "In the Stillness of the Room" it's no wonder that it got nowhere, it doesn't even follow the correct story line!
This is from her DVD Live in Philadephia 1997 though in NTSC format it will still play on British players with progressive scan, which is nearly all of them.
Ah, to find this video here after so many years...one of my favorite songs from the Sheherezade & Other Stories album. So dreamy and inspiring...just beautiful...thanks Annie
The potency of Annie's singing and the beauty of this music (albeit with classical Russian origins)are a another reminder of what we have lost now that Renaissance are a thing of the past. How we miss you!
There is THAT VOICE !
proisle 2 months ago
Bravo Annie! One of my favorites....
KitsuneMikuChi 3 months ago
Great performance by a great singer, often supported by a remarkable band, here playing an excerpt from the unforgettable album "Scheherazade"!
lor682009 3 months ago
Thank you so much for this, what an absolutely beautiful song and so so representative of Renaissance. Many thanks: Beth
Amarige30100 3 months ago
Annie is the one and only.
Adyacentes 4 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Annie Haslam
This is beautiful - so powerful.
MrJimdeb 4 months ago
The singing and playing here is rapturous with a transcendent melody and pure musicality. Annie Haslam remains THE most underrated singer in the rock-n-roll era. May the advent of the new social media elevate her to the stratosphere she so richly deserves!
windnchgo 4 months ago in playlist Annie Haslam
Just found this set on iTunes!! Amazing and inspiring talent she is!
fbrown172 8 months ago
I almost fell asleep during the 3:10 intro... but a great voice
doowop1942 9 months ago
The purity of their music and of Anne Haslam's voice always gave me chills; their songs have always remained in the back of my mind, moving me to write and create through four decades.
SaraBorowiec1 9 months ago
Great version, 22 yrs after the original! As to who wrote it, on the album, this portion of 'Song of Scheherazade' is credited to Dunford/Thatcher, as were most of the songs from this era. Various other pieces are by Tout (Fanfare) or Camp/Dunford/Tout (Finale), etc. But as has been remarked, everything fits together seamlessly. Sounds best with a full orchestral backing, which is not too practical to do!
progfan10 10 months ago
I am so in love with Annie's voice. Unsurpassable.
milespergallon1 10 months ago
Annie Haslam, the most beautiful voice. Shae is so amazing. Why did she never got the recognition?
rstu991 11 months ago
What can you say when you hear songs like this?It's just unreal.This group still performs today.How many decades ago did the other half of The Yardbirds,Led Zeppejoke use their drummer's death as an excuse to quit?
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac
That's just half of the 70s lineup and after a very long hiatus. That way, even LZ reunited and Queen are still playing. Of course, judging from your earlier, disrespectful comment on 'women' (Roy Wood wrote the beautiful Rockalise FYI and the arrangements for the If I Loved You cover on the same album are beyond the grasp of the best Dunford can do) you seem to be a rather opinionated sort.
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 Hearing the voices of Haslem and Karen Carpenter are among my greatest musical joys.No man's voice in history can match such beauty or perfection.Roy Wood was terribly over-rated and every immortal song Haslem has sang to this day was penned by Dunford.They were obviously soulmates,music of that astouding beauty doesn't come into the world by accident.When it comes to chosing a partner,women have a strange psychy unfortunately.History itself is my proof,experience too.
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac
"History itself is my proof,experience too." - OMG
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 Sir.you just made an ass of yourself 5 minutes ago!What are you bragging about?
rematpac 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 Famous last words! Be sure and grab a book and do some quick reading and TRY to stump me again!
rematpac 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 Despite what you think,I'm actually a very open-minded person and very quick to admit when I think I'm wrong about something.In this case,I'm not.How do I know?Time is the one and only true test of great music.Wood produced nothing of lasting value.Dunford is a most unusually gifted song writer.The test of time has ALREADY proved that simple fact.No human being can argue against the uncomprehensible essense of time.(Haslem divorced her husband and lives alone by the way).
