Renaissance - Live at the Capitol Theater - June 18, 1978 (Purple Vinyl)

Renaissance is an English progressive rock band best known for their 1978 UK top 10 hit ""Northern Lights"" and progressive rock classics like ""Carpet of the Sun"", ""Mother Russia"", and ""Ashes Are Burning"". They developed a unique sound, combining a female lead vocal with a fusion of classical, folk, rock, and jazz influences. Characteristic elements of the Renaissance sound are Annie Haslam's wide vocal range, prominent piano accompaniment, orchestral arrangements, and vocal harmonies. By 1972, a stable lineup consisting of Annie Haslam, Michael Dunford, John Tout, Jon Camp, and Terry Sullivan solidified. They were assisted with lyrics on many songs from Cornish poet Betty Thatcher-Newsinger. This live recording was captured at their creative peak in 1978 at the historic Capitol Theater in Passaic, New Jersey and is more than 2 hours long. This is a 3 LP set with gatefold sleeve and purple colored vinyl.

The band was founded by vocalist Keith Relf and drummer Jim McCarty, formerly of the Yardbirds; along with John Hawken, Louis Cennamo and Relf's sister Jane. They intended to put ""something together with more of a classical influence"". Renaissance released their self-titled debut album in 1969, but fell apart during the sessions for their follow-up, Illusion (1971). New musicians were brought in to complete the record, and Renaissance was kept active through a period of fluctuating personnel until none of the original lineup remained, though McCarty continued providing compositions for the band to record for several more years. By 1972, a stable lineup consisting of Annie Haslam, Michael Dunford, John Tout, Jon Camp, and Terry Sullivan solidified. They were assisted with lyrics on many songs from Cornish poet Betty Thatcher-Newsinger. This live recording was captured at their creative peak in 1978 at the historic Capitol Theater in Passaic, New Jersey and is more than 2 hours long.