Tuscany

This came years after Renaissance broke up. Until a few weeks ago this band had completely fallen off my radar. Many of the songs still have that classical feel, maybe even more-so. There is more a mellow tone overall. Annie Haslam's voice has not lost its edge, and I might even say, its better and more radiant in a wiser way. One song alone would have sold this CD to me. That's "In my life....but everything else is very strong too. In short I love this CD.

Comprising what can only be termed a return to form, this popped up a couple of years ago pretty much unheralded. Too bad, because any fan of Renaissance will appreciate its hearkening back to the band's heyday as well as the return of Annie Haslam after a brief detour with Stephanie Adlington on the not-bad-at-all THE OTHER WOMAN. True, synths play a prominent role in the instrumentation department, but the orchestra is back as is the grand piano. It sounds like the band never left, and as if CAMERA CAMERA and TIME LINE never happened (this time it's Haslam, Michael Dunford, Terry Sullivan and Mickey Simmonds, with contributions from Roy Wood and former full-timer John Tout). And yes, the smarm factor is, as always, present (In The Sunshine is the most egregious here, and Dolphins Prayer is exactly what the title implies). But at least one song, the beautifully plaintive Pearls Of Wisdom, is easily worthy of any of the best the band ever did, if not better. If you've ever had a place for Renaissance, here's one more.

This album of Renaissance is disappointing, I tought that with the return of the excellent John tout and drummer Sullivan have reportedly caliber compositions, but it is rather a boring drive and certainly not the best music of Michael Dunford. Since the 1970s I bought all their albums and they are among my favorites, also I am just going to put this disc in my collection whitout more. Bought everything they did from 1970 to 1979 because it is very good, but subsequently forget it.

Not nearly as good as the Renaissance I came to know and love, even after Jon Camp's departure. Annie's voice is still lovely, but the compositions are not all that interesting or innovative. A little to much like British pop music.

When you follow your heart, you remain true to your dreams, be a signpost or landmark, to stand the test of time, listen to your voice, share what's in you!

It is an album that reunites the band in the studio after almost twenty years. There is nothing exceptional compared to 70 years, but is better than "Time Line" and "Camera Camera". It is a healthy disc that could be have been better prepared but not committed. It is worthwhile for anyone who is a fan of the band, but not as a first reference for those who do not know.

Very good product, fast and simple purchase process.

I missed any mention that they were getting together and making a new album. I am a big fan 30+ years. I even liked some of Annie's solo work. With these great orchestrations it just seems to miss the mark. Not sure why, its not haunting no songs stick in your head that you want to listen to over and over. Maybe over produced or they were striving TOO hard to sound like they did. Oh well, glad I bought if even though it will end up in my collection only to be shown to friends who didn't know about it.Thanks

I bought Tuscany, not sure what I was going to get; I last purchased a Renaissance album in the late 1970's. I first thought was that it sounded a little twee in places and, in particular, 'Life in Brazil' was awfully like a happy clappy evangelist tune. I was also unsure about the synth stuff; screaming Moog (effective though it is) and Annie Haslam on the same track ('One Thousand Roses')didn't seem quite right somehow and the twiddly synth 'oboe'on the same track was a bit irritating.Then I began to notice the subtle gems hidden among the more showy pieces. 'Pearls of Wisdom' and 'In my Life' are loving wistful ballards while 'Dear Landseer' has a majestic quality to it. 'Dolphin's Prayer' was rather striking as I was playing the CD as the news came in that the Yangtze River dolphin had become extinct. 'Eva's Pond' simply has an ethereal quality. 'The Race' really does race along (the synth works this time) and there's a hint of ambiguity in the lyrics, suggesting that athletes are a bit obsessed with winning to the detriment of friendship. Go on, someone, play it at the 2012 olympics, I dare you!As always, Annie Haslam sings faultlessly albeit with, maybe, slightly less gusto than she did (heck, none of us are getting any younger). The instrumental work is as proficient as ever and the lyrics are more focused than the rather obscure stuff of some of their 70's songs. But, when Annie sings wordless passages the spine truly tingles and that is why there's something worth building on in Tuscany; the top and tail sections on 'Lady from Tuscany', if extended, would constitute a stunning track in their own right.Renaissance fans will not be disappointed. There's enough classy stuff here to justify the modest purchase price.

This is well away from the Renaissance of the 1970s and it shows. A good album with excellent musicians and a great singer. Just lacking in the old flair and fire this group used to have. Just my opinion, though.

superb fast delivery love it

Great!

she may be getting older but still sounds great