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac
Erm, I don't think you realize or know then that Roy Wood penned an 'immortal' album called Annie In Wonderland, Annie's first solo album and those songs I referred to are off that album. Have you ever heard those songs and on what basis do you claim they are not of lasting value? Because you say so it is so? And the husband you refer to was a man in Pennsylvania, she never married Wood. You sure do know a lot, sir!
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 Well you just stuck your foot in your mouth about 5 times! I still own Annie in Wonderland.The album sits in my closet as I'm writing to you.They are planning on releasing it on cd any day now.It is not a true prog album,it's o.k.,but does not come close to Renaissance standards.The best song on it is the last one taken from the famous slow movement of Dvoraks New World Symphony.I was well aware that she never married Wood,but did some other American that didn't work out.
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac Ho ho and so Carpet of the Sun and Northern Lights are true prog songs? Need we get started on Camera Camera/Timeline? And what's the deal with true prog? Songs in the Key of Life and Abbey Road are not true prog albums either, so what? As for Going Home being derived from New World Symphony, we know what is Renaissance's track record appropos that, don't we?
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 Yes,they are prog songs,which don't have to be 20 minutes in length.Part of the genius of those 2 very popular songs is their perfectly balanced structure besides the brilliant instrumental harmonies that improve upon their flawless structures.Why do you think they're so popular?Brilliant melodies both.I also own the albums Camera Camera and Timeline,though never popular enough to be made into cds (yet),they're leaps and bounds compared to the New Wave crap that came out then.
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac I think that tells me all I need about how much you know. No, my dear sir, both Carpet...and Northern Lights are both pop songs. Merely, the presence of an instrumental break does not make it prog, unless Stevie Wonder is prog in an alternative universe. Yes, it is true that prog songs don't have to be 20 minutes long, but we are talking of Renaissance here, not King Crimson and Gentle Giant. And I will comfortably take Discipline over Camera Camera and Timeline, thank you.
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 I would agree with you,except they were written by a prog group and you tell me where I can find the definition of what a prog song is?
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac So, everything written by a prog group is prog? Like how Owner of a Lonely Heart is prog, for instance? And I know what road you're going down. There is no rigid definition of prog because it is an approach and not a genre but that doesn't mean one can call straightforward pop songs prog, prog is supposed to be a 'progression' on mainstream pop/rock. An element of subjectivity doesn't mean there is no right or wrong (and if that was so, would render your precious knowledge useless)
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 The best definition of prog rock I've found is,'Progressive rock has always been about the music"(only).You laugh at the simple beauty of those 2 Renaissance songs yet Dvorak's melody was much simpler,Wood's arrangement simpler yet.
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac I think from reading this conversation (or Renaissance threads in general), it would be quite clear to all but you who is the braggart here. Somebody who sends threats on my profile must take himself WAY too seriously. :D And these 'incredible' facts are those which I myself posted on this thread and which most Ren fans would be aware of anyway, I don't need to read a book to know. But I am grateful that you only intend those to be your famous last words, do be going! :D
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 No ,you were the one who was trying to be a braggart but you came up way short ,not me.I sent you that advice so you might not feel so bad because very few people have beat me on their musical knowledge.I didn't say you read a book,I was implying for you not to try it because that would be unfair.The famous last words were referring to what I thought would be yours .If you want to engage in an intelligent conversation,especially about music,I shall be more than happy to .
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac Intelligent conversation with someone who comes up with trumped up arguments to call Northern Lights and Carpet prog (whereas If I Loved You and Rockalise somewhat aren't?)? Good day to you. And your own words let you down so badly, here you go:
"because very few people have beat me on their musical knowledge."
This after calling Carpet...a prog rock song??? I sincerely hope you are just an internet troll and don't earnestly intend your words.
