RENAISSANCE

Wow! Such an album in 1969? Impressive, very impressive! Strong classical influences (piano sound) intertwined with psychedelic melodies (vocal lines) and some jamming with MUCH better results than any The Nice album operating in somewhat similiar teritory at the time. The Nice had some great tracks but non of their albums stand the test of time as a whole, but this one is a different story. Several longer compositions (two tracks on the first side of vinyl, three on the second) where the band avoids pop song structures and adorns them with some bold instrumental work by busy bass guitar and abovementioned piano. There are male vocals (Keith Relf) on some of the tracks and female (Jane Relf). I like both - male ones are nothing spectacular, but ok, and I like them for the slightly psychedelic vocal melodies, and I like Jane's voice as well, particulary prominent on the track "Wanderer". Both voices work nice in harmonies too giving the closing track somewhat soulful taste with jazzy piano and great addition of bluesy harmonica untill it turns into improvised bass solo and otherworldly vocal harmonies at the end. It should be more recognised for it's significance in shaping early prog. 4,5 star