Tuscany

by Renaissance

Overview

Annie Haslam and Michael Dunford re-formed a version of Renaissance for this album, which has its feet planted in two different decades. The opening track and "The Race" rely somewhat more on a synth pop sound than the group's classic sides, and "Dear Landseer" offers a somewhat angular melody and keening vocals by Haslam that are close in spirit to Kate Bush's early-'80s work. A lot of the album does retain much of the haunt count of their best '70s material, however, and none of what's here will displease longtime fans. "Lady From Tuscany" is a good way away from that classic sound, but "Pearls of Wisdom" could have been cut by the group 20-some years before. Haslam's voice doesn't have quite the glowing luster of her older sides, though she still sings very powerfully and does occasionally hit those high notes beautifully. Along with Mickey Simmonds (keyboards, arrangements) and Terence Sullivan (drums) rounding out the core group, the guest performers include Roy Wood (who sings backup on one song; plays bass, keyboards, and percussion on several others; and arranged the orchestral part on one track), John Tout, and Alex Caird. Wood's contribution as an arranger is significant, with "In the Sunshine" offering a bright, chamber-like accompaniment unlike anything heard from the group previously, and also featuring one of the warmest, most expressive vocal performances from Haslam of her entire career. The reach of the album exceeds the quality of the music, which often lacks the kind of excitement that the group's 1970s (and even their 1980s) albums displayed, though serious fans and those listeners enamored of Haslam's singing will want it. ~ Bruce Eder

Product Details

Release Date:	05/24/2024
Label:	Esoteric Recordings
UPC:	5013929487048
Rank:	28914

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Renaissance   Primary Artist
Roy Wood   Guest Artist,Keyboards,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background)
Mickey Simmonds   Keyboards,Vocals (Background)
John Tout   Piano,Keyboards,Harpsichord,Guest Artist
Annie Haslam   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Michael Dunford   Guitar (Acoustic),Vocals (Background)
Terence Sullivan   Drums,Percussion
Rob Williams   Guest Artist

Technical Credits

Roy Wood   Producer,Orchestral Arrangements
Mickey Simmonds   Group Member,Orchestral Arrangements
Joe Reagoso   Executive Producer
John Tout   Piano Arrangement
Annie Haslam   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Portraits,Group Member
Rob Williams   Mixing,Engineer,Mixing,Engineer
Michael Dunford   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Portraits,Group Member
Jim Wood   Executive Producer
Cheek   Mastering
Dave Ivory   Mastering
Dave Woolgar   Mixing,Engineer
Terence Sullivan   Group Member
Spencer Zahn   Artwork