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 Unbelieveable,I'm trying to make friends with you and you're calling me a troll?What have you got to say about King Crimson's Top 40 output after their 1st 9 outstanding albums?And every message I take the time to send you is very irritating because youtube is making me spell an impossibly read word to get through!
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac
How is King Crimson relevant here? I wouldn't call the albums between ITCOTCK and Larks...outstanding by the way, they were ok. As for Dvorak, Going Home is not simpler than Carpet..., it has a second verse while Carpet is a single verse chorus cycle. And I did not laugh at those songs, I said they are not prog, which you seem to find so difficult to digest. Remember never to put down stuff just because it's not prog, that's the dumbest thing on earth for a music listener to do.
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 I thought Larks was one of their best albums and Idon't limit myself to just prog,I love The Carpenters.
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac I said the albums BETWEEN ITCOTCK and Larks, i.e. Poseidon, Lizard, Islands. And if you love Carpenters, your attempts to put down Annie In Wonderland on the grounds of not being prog is even more inexplicable. You clearly have a strong prejudice against Wood. He came up with beautiful arrangements and brought out a warm, fragile and vulnerable side to Annie's singing which is not so much in evidence with Renaissance. If you hadn't been expecting prog, you'd probably have liked it.
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051 I have all those Crimson cds and love them all.There is a far cry between The Carpenters immortal classics and Annie's album.We're going to have to disagree on this one that's for sure.Ilike her album,but I haven't played it for years
rematpac 1 year ago
@rematpac Annie's renditions of If I Loved You and the Dvorak song leave those of other singers far behind and I don't say this just because she sang them or whatever (because I wouldn't rate her take on Nature Boy that highly). What can I say, people only call that immortal which is told to them to be so. Annie in Wonderland never got very popular but I haven't heard her sing better in any other studio recordings, all the virtuosity of Ren but with a lot more soul to go with it too.
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@CrimsonKing589051
"I am bound to love her nightingale vocals for the rest of all my days". I have the Annie in Wonderland LP, and I agree with you. Annie has really grown up with this one and perhaps the former "Move" guy (Roy Wood?) had a hand with the soul. "Going Home" never fails to bring tears to my eyes. It's one of the most gut-wrenching interpretations and ranks up there with the ending of "Ashes" to send shivers down my spine.
TheLilithFair 1 year ago
@TheLilithFair She herself gives a lot of credit to Wood for getting her to explore her voice more on this album. Also, she probably found it easier to handle the lyrics on these songs and lend warmth. It's much tougher for the singer to emote over prog's cryptic/abstract lyrics. Annie did a great job with Renaissance too but there's evidently more heart in the singing here. Yes, especially Going Home is powerful beyond belief, she really goes for it on that song.
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
@rematpac Trying to make friends? How about you start by getting off your high horse and then we shall see.
CrimsonKing589051 1 year ago
Back in 1977, I recorded the Carnegie Hall concert out of AM radio during a summer thunderstorm. The static noise caused by lightning got into the recording. I played that tape down to the bone, so that even now I sort of expect to hear the lighting static when I listen to this song.
Renaissance was such a private pleasure for me back then: I actually didn't know anyone else who had heard of them.
farawaysoclose61 1 year ago
I love her.
TheRenaissancePen 1 year ago
This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL<<< Loved her from the time I was 15.Actually was at the carnegie hall concert........
mikey1829 1 year ago
I think Micheal Dunford must have been in love with Annie Haslem to have the inspiration to write songs like these.And then she hooks up with that scuz bucket from The Move?-that's women.
rematpac 1 year ago
maravilhoso..espetacular...awesome!!! Great Annie...Great Renaissance...
GuilhermeCairo 1 year ago
At 1:40 a (bad word here) spoils the show. That synth is horrid!
ErnestAbikis 1 year ago
@ErnestAbikis THE BEST OF ALL(ON CD was better)
jaamnik601 1 year ago
@jaamnik601 Definitely!
