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Friday Five: Renaissance

There’s no category for this British band, they pull from numerous genres. Believe it or not, this band was an offshoot of the Yardbirds, but after a couple of albums the band composition changed as did the direction of the music.

Remember, in the early 1970s, classic, folk and jazz penetrated deeply into a part of rock that blossomed into what is generally referred to as art rock or progressive rock. A big part of their sound was orchestral backing to go along with their overall acoustic sound. The band featured Annie Haslam’s amazing five-octave voice and John Tout’s wizardry on piano very forward in the mix. Until Azure d’Or (1979), the last album with the classic lineup, electronic instruments were used sparingly, then electric guitars and synthesizers were used as the band moved for a more contemporary sound (though less successful).

Renaissance embraced the classical path with a folk lyrical leaning that drew from such sources as Russian and European literature, many things distinctly English countryside, fairs and other topics like war. Betty Thatcher functioned as the band’s primary lyricist for most of their 1970s albums.

The classic lineup of Renaissance were: Annie Haslam (vocals), Michael Dunsford (guitars, backing vocals), Jon Camp (bass, guitar, vocals), John Tout (keyboards, backing vocals), Terance Sullivan (drums, percussion, backing vocals).

The songs…

“Can You Hear Me?” Novella (1977) written by Jon Camp, Michael Dunford, Betty Thatcher. Majestic. The orchestral arrangement is not backing, it’s an integral part of the song. At almost fourteen minutes, it’s a grand suite of pieces, sown together flawlessly.

“Midas Man” Novella (1977) written by Michael Dunford, Betty Thatcher. I never quite know how to describe this song, it has a churchy feel to it with the bells and organ, and the orchestral backing conveys a heavenly vibe. Camp’s bass guitar really drives the song with the melodic notes.

“Vultures Fly High” Scheherazade and Other Stories (1975). A shorter song by Renaissance standards. I like how this song rocks, right from the start. There are lovelier songs, more expansive soundscapes, but this song shows how they can handle a heavier (for them) uptempo song. Annie Haslam’s voice manages to soar above the energetic musical burst.

“Opening Out” A Song For All Season (1978) written by Jon Camp, Michael Dunford). A lovely song that foretells the complex and soaring songs that will follow.

“Day of the Dreamer” A Song For All Season (1978) written by Jon Camp, Michael Dunford). This has to be my favorite Renaissance song – it just seems to have everything that I enjoy about the band.

Thoughts…

It was easy to find five, the trouble was I had ten more I wanted to list. Usually, I try to not pick more than one song per album but I had to in this instance.

After more than five decades, Renaissance is winding down. Annie Haslam is still at the microphone as the last member of the classic lineup. In 2024, their last tour was held. On November 29, 2025, Annie united with Renaissance co-founder Jim McCarty for a special evening of stories and performance.