Renaissance: Sound Of Renaissance V.1 CD - Import

The original group's debut album was a then-groundbreaking meld of progressive rock with classical and jazz influences. The album is a little clunky by today's standards, and far druggier than the later group in its ambience (cofounders Keith Relf and Jim McCarty were the heavily psychedelic half of the final lineup of the Yardbirds, which made them anathema to Jimmy Page), but vocalist Jane Relf had a striking individual style, and the classical influence was unique for its time. [The 2002 Collector's Choice reissue cuts "Sea" and the second version of "Island" from the track listing.] ~ Bruce Eder

'The Sound of Renaissance' is a 2002 mix series from Renaissance, the undisputed leaders of the 'progressive sound'. This 2CD package incorporates all that is synonymous with the infamous brand, from the beautiful laminated packaging to the very best, upfront tracks currently creating the buzz within the house scene. A large number of vocal tracks have been included in the album, a direct attempt to again further the appeal of the album, in this instance to a larger female audience. Progressive house and upfront dance is notoriously 'male-orientated'. Tracks such as Sinead O'Connor's Troy (the hotly tipped John Creamer and Stephane K remix here making its first appearance on a mix album!).

All tracks are live recordings.

Recorded at Olympic Sound Studios, London, England. Includes liner notes by Richie Unterberger.

Renaissance: Keith Relf (vocals, guitar, harmonica); Jane Relf (vocals, percussion); John Hawken (piano, harpsichord); Louis Cennamo (bass); Jim McCarty (percussion, vocals).Mojo (Publisher) (7/02, p.116) - "...An unusual style-salad across 5 lengthy songs which visiting that prog-rock parallel universe of malevolent jesters and mythical islands..."