ErnestAbikis 1 year ago
My last names Haslam!I wounder if we are related :D probly not.
tyarah9 1 year ago
Sweet! A few years ago while cleaning out the basement I found a the phonograph record "Live at Carnegie Hall", one of the best things that ever happened in 1976. We used to listen the the Renaissance albums a lot, especially that one, more than ELP. Borrowed a player, put a coin on the tonearm, and recorded it onto a DVD. By today's standards this music defies description, as timeless as Beethoven.
duck3068 1 year ago
I had the fortune to have seen the earlier Renaissance (with Yardbird's Keith Relf and his sister Jane Relf) live in Switzerland around 1969/70 - with 'Kings and Queens' and many other fabulous songs. Later, around the time of this recording, I did see them with breath-taking Annie Haslam in Zurich. I still must have a cassette tape recording of that concert, in a bad audio quality though. Thanks gnrbc for posting this absolute highlight.
freedplanet 1 year ago
am picking myself in pieces all over the room at listening to this..
I listen to this album once at year. very special stuff.
This is the champagne of Prog Rock albums..
DamienOlsen 1 year ago 4
Annie starts singing at 3:03
robertlaberge 1 year ago
I love music like music loves Annie Haslam.
robertlaberge 1 year ago
Lei è stata la voce del mitico gruppo rock-prog dei "Renaissance" e questo è uno dei loro meravigliosi brani.
ariacurva 1 year ago
I'm SO glad to be old enough to have had this brilliant music be imprinted upon my soul! It is an oasis....we should endeavour to carry it forward. This world needs it.
tammyclaire67 1 year ago
One of the most beautiful melodies ever.
IYAMNI 1 year ago
FYI,,,,,,,,,,
there is a Renaissance tour happening NOW in the Eastern part of the States & Canada
lookingfortalent2007 1 year ago
ANNIE HASLAM!! Nada mais a dizer... Basta fechar os olhos e ouvir.
MrGustavoPereira 1 year ago
This song and her voice carries you away into the land of enchantment like no other song. So romantic and beautiful. We love you Annie.
songsfor2 1 year ago
She is absolutely FANTASTIC and this is one of my favorite from the band :)
scrubschick87 2 years ago
My favorite single Renaissance passage ever, and one of the most beautiful works I've ever heard. Just fantastic!
DaddyandKitten 2 years ago 9
When I was a child , the voice of annie Haslam, clear and strange at the same time, put a spell on me... Without a doupte the only time in my life I was really in love with a voice. Thanks to her and thanks to Renaissance forever !
Phil from France
escoffierp 2 years ago 2
I had a true crush on Annie in the 80s...and I was in my 20s! If ever there was an angel come to sing in public, she was the one!
druidia9 2 years ago 3
and that my friends is how its done--------sheer perfection-----------no one in todays music scene even comes close-----thank-you Annie for sharing your mesmerizing voice with us
dwfeen00 2 years ago 5
Annie and Michael Dunford are embarking on a tour beginning next month to celebrate 40 years of Renaissance
stiegy97291 2 years ago
MELTING EUPHORIA IS SIMILAR TO OZRIC TENTACLES AND GONG. MOTHER GONG, MAGMA, EAT STATIC, SYSTEM 7, LISA GERRARD, DEAD CAN DANCE, TONINHO HORTA, PATRICK BERNARD,STEVE TIBBETTS, STEVE HILLAGE ARE GREAT HOLISTIC BANDS as well
countdumas 2 years ago
Just listen to that last sustained note...I don't think she has held it that long even on the Carnegie or Albert Hall performances. Always striving for excellence, even in an ambience that's hardly flattering...sorry, no disrespect to those who were there that day to applaud her.
