Renaissance has completed sessions for its forthcoming release Grandine il Vento, the pioneering prog-rock band’s initial studio project in 12 years. Recording at Ridgewood, New Jersey’s Studio X, the album was produced by band members Rave Tesar and Annie Haslem, and is set for release in early 2013.
Joining Haslem is fellow long-time Renaissance member Michael Dunford on guitars and backing vocals. Haslem is again handling vocals, while Tesar is at the keyboard. The lineup is rounded out by bassist David J. Keyes, keyboardist Jason Hart (Duncan Sheik, Rufus Wainwright) and drummer Frank Pagano (Smashing Pumpkins, Bruce Springsteen).
Tesar and Keyes, in addition to working on earlier editions of Renaissance dating back to its 2001 reboot, have also been featured as part of Haslem’s solo tours and albums.
All of the music on Grandine il Vento was composed by Dunford, with the exception of Tesar’s “Blood Silver Like Moonlight.” Haslem handled all lyrics.
Up next for Renaissance is a new tour that will take the group into 2013. In October alone, the group will perform everywhere from the nation’s capital to Florida, then back all the way to Canada before finishing in New Jersey. They will be presenting, in alternating programs, the classic album Novella and a reprise of the successful Turn Of The Cards and Scheherazade and Other Stories shows, along with selections from this new album.
Renaissance recently released a live album and DVD devoted to the concerts focusing on Turn of the Cards and Scheherazade and Other Stories on their own label Symphonic Rock Recordings label, distributed by RED via an arrangement with MegaForce Records.
1974’s Turn of the Cards was highlighted by “Things I Don’t Understand,” founding member Jim McCarty’s final contribution. 1975’s Scheherazade and Other Stories included “Ocean Gypsy,” a track that was subsequently covered by Blackmore’s Night. An expanded edition includes a concert DVD, the first of its kind for Renaissance.
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Here are some upcoming Renaissance date and venues:
Wednesday, October 3 2012: Howard Theatre, Washington DC
Thursday, October 4 2012: Variety Playhouse, Atlanta GA
Friday, October 5 2012: The Plaza Live, Orlando FL
Saturday, October 6 2012: Capitol Theater, Clearwater FL
Sunday, October 7 2012: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale FL
Thursday, October 11 2012: Le Gesu Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Friday, October 12 2012: Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry, NH
Saturday, October 13 2012: Showcase Live, Foxborough, MA
Sunday, October 14 2012: Center For The Performing Arts–The Egg, Albany, NY
Friday, October 19 2012: Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
Saturday, October 20 2012: The Concert Hall at Ethical Culture, New York, NY
Thursday, October 25 2012: Victoria Theater—New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, NJ USA
Friday, October 26 2012: Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA
Saturday, October 27 2012: Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ
Sunday, October 28 2012: Strand Center for the Arts, Lakewood, NJ
For more information on the upcoming Renaissance tour: http://renaissancetouring.com/tour/
