![]() ![]() “Well, that was disappointing” muttered a patron as he pushed past me for the exit. This night, however, they chose the charming but slight ballad “I Think of You.” ![]() Usually, Renaissance close with their powerful and anthemic “Ashes are Burning,” with its extended coda and heroic guitar solo. A devoted, forgiving, yet less-than-capacity crowd cheered them back on and the encore was another surprise. I have seen this band multiple times, and count myself a fan, but have never seen them so disorganized.Īn excellent “Running Hard” did close the show on a high point, Tesar’s bravura piano work in the introduction as exquisite as it had been all night. Claiming a “brain fart” Haslam walked to the side of the stage, regained her composure, and the band started the song over. The fifth number was a long Renaissance epic, “Day of the Dreamer,” but soon after Haslam’s vocal entrance, it ground to a halt. Nothing against the songs in question, but you don’t go to a Rolling Stones gig and expect to see Mick and the boys bust out “Just Another Night.” Those expecting a set of classic Renaissance would be puzzled. Curiously the first four numbers were all from Haslam’s solo career and collaborations. Things seemed back to normal, and the band kicked into the second set. Renaissance at The Egg, 10/29/17 (photo by Stan Johnson) Once more, Annie’s bright and winning personality helped smooth the situation, but really, this was totally unprofessional for a band of this vintage. He emerged sheepishly from the wings, then left again. Then there was another pause waiting for bassist Leo Traversa. Acoustic guitarist Mark Lambert ambled on stage after a few minutes. Annie and the band members looked around. The band returned for their second set after a 20-minute intermission. For the most part, the 10-piece “chamber orchestra” lined up behind the band was mixed well, but with two keyboard players already employed, musical director Rave Tesar and Geoffrey Langley, it seemed superfluous at times. In particular, Frank Pagano’s drums seemed to be miked way too loud, with a heavily reverbed and clunky snare sound obliterating much of the subtlety of his playing. Surprisingly, given this venue’s stellar reputation for acoustics, the sound throughout was, well, not very good. Although a more recent composition (from their last studio album recorded in 2013), this song neatly represents the Renaissance sound richly symphonic, melodic, “prog lite” with Haslam’s multi-octave voice soaring above. ![]() Finally, they launched into the first set closer “Symphony of Light” and Haslam’s vocals were appreciably more confident. A tech assistant came onstage and worked on the problem for 10 to 15 minutes whilst the band stood around and Annie chatted to the audience. After five songs she admitted that she couldn’t hear herself and apologized if she was going out of tune. But for all her cheerful stage presence and patter, something wasn’t right. Thanks to his family, we look forward to returning to his home, Holmes Hall, for one of these two performances after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.Īt other times, please leave a phone message or send an email.Annie Haslam of Renaissance at The Egg, 10/29/17 (photo by Stan Johnson)Īt 75 her voice, still a beautiful instrument, has lost some of its power and range. We remember our good friend, host, and supporter John De Santis (1952-2022). On the Arts, the Heinz Endowments, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, This series is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council 7 719 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh 15233įor more information on this event, click here. Release Year: 2003 Catalog ID: MS-1 Format: Compact Disc, Digital Download. Add a description, image, and links to the renaissance-music topic page so that developers can. ![]() Joseph Jongen: Concerto for Wind Quintet (1942)Ĩ:00 pm Sat Nov 26 at Holmes Hall, Allegheny West Love, Lust, and Laudations: Flemish Choral Music of the High Renaissance. Music of Gaspar van Weerbeke as Humdrum digital scores. Traditional: I’ve Been Working on the Railroad ![]()
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