CrimsonKing589051 2 years ago
essa é fera !!!
guilhermelambari 2 years ago
que voz... e essa musica em si...puts, me recordo andando pelas ruas em israel, com Ipod ouvindo isso
maxmoishe 2 years ago
I have chills all over. I saw Renaissance twice, back in the late 70s/early 80s. Met Annie at NEARfest in 2004, even sat down and chatted for a few minutes. Truly a priviledge to be in the company of the "first lady of prog". She's a terrific painter too.
foxtrotnow 2 years ago
I still get chills....thinking back..what a voice..
mred1989 2 years ago
Ah, Annie that voice!
I had no idea she was still performing. The years have been very kind to her.
SteamtownBuff 2 years ago 3
usually around Christmastime at the Sellersville theater in Pa. Considering she had bout with breast cancer in the 90's, she does look pretty awesome!
stiegy97291 2 years ago
Perfection.
BobAcoustic 2 years ago 2
I saw Renaissance twice in the 80s, once at Red Rocks. While there was obviously magic with the entire band at their peak, I agree with emagency that Annie, remarkably, still has IT. What a grand surprise. She obviously has a gift that doesn't fade with time. So very rare.
druidia9 2 years ago
Annie, what a voice.. what a soul...you are absolutely beautiful my dear!
shedbedder 2 years ago 3
Amen to that.
Ic1cle 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
there are times when note for note coverage is good-other times improv.
in this case virtually each magic note was recreated
gennx30 2 years ago
This has to be one of the most beautiful songs EVER written or performed. What a VOICE! What BEAUTIFUL words! What INCREDIBLE music! As the earlier post said, IMAGINE to BE IN THAT AUDIENCE!
tntquality 2 years ago 2
Unfortunately have imagined to be in that audience, and would find it most depressing!
To see Renaissance play in front of thousands
(they are the only rock n roll band to sell out Carnegie Hall 4 consecutive nights)
My apologies if you didn't live on the east coast, as that is where they were most popular!
stiegy97291 2 years ago
Words fail me...
mccormickbom 2 years ago 4
oooooohhhhh Annie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dwfeen00 2 years ago
Can anyone say that being in this audience would not have been a life-landmark?
Thank you GMRBC for making this virtual concert ticket possible
Tom iLoughlin Jr
telsport 2 years ago
This Month marks the offical 40 years since the Band Reniassance was created, though not in the annie Haslam Trout Dunford group, still its been almost 34 years since I first saw them, the one show I do remeber was 1976 at Seton Hall University with my buddies from HS, we all got togather the spring of Freshman year at College , Great Show, with all the great Bands getting together , why or why cant these guys do it Please.I've seen Annie a few times in PA over the years and she still has it.
emcagency 2 years ago
Comment removed
stiegy97291 2 years ago
Yet another auspicious 40th anniversary this year then !
1969 was quite a year...
Ic1cle 2 years ago
Annie que delicia escucharte !!!
Porque no das un concierto en Buenos Aires, Argentina???
No esta tan lejos, o si???
La Luna esta mas lejos y fueron !!!
rejtmand 2 years ago
fabulous voice, musical arrangements, & lyrics.... saw Renaissance in Detroit in the 80's, still applauding from the heart
JesterManitou 2 years ago
wounderful as usual..
magnusdering 2 years ago
In the words of John Keats:
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Fade into nothingness".
Ic1cle 3 years ago 2
Whomever you are, thank you for using this uplifting quote with the second sentence increasing its meaning exponentially It is a thrill and everso encouraging to find such high minded and positive people responding to Renaissance and Moody Blues postings It makes me feel a lot better about humanity to know the high minded , the lovely and loving still have a voice and a place to resonate and hamonize with other high minded spiritual and loving people,
God love you, Ic1cle
Tom Loughlin, Jr
telsport 2 years ago 3
God bless you too, Tom.
Ic1cle 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Love the voice. About the tenth song I've heard of hers, and this is the one I like the least
lindalealphamale 3 years ago
THANK you so much, Anni for this wonderful song,i appreciate your work and your Voice is so clear as in the beginning... congratiolations for this one.
zappa099 3 years ago
What a beautiful voice! You're the best Annie!
sockneman 3 years ago
One of my all time favorites. Thank you for posting this.
