Filmed live at the Union Chapel in London on April 16th, 2015, this charming DVD is another in a fine line of concert releases from the band in recent years. This set, played in a somewhat different but equally gorgeous setting, shows the band warm & inviting, running through a list of mandatory classics as well as a few tunes from their recent Grandine il Vento album from 2013. Sadly, founder Michael Dunford could not be part of this particular tour, as he passed away not long after that studio album was finished. Joining legendary vocalist Annie Haslam here are keyboard player Rave Tesar, guitarist/vocalist Mark Lambert, bassist Leo Traversa, keyboard player Tom Brislin (Yes/Camel), and drummer Frank Pagano, most of whom have either been a part of current or former Renaissance line-ups, as well as Haslam solo band configurations, in the past.
Most of the classics you'd want to hear are included in this emotional set, such as "Carpet of the Sun", "Running Hard", the soaring "Prologue", and a rousing, upbeat "Northern Lights". The three tracks from the recent CD are sprinkled in the set nicely, and fit right in with the classic material, especially the lovely "The Mystic and the Muse", featuring some glorious keyboard work from Tesar & Brislin. Of course, the epic 1-2 punch climax of "Mother Russia" and my personal favorite "Ashes are Burning" are reason enough for purchase, as the band attack these two vintage tracks with enough power & emotion to fill a football stadium. Leading the charge is Haslam, whose strong, alluring vocals sound incredibly powerful even today, especially on "Ashes are Burning", which will bring tears of joy to the eyes of any longtime fan.
Great setting, great music, great performances, Live at the Union Chapel is a must own for any fan of Renaissance or symphonic progressive rock. The production values are top notch, and the audio & video quality is quite compelling. Nice work as always from a classy band.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1) Prologue
2) Carpet of the Sun
3) Ocean Gypsy
4) Running Hard
5) Grandine il Vento
6) Symphony of Light
7) Northern Lights
8) The Mystic and the Muse
9) Mother Russia
10) Ashes are Burning
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