PROLOGUE

A slightly misleading title for this album, as it was actually the third release under the Renaissance name. In fairness though, the line up completely changed prior to the release of this album, which saw Annie Haslam take on vocal duties for the first time.

Renaissance were forerunners for present day prog bands such as Karnataka and Mostly Autumn, complete with predominantly female vocals. "Prologue" was a major step forward for Renaissance from their rather patchy debut album, containing as it does a number of very strong pieces.

The opening "Prologue", and the closing "Raja Khan" are similar, in that they are both essentially instrumental tracks, even though they have female vocals. There are no lyrics, the vocals merely leading the melody, the way they do on Pink Floyd's "Great gig in the sky" for example. Both are excellent tracks, well performed, and refreshingly original. The other tracks have more orthodox vocals. "Kiev", my favourite track, is somewhat unusual in the it has a male lead. The track tells a lovely story, bisected by one of Renaissance classically based piano pieces.

A superb album of lush melodies, full of originality, great song writing, and great performances. The LP sleeve is very original too.

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