My best Renaissance memory came when I lived in Houston in the '70s... they played a small(ish) club in the downtown area around the time of the release of their live album, and my date and I ended-up sitting right in front of the stage... no more than 4'-6' from Annie. Eye contact combined with the glorious music and vocals made for a wonderfully surreal experience!
scubatarkus 3 years ago 3
Why I never hear of this in US, until a friend shared about Annie... no matter, I am enchanted and glad to see and hear, now
Moondancedenise 3 years ago 3
John Tout introduced me to Betty, the first night they played Carnegie Hall. You just got the impression Betty would rather be anyplace on this planet, instead of attending a "after performance party" She was so down to earth and humble...its a long way from cornwell to new york city...hope she's happy! cause she brought so much joy to renaissance fans!
stiegy97291 3 years ago
I remember that night. Makes me feel good that you remember me too and John. Thanks. Betty
BettyNewsinger 2 years ago 212
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Hello Betty,
I'm so sorry to hear that you've been ill. I hope you're on the road to recovery and good health.
Australian radio never played Renaissance records, and the band never toured down under, but somehow I still managed to discover their incredible music and your delightful lyrics!
Thank you for the joy and pleasure that your Renaissance lyrics have given to me over the years. You must be very proud of your work. Do you still write?
Warm regards,
Rob Prior
Sydney Australia
tarqus 2 years ago
Beautiful!
KanaMari 3 years ago
After seeing Renaissance perform in front of thousands....its a little disheartening to see Annie perform in front of maybe 50 middle aged men...Her voice though remains unequal!
stiegy97291 3 years ago
They were never in it for the money/fame, though. Each performed here the same as if there had been 10,000.
dowejustexist 3 years ago 2
i still want you annie
gofnas3 3 years ago 3
I met Annie....she is SO NICE and personable !!! A wonderful lady !!
CZERCHIE46 3 years ago 4
DOC......Her voice is so wonderful and unique I had the pleasure of seeing her in concert at Front Row Theater in Cleveland 7/79....and she is still performing today....Bravo Annie
marksheetz 3 years ago 5
Saw them live in 1978 (A Song for All Seasons tour). This is classical rock at it's finest...creative, unique. Song of Scheherezade is my very favorite.
dowejustexist 3 years ago 12
well said ....you had the grace if seeing Annie......Better than seeing a classical composer ...in yesteryear,,,,,,Once in a life time ......like a celestial event.
marksheetz 3 years ago
Most definitely. The concert was in a small theater and my friend and I didn't get to our seats soon enough; so we got stuck in the last row of the balcony, behind the spotlight..LOL!!
Didn't matter, though...Annie (and the band) had a way of making you feel like you were in the front row.
Concert was unforgettable.
dowejustexist 3 years ago 2
Does Annies voice still give you what we like to call the "Renaissance chills"? And does she still perform barefoot?
Am sure you will treasure that concert, as i did every time saw them between 1974-1985....from new york to california
stiegy97291 3 years ago
Yeah...it's something that's unique to Annie along with Renaissance. When I listen to her solo, it's just not the same.
dowejustexist 3 years ago
Annie Haslam has been very active since those days ...we remember. Having a bout with breast cancer in the 90s..she is now involved with saving the whales ,and wolves ...and art wise is involved with Steve Howe of Yes ,and last but not least Becky Thatcher.Annie lives in Buck county Pa...and still performs in a little theater outside of Philly in a town called Sellersville...her next date there is Dec 20....
marksheetz 3 years ago
Becky Thatcher? is that Betty Thatchers sister? Met Betty not Becky at one of the Live @ Carnegie Hall gigs..My guess is that Betty still lives in Cornwall..and is married.
stiegy97291 3 years ago
my mistake you are correct it is Betty Thatcher she collaborated with Camp and Dunsford on all the music and lyrics to renaissance songs.
marksheetz 3 years ago
@dowejustexist Saw them in Dallas on the same tour. Al Dimeola opened for them.
