BBC Sessions

Artist: Renaissance
Label: Wounded Bird Records
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Format: Live
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 2

UPC: 664140100121
EAN: 0664140100121
ASIN: B000044TYG

Release Date: 1999-12-14

BBC Sessions

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Tracks:

Prologue
Vultures Fly High
Midas Man
Day Of The Dreamer
Touching Once
Songs Of Scheherazade

Tracks:

Can You Hear Me
Ocean Gypsy
Carpet Of The Sun
Mother Russia
Running Hard R
Ashes Are Burning

Similar Items:

Live in Japan 2001: In the Land of the Rising Sun
Live at Carnegie Hall
King Biscuit Flower Hour, Vol. 2
King Biscuit Flower Hour
Scheherazade & Other Stories

Album Description

1999 collection handpicked by vocalist Annie Haslam. Features excellent quality live recordings that the band did for B BC radio between 1975-1978. Over two hours of music, thi s 12 track collection features a 25 minute version of 'Song Of Scheherazade' and an 18 minute version of 'Ashes Are Burning'. Double slimline jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Typically strong live performances.......2003-03-07

Although Renaissance had previously released two double disc live albums ("Live at Carnegie Hall", a 1975 performance, and "King Biscuit: Live at the Royal Albert Hall", 1977),those performances were atypical of a concert by the band because they had full sympohny orchestras backing them up. The question when going to see the band live, usually was: could they perform their elaborate studio creations live without an actual orchestra? After all, they couldn''t carry a symphony with them everywhere!

For those of us who had seen the band live in their heyday, the answer was a resounding "yes", but "BBC Sessions" provided the first recorded proof. Taken from concerts from 1975 to 1978 and covering material from the first six studio albums with Annie Haslam, the band is in great form. Underrated keyboardist John Tout provides exciting piano, synthesizer and Mellotron sounds which make the live tracks sound generally full and rich. The other band members also provide twists which make up to a certain extent for the lack of strings -- vamps from bassist-as-lead guitarist Jon Camp; percussive flourishes from Terry Sullivan; vocaleses from the amazing Annie. The mix ensures that all the band members' parts are clear and audible.

The material generally comes across well. Of special note are the first live appearances of two songs, "The Vultures Fly High" and "Day of the Dreamer". The only problematic track is the 25 minute suite "Song of Scherezade". The piece that most depends on an orchestra, the band can't quite make it work on their own -- they even have to resort to a tape of the studio version for one brief section.

But that's really the only complaint. The occasional sonic flaws (feedback, improper miking on occasion) don't distract from these beautiful performances. The "King Biscuit" CD's are better, because of the thrill of the orchestra, but "BBC Sessions" shows what you were more likely to hear if you went to a 70's Renaissance show. For those of you not lucky enough to be there, here's your chance!

Could have been better.......2003-01-14

Right out of the box: I'm a Renaissance fan. Have been for years. I have all of their albums. Original vinyl releases.
So much for disclaimers. This album, although enjoyable, could have been better. What I find rather disingenuous is when artists tell you (in the liner notes) that they left in the little glitches so as to preserve the live feel. C'mon, who do they think they're kidding? Stop the nonsense, you already have our money!
A balance has to be struck within the heart of the consumer as to how much he/she enjoys an artists' music & what level of quality that music is presented below which the consumer says "No!" I don't need a performer telling me they are trying to preserve the live feel of a recording when what they're really doing is justifying shoddy production efforts.
I am glad these recordings were finally released. I just wish the moneychangers who profited from their manufacture spent a little more quality time dusting off these gems.

A pity for the lack of"Asong for all seasons"that came after.......2002-12-10

The BBC LIVE session has a good quality recording (it isn't unfortunately digitally remastered), considering those years...this live session containing some classics such as "Ashes are burning" and "Scheherazade", here entirely performed; while "Midas Man" and "Can you hear me" are almost the whole best tracks from "Novella", which they were not often performed live!! Moreover you find the stunning version of other fantastic tracks: "Running hard" and "Mother Russia",from the mytical "Turn of the cards",which alone make this album well worth checking out and a must have to all the people with taste!! Such a pity for the lack of "A song for all seasons", which came afterwards:We would have appreciated a live version of the fantasic title track; this album being regarded as the last good lp of the modern era,which could have been put into an historical Renaissance's dossier concerning their most considerable and remarkable steps too, all along their career:We would have got almost the complete best stuff,also from their live executions on stage!!...nevermind this CD is packaged with a jewel case, very pretty, and it's an absolute must have to all their fans.

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