Customer Reviews

Jane's Renaissance: The Complete Jane Relf Collection, 1969-1995

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Renaissance known for being the new direction the late Keith Relf and James McCarty took after the Yardbirds. This compilation gives the listener a comprehensive look at one of the key elements of the new band-Jane Relf (sister of the later Keith Relf). If any person have their doubts about how powerful this new direction was take a listen.
This is the only comprehensive overview of the Relf-McCarty band that also includes material by Illusion, Stairway the unreleased 3rd album by Illusion and more importantly the only place where you get all the lost gems by Jane Relf. The sound quality is excellent throughout including the recently unearthed demos of Carpet of the Sun. This project was the brainchild of Brian Williams and his love of the music shines through the sound and detailed notes. We also get a couple of melodies that were produced by Brian that will give you a different look at the band. If you are looking for a comprehensive look at Keith Relf, James McCarty band look no further than this release.

This 2-CD Box received a 5-star review from MusicalDiscoveries.com (an electronic publication specializing in female music artists).

This 2-CD set includes every song that Jane Relf (the sister of the late Keith Relf, the lead singer for the Yardbirds) sang as lead vocalist of Renaissance (1969-70), Illusion (1976-1979), and Stairway (1986-1995). This CD set also marks the CD debut of the songs that Jane Relf released as solo singles (Gone Fishing, Without a Song from You, and Make My Time Pass By) - all of which were professionally digitally remastered from pristine source 45 RPM vinyl. Another vocal demo bonus (Carpet of the Sun) is also included. Total music time - 156 minutes.

For those not previously aware of Jane Relf's work, this would be great "first-time" listening for fans of the Yardbirds, Renaissance, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Elton John, Moody Blues, Yes, Alan Parsons Project, Fleetwood Mac/ Christine McVie/Stevie Nicks, The Carpenters, Tori Amos, Loreena McKennitt, Strawbs, Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, and October Project.

When The Yardbirds disbanded Keith Relf and Jim McCarty went on to form the band Renaissance. It was a completely new direction for both of them. Mellow and folky compositions mixed with classical sounds that would soon be appearing in the 'Prog Rock' albums of many other bands. Jane Relf (Keith's sister) was the female vocalist in Renaissance as well as other groups to follow including 'Illusion' This double disc collection of her music has been a labor of love compiled by the founder of The Jane Relf Appreciation Society, Brian Williams. You'll love the songs and Jane's magnificent voice. It's a must have for any fan of Renaissance, Fairport Convention, The Strawbs, etc. A perfect addition to your collection. And a double disc for just $13.98! You cant beat the price.
Russ Garrett
[...]Yardbirds Family Tree-Birds Of A Feather

THIS IS NOT YARDBIRDS MUSIC, BUT IF THATS WHY YOU BUY IT YOU MAY BE UNHAPPY. WHAT THIS IS IS