Formed by ex-Yardbirds Keith Relf (guitar, vocals) and Jim McCarty (drums), and augmented by former Nashville Teen John Hawken (piano), bassist Louis Cennamo (the Herd, Steamhammer), and the enchanting vocals of Jane Relf, Renaissance were at the vanguard of a new sound for a fearlessly experimental age which blended rock, folk and classical sensibilities. When the Yardbirds disbanded in 1968, the surviving members were determined to take a fresh look at their creative aims and ambitions. Vocalist Keith Relf and drummer Jim McCarty decided against forming yet another R&B group opting instead to explore a bold new concept under the banner of the innovative, genre-defying Renaissance. Released in 1969 and produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, Renaissance is built around songs and lyrics composed by Keith and Jim. Extended performances such as ‘Kings And Queens’ and ‘Bullet’ feature strong classical themes helmed by John and Louis, and can be seen as the !rst stirrings of Progressive Rock. This album celebrates their highly collaborative music-making. In digipak form with the original US sleeve art 1. Kings and Queens 2. Innocence 3. Island 4. Wanderer 5. Bullet
