RENAISSANCE

A masterpiece. It's difficult to evaluate the impact that this last branch of the Yardbirds has had on Western music. After Cream, Jeff Beck, and Led Zeppelin (and their offshoots) became dominant strains in guitar driven progressive rock, Renaissance's brilliant blending of true classical music with the rock genre is the perfect counterpoint to these legendary icons. Renaissance's musicality seems almost miraculous in its ease of execution and inventiveness. The playing is precisely powerful yet delicate. The piano, bass, guitar, harmonica and drums are as tight as one could ever hope for; the vocal interplay between brother and sister, Keith and Jane Relf are superlatively integrated. Keith's voice is as soulful as it ever sounded, and Jane's soaring angelic melodies penetrate right to the core with their pristine beauty. This originating source recording laid the foundation for a totally new form of musical expression, the influence of which now permeates the music of the 21st century. Anything that came after, had this work to use as a compass. It is all the more gratifying that the next incarnation of the group became so well known and appreciated by their fans. The first Renaissance album showed the way for all those who followed. There can never be enough conscious music in the world... If you can, obtain a copy of this record. It belongs in every music collection.