Monday, 4 March 2013

EXCITING NEWS FOR RENAISSANCE FANS

World-renowned progressive rock pioneers Renaissance will be making their first concert appearances since the tragic November 20th passing of principal composer/guitarist Michael Dunford. Lead vocalist and lyricist Annie Haslam will continue to lead a new, revitalized Renaissance that looks forward to a future that will honor their 40 golden years of achievements. These shows will feature a mix of repertoire from their classic albums as well as the title track from their recently completed new studio album Grandine il Vento. Guitarist /vocalist Ryche Chlanda (Nektar and Fireballet) was recently chosen as Dunford’s replacement. Annie Haslam commented: “We feel Ryche is the right musician to carry on with Michael's legacy.”

In addition to their continued touring schedule, the band had completed recording their first new studio album in twelve years shortly before Dunford’s passing. Grandine il Vento was recorded at Studio X in Ridgewood NJ, USA, June - September 2012. It was produced by band member Rave Tesar, and co-produced by Ms. Haslam. 

Grandine il Vento features band mainstays Annie Haslam on Lead/ Backing Vocals and Michael Dunford  on Acoustic Guitars/ Backing Vocals joined by Rave Tesar on Piano/Keyboards, David J. Keyes on Bass Guitar/String Bass/ Backing Vocals, Jason Hart/Keyboards/ Backing Vocals and Frank Pagano on Drums/Percussion/Backing Vocals. All the music was composed and arranged by Michael Dunford (except ‘Blood Silver Like Moonlight’ was arranged by Rave Tesar) with all lyrics by Annie Haslam.

After completing their North American tour of 2011, Renaissance released Turn of the Cards and Scheherazade and Other Stories Live 2011,  a 2CD/DVD package on their own label; Symphonic Rock Recordings, which is distributed by RED; the independent arm of Sony Music.

Ms. Haslam is known for her five octave vocal range; which when combined with the group’s progressive symphonic sounds still takes audiences on the same magical journey as it has for over forty years.

Annie Haslam, Michael Dunford and company first took the helm from former Yardbirds members, Keith Relf and Jim McCarty in 1971 and soon had established Renaissance as a world class recording and touring act, able to sell out venues like New York’s Carnegie Hall and The Royal Albert Hall in London.  They would go on to release over a dozen albums before eventually parting ways in the mid-80’s. However, Annie and Michael would continue to write new material together and in 2001 reunited the band to record a new studio album, tour the following year, and release a live album. After another sabbatical, a new incarnation was introduced to the world through a series of amazing live shows, captured for posterity on Turn of the Cards and Scheherazade and Other Stories Live 2011.

Renaissance’s current lineup consists of Annie Haslam with five world-class musicians whose considerable talents maintain the group’s high standards of musicianship and creativity that provides the foundation for their seminal fusion of rock, avant-garde experimentation and classical composition. Keyboardist Rave Tesar and bassist/vocalist David J. Keyes are veterans of prior incarnations of Renaissance as well as Haslam’s solo band and recordings.  Keyboardist/Vocalist Jason Hart has recorded and performed extensively with Rufus Wainwright, Duncan Sheik, Antony and the Johnsons, and Keren Ann among others, and drummer Frank Pagano has worked with artists as diverse as Bruce Springsteen and the Smashing Pumpkins. Guitarist/vocalist Ryche Chlanda completes the line-up.

www.anniehaslam.com
Photos available at:

Renaissance Spring Tour Dates:
April 10 Wednesday - THE INFINITY MUSIC HALL, NORFOLK CT
April 12 Friday WORLD CAFE LIVE AT THE QUEEN WILMINGTON, DE
April 13 Saturday THE STRAND THEATER LAKEWOOD, NJ
April 14 Sunday LEVOY THEATRE MILLVILLE, NJ
April 17 Wednesday CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS- THE EGG ALBANY, NY
April 19 Friday TUPELO MUSIC HALL LONDONDERRY, NH
April 20 Saturday TUPELO MUSIC HALL WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT
April 21 Sunday NEWTON THEATRE NEWTON, NJ
April 23 Tuesday THE VARIETY PLAYHOUSE ATLANTA, GA
April 25 Thursday PALLADIUM THEATER ST. PETERSBURG, FL
April 26 Friday THE PLAZA THEATRE ORLANDO, FL
April 28 Sunday AMATURO THEATER FT. LAUDERDALE,

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM ANNIE AT GONZO

Still Life
CD - £7.99

Live In Philadelphia 
CD - £7.99

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