SCHEHERAZADE AND OTHER STORIES

My first encounter (with Renaissance), my first love (with Annie's voice), my first enchantment (with this wonderful symphonic music). From the first track to the last, this is showcase of her beautiful vocal (how many, five-octave vocal range ?), which undoubtedly is one of the best in prog rock. Being same, or even more symphonic than Yes, without being inaccessible for some (either by sometimes strange compositions, or by Jon's voice, which won't fit to everyone). This is music for everyone (who have 7-24 minutes to listen each track, assuming that I overlook short filler Vultures). Oh, by the way, Ocean Gypsy is by far the best version of this song (I saw one for free download on last.fm and also there's Blackmore's Night cover, which, not necessarily bad, lacks something for me). These Vultures, I first hated them, skipped them all the time and tried not to think about this particular song. But soon I realized that instead of fighting it, I can surrender and try to negotiate common way. Which I did, successfully. And final oriental suite is pure fantasy, which is somehow ironic pun (as it's about imagining stories and myths from arabic lands).

5(+), oh, by the way, there's first track, Trip to the Fair, also very special one. Even there's repeated line, quite a lot of repeats it get, it doesn't feel bad, or as lack of ideas, it fits perfectly to dreamy landscape it provides. Howg.