LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL

I have mixed feelings about this album. On one hand it is a fine representation of what was the band in the mid seventies. On the other, it is a bit dated. Their performance is impeccable and that´s the problem: too perfect, no variations, no raw moments, the orchestra doing exactly what was on their studio albums. The 24 minute version of Ashes Are Burning is a typical case of 70´s overblowing, including a 5 minute bass solo. Were they not the fine musicians they are, it would be a disaster. But even then, it gets boring after one or two spins. I also miss the electric guitar parts of Prologue.

Ok, maybe I´m being too harsh. At the time this double LP was considered a masterpiece and I was proud to get it. Still I don´t listen to it too much. Looking back, I think they were better in the studio. Anyway, on stage they proved they were, techically speaking, no fake. Annie Haslam is probably the best female singer ever to grace a rock band and the five lads had an incredible rapport. They may not have too much stage presence or charisma, but they delivered the goods with technique and precision. Jon Tout being one of the most underrated keyboards genius of all rock history.

Conclusion: a good display of Renaissance on stage with an orchestra. If it sounds too much like their studio work, maybe that was the idea. Sometimes it works, sometimes it is a little better. In a few moments it gets a little boring. Typical 70´s live album, indeed. 3,5 stars.