LIVE AT THE CAPITAL THEATER - JUNE 18, 1978.

At the height of their American fandom (on the US east coast at at least), and riding a wave with their most successful album in both the US and UK with A Song For All Seasons, the symphonic rockers did a wonderful FM radio broadcast in 1978 on WNEW FM. Forty Five years later, the entire radio broadcast was released with the help of venue's former owner and promotor John Scher. The Capitol Theater was the small venue to go in New Jersey at that time. The group and the concert audience were in an incredibly enthusiastic mood and both really fed off each other. It quite remarkable to hear Annie Haslam talk and laugh so much during a concert from that time.

Of course, this is the classic line up of Haslam, Michael Dunford, Jon Camp, John Tout and Terry Sullivan. The last concert to be played in the US, the band were letter perfect and Annie's voice, after 3 straight month of touring, was incredible. Focusing on selections from Novella and A Song For All Seasons, the crowd was eating out of their hand.

A few caveats though. This double CD set does not contain the best versions of "Northern Lights" or "Midas Man" recorded live by the group. And that goes for the encore of "Ashes Are Burning", which the band tried to change up a bit having done umpteenth versions in the last 5 years. Earlier live versions like the one found on "Live At Carnegie Hall" are vastly superior. The other songs are as good as any live performances previously recorded and are still a treat. Especially the epics "Can You Hear Me" and "Mother Russia". Oh, how the audience loved the latter!

So, I can't say that this wonderfully recorded and mastered live broadcast is essential, but if you'd like to hear this band let their hair down and really enjoy themselves, then this 119 minute double CD is for you.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to SteveG
• Report this review (#3028212)
• Buy RENAISSANCE music online with PA partners
• Show all RENAISSANCE MP3/Stream
• Go to RENAISSANCE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Live at the Capital Theater - June 18, 1978. page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for RENAISSANCE related discussions