Esoteric Recording continue the very impressive Renaissance saga with Can You Hear Me? This is not a vintage album, but a collection of live recordings from the 1970s. Once again, this is a beautifully designed box, and of course there is a treasure inside.
Renaissance was an unusual band, but then so were the majority of the rock acts of the 1970s. Renaissance however stood out even more due to its orchestral nature, and very distinctive female vocals. Annie Haslam is one of the most unique vocalists in music, and what she’s able to do with her voice is simply unbelievable. The band often would play with orchestras, and it was a perfect mix.
This box features two CDs, and Blu ray video disc. First disc is a Sight and Sound concert from 1977 in London. The second disc catches the band in 1978, once again in London. Only this time it’s the archival BBC In Concert recording. Both shows are very impressive, and well recorded. Renaissance did great studio records, but they were definitely a live band. The energy is there, and the group feels right at home on stage. The final disc is a Blu-ray disc that includes a video version of the Sight & Sound show from 1977. There is a short recording from Swiss television from 1974, and a live clip from Tops of the Pops recorded in 1978.
Can You Hear Me? is a great live addition to already impressive Renaissance catalog. It captures a moment in time, and highlights how unusual this was in the 1970s. At this point, Renaissance is still functioning, but there are reports of a farewell tour being scheduled. So, all good things come slowly to an end. This set presents the band in its youthful stage, full of creative ideas, and in a very expressive mood on stage. Outstanding collection of vintage live recordings and footage.
Mark Kadzielawa
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