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REVIEWS...

Review of Renaissance's DVD from their 2011 concert at the Keswick Theatre on Septermber 23, 2011. (by: Anton Roolaart)

Not too long ago I got my hands on the Limited Edition DVD from Renaissance recorded during their 2011 tour, which was released by Symphonic Rock Recordings, LLC. The DVD features recordings made of their concert at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA on September 23, 2011. I'll start off by describing the DVD packaging which I must point out is very beautiful. The cover and design art was done by Annie Haslam and Laura Gardner and has images from two of their popular albums. Inside the package I found three discs and the package itself is filled with artwork painted by Annie and photographs. There is also a 12 page booklet that contains some words from Michael and Annie and the rest of the booklet has various pictures from the band and the tour. As I opened up the DVD, the first thing I noticed is a wonderful picture of Annie and Michael with a background painting from Annie. The booklet is filled with beautiful pictures of the band, including a larger picture (2-page) of the band on stage at the Keswick with a beautiful stage background of stars in the night sky. I also came across two audio CDs (mastered by Rave Tesar) from the concert in addition to the DVD itself. The quality of the DVD is very good. Oh, I should mention that after some 40+ years, the band members currently are: Annie Haslam on lead vocals, Michael Dunford on acoustic guitar (also the main songwriter for the band) - both who are more or less the original members of the band (Annie didn't join the band until after a few years), Rave Tesar on keyboards, David J. Keys on bass, Jason Hart on keyboards, and Frank Pagano on drums.

The performances on the DVD are divided into two Acts entitled "Turn of the Cards" and "Scheherazade and Other Stories" which features songs from these popular Renaissance albums. The DVD also has a clip with a candid conversation with Annie and Michael, which was recorded just before the show. So, I put the DVD into my DVD player and the first track of Act I starts with piano notes from the well known tune "Running Hard". As the song develops Annie Haslam walks on stage and the beauty of her lovely voice takes center stage. This is followed by the tune "I think of you" and one takes immediate notice of the beautiful stage background behind the band which is filled with stars in the night sky. This is followed by the tunes "Things I don't understand", "Black Flame", "Cold is Being", and "Mother Russia" - one of my favorites!. Throughout these songs the band performs flawlessly and Annie's voice shines as never before. I should also mention that all members of the band assist with singing as well, and yes it comes across very well. On to Act II, which starts off with the well known tune "Trip to the Fair". Followed by "Vultures Fly High", "Ocean Gypsy", "Song of Scheherazade" and a newer tune from Renaissance entitled "The Mystic and the Muse".

I have to say that I really like the songs for this concert DVD. The audience was into the performance as well. Annie's voice is immaculate as I remember her from the 70's. As I eluded to earlier, the two acts are followed by a third clip with some words from Annie and Michael where they talk about their loyal fans, they also talk about the tour and mention that the band will be working on a new studio album which will be called: Grandine il Vento. What stood out for me watching this concert was the superb performance of the entire band, which was captured in one beautiful performance. I took the time and listened to the two audio CDs which were mastered by Rave Tesar and the quality is very good. These were immediately added to the playlists at ProgRockRadio.com and can be requested online at our web site.

All in all, this is a very nicely done DVD featuring the band as they are live on stage. I have seen Renaissance in concert several times and this was a delight to view on a Sunday evening. I got the feeling I was there. I know I will be watching this DVD from time to time. Whether you have seen them live or not, this wonderful DVD/CD package is a great addition to anyone's music DVD collection !

The DVD can be purchased at the band's web site: http://www.renaissancetouring.com

INTERVIEWS...

Interviews with these Artists are conducted by Anton Roolaart, Program Director and Founder of ProgRockRadio.com.

Renaissance
just got back from a tour in the US and Canada. They have been making music for the last 40 years or so. Here's an Interview with Renaissance (Annie Haslam and some members of the band - Rave Tesar, David Keyes, and Frank Pagano) where they discuss the tour. (Recorded outside at Annie's home on her patio)
August 8, 2010 - 20 minutes Renaissance
Photo by Brian Tirpak
Interview - 20 minutes
Eddie Jobson (UKZ)
is back after more than 20 years without a band. That doesn't mean he hasn't been busy. He's done some very interesting things with musicc over the years. His new band is called UKZ. Take a listen as Eddie talks about what he's been doing the last 30 years and also discusses his new band UKZ.
January 18, 2009 - 1 hour 4 minutes UKZ
Part 1 - 32 minutes
Part 2 - 32 minutes
Knight Area
is a fine Dutch band. Anton cought up with Pieter and Gerben from the band. They talk about how the band got started and their recent success with their albums.
September 13, 2007 - 25 minutes Knight Area
Patrick Moraz
is a wonderful keyboardist and solo artist, and also has been the keyboardist with Yes, Moody Blues, Mainhorse, and Refugee. Patrick talks passionately (and with stunning detail) about his musical career, including how he got the gig with Yes. See Patrick's web site for news about Patrick.
February 18, 2007 - 87 minutes (broken down into two parts) Patrick Moraz
Part 1 - 45 minutes
Part 2 - 42 minutes
Erik Norlander
Keyboardist and founding member of Rocket Scientists as well as musical partner of Lana Lane. Erik talks about his music and his roots. Visit Erik's web site for more info.
October 5, 2006 - 35 minutes Erik Norlander
Play Interview:
Tony Levin
Legendary bass player from King Crimson, Peter Gabriel and numerous other artists. The Tony Levin Band has just released a new album - Resonator and has also started a tour in the US and Europe. Visit Tony's web site for more info.
April 12, 2006 - 22 minutes Tony Levin
Play Interview:
Jon Anderson
legendary founder and front man for the successful Progressive Rock band - Yes. Jon is also an accomplished solo artist and performer. Jon will be starting his East coast leg of the Work in Progress tour. Visit Jon's web site for more info.
October 27, 2005 - 14 minutes Jon Anderson
Play Interview:
Ron Howden
is the original drummer from the band Nektar. In this Interview Ron Howden (joined on the phone with Nektar bass player Randy Dembo) talks about his musical roots, how Nektar formed, the CD - Evolution released in 2004, and the upcoming tour for Europe and South America.
July 31, 2005 - 32 minutes
Play Interview:
John Wetton
has just released a new CD entitled ICON with ASIA band member Geoffry Downes. In this Interview he talks about his roots in music as well as the new CD and a possible tour in January.
July 15, 2005 - 31 minutes
Play Interview:
Tomas Bodin
Tomas, keyboard player for the Flower Kings, talks about his recently released third solo CD - I AM, and recent tour with the Flower Kings.
July 9, 2005 - 30 minutes
(Anton and Tomas Bodin)
Play Interview:
The SYN
Steve Nardelli and Chris Squire
June 26, 2005 - 35 minutes
Play Interview:
Annie Haslam
(lead singer from Renaissance) A wonderful Interview with Annie where she speaks about her music, life and painting.
April 12, 2005 - 50 minutes
Play Interview:
The SYN
Steve Nardelli and Chris Squire
Feb 27, 2005 - 30 minutes
Play Interview:

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