PROLOGUE

The original Renaissance, an offshoot of The Yardbirds, release a fine simphonic/psychedelic album in 1969. The band fell apart before the second album was released, and Michael Dunford, a guitarist that appeared on one track of that second album, somehow ended up with the band. And while he doesn't appear on this album, he wrote and arranged many of the songs on this album.

Confused yet?

Don't be. This album marks the beginning of the hugely successful period for Renaissance. This is partly because of the writing skills of Dunford, and the exceptional musicianship of the new band members, especially keyboardist John Tout and bassist John Camp. But the primary reason, I believe for their success is the addition of Annie Haslam. Her voice is easily one of the finest ever heard on record. Her clarity and precision are unmatched by any vocalist, and she also manages to instill a warmth in everything she sings.

As far as the songs, Prologue is an excellent introduction to the new lineup. Mainly an instrumental, it also has wordless vocals that accompany the exciting symphonic track. Kiev, written by thr band's original drummer, Tim McCarty, is spectacular also, and contains some themes that appear in the group's later hit Mother Russia.

After that, there is a slight dropoff, but the songs are still quite good, a blend of folk and symphonic, and very pleasing to the ears.

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