Scottwax 1 year ago
I MET HER IN PERSON SHE IS SOO NICE
perrottaitalia83 3 years ago 2
Just amazing!!!
katsoinbrodo 3 years ago
The melody for this segment of Scheherazade is one of the most beautiful 3 minutes in pop music history. I always wind up scrolling back to hear this part again when I listen to that piece.
UnklRudi 3 years ago
This is the first time I've heard her speak!! just her angelic singing before!
and I'm stoned!
pretty fab!
borgduck 3 years ago 2
best ever!!!! well done!!!
Jrexissimo 3 years ago
A beautiful song, a wonderful voice!
PBChuv 3 years ago 2
When I first bought the Scheherazade Lp back in the 80's I was STUNNED.
The most beautiful music ever!!!!
PaulHartXYZ 3 years ago 2
wow paulhartxyz scheherazade and other storys came out in 1975...You might want Ahses Are Burning and Turn of the Cards to add to your collection!
stiegy97291 3 years ago 2
Well, I was born in 1968, so I couldn't buy all that early Renaissance stuff when it first came out. I bought it ALL in the early 80s... from Prologue to Turn of the Cards to Ashes are Burning to Novella to Scheherazade to Song for All Seasons, Live Album, etc. etc.
I was born late... but I really caught up quickly.
PaulHartXYZ 3 years ago 5
Bravissima! Encore!!!
edlyons 4 years ago
stonkinly fab
stratocaster539 4 years ago
Thank you for this. This is one of their works that I haven't heard before. Wonderful.
smithreg 4 years ago
Oops. I haven't listened to side 2 for a number of years. I also missed Annie's intro.
smithreg 4 years ago
AMAZING!! She still have the same voice!! Scheherazade is wonderful. Words cannot describe.
lipejdc 4 years ago 2
Has anyone heard "Scherazade the musical" composed by Micheal Dunford. I purchased the CD recently and even though 2 tracks are by Annie, "Remember Me" and "In the Stillness of the Room" it's no wonder that it got nowhere, it doesn't even follow the correct story line!
cavalier080854 4 years ago
was looking for this since the late '70's
thanks
does anyone have this mp3 format ?
YTjustmar 4 years ago
from her DVD Live in Philadephia 1997 though in NTSC - Does anybody know how to convert this to play in the US?
mred1989 4 years ago
USA uses NTSC, so no need to convert. It's also region 0 (plays in all regions), so no problems there.
cavalier080854 4 years ago
I figured that out. I e-mailed the UK and then bought a copy on Amazon..Thanks
mred1989 4 years ago
Magical. My heartfelt regards.
johlotuselan 4 years ago
Beautiful.
Yogizuna 4 years ago
I forgot how beautiful this song is. Thank you.
HughFurst 4 years ago
This is from her DVD Live in Philadephia 1997 though in NTSC format it will still play on British players with progressive scan, which is nearly all of them.
cavalier080854 4 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this.
lifeinacndyswrl 4 years ago
I saw and chatted with Annie this past weekend. She looked wonderful!
Trout120 4 years ago
amazing... great the most beautiful song from renaissance !
Thanks a lot !
maxmoishe 4 years ago
Ah, to find this video here after so many years...one of my favorite songs from the Sheherezade & Other Stories album. So dreamy and inspiring...just beautiful...thanks Annie
LionheartVegas 4 years ago 2
Annie is truly an angel on earth!
Trout120 4 years ago 2
John. behave. betty
BettyNewsinger 2 years ago 5
The potency of Annie's singing and the beauty of this music (albeit with classical Russian origins)are a another reminder of what we have lost now that Renaissance are a thing of the past. How we miss you!
Quartzarenite 4 years ago 3
While Renaissance maybe a "thing of the past" their music and accomplishments will stand the test of time.
stiegy97291 3 years ago 3