Renaissance: Under No Illusion

I'm under no Illusion that not many people outside of the progosphere will have heard of the band Illusion, but as any progaholic will know, they're closely-related to the band Renaissance. Illusion appeared Out of the Mist with their first stunning album in 1977 and a follow-up self-titled album in 1978. Their third ultra-rare Enchanted Caress album arrived in 1979, but wasn't released until 1990. Illusion's fourth and final album, Through the Fire, was released under the name Renaissance Illusion in 2001. Illusion featured a 6-piece line-up of Jane Relf (of the original Renaissance) on lead vocals, Jim McCarty on vocals & acoustic guitar, John Knightsbridge on electric guitar, John Hawken on keyboards,  Louis Cennamo on bass guitar and Eddie McNeil on drums & percussion.

Edited by Psychedelic Paul - October 02 2020 at 07:51

My favourite Jane Relf & Stairway song: Moonlight Skater

verslibre wrote: Out of the Mist is a classic. I like the follow-up a lot, too.

Kings & Queens: The opening song from the first Renaissance album, featuring a similar line-up to the later Illusion line-up, only without Keith Relf (1943-1976), who died tragically when he was electrocuted by his electric guitar shortly before he was due to begin recording the first Illusion album.  

Psychedelic Paul wrote: Kings & Queens: The opening song from the first Renaissance album, featuring a similar line-up to the later Illusion line-up, only without Keith Relf (1943-1976), who died tragically when he was electrocuted by his electric guitar shortly before he was due to begin recording the first Illusion album.

Gone Fishing: a rare song from Jane Relf which was featured in an advert for Findus Fish Fingers!

Psychedelic Paul wrote: verslibre wrote: Psychedelic Paul wrote: Kings & Queens: The opening song from the first Renaissance album, featuring a similar line-up to the later Illusion line-up, only without Keith Relf (1943-1976), who died tragically when he was electrocuted by his electric guitar shortly before he was due to begin recording the first Illusion album.  I never knew that. Awful. So sad.  This material is way too commerical . Sadly, that happened back in the days when an electric guitar used to be plugged directly into the mains power supply, but I doubt if it could happen now with modern electric guitars.   This is my favourite song from the third Illusion album, Enchanted Caress...   The Man Who Loved the Trees

This material is way too commerical. Even Jim McCarty who wrote the songs was not thrilled with them. What is really remarkable is the old Keith Relf demo included titled All The Fallen Angels.

Psychedelic Paul wrote: ^ Jim McCarty made a really good comeback album in 2001 though with "Through the Fire", released under the name Renaissance Illusion. The opening track sounds like classic Renaissance from the early 1969-71 era.....   One More Turn of the Wheel

I know, see my review for the album under the album page for James McCarty. I believe l gave it 5 stars.

SteveG wrote: Oops it's actually listed under Illusion. I guess the band calling themselves Renaissance/Illusion was confusing. Lol

I haven't listened to that in a long time. I forgot how pedestrian Adington's voice sounds.

Edited by SteveG - October 11 2020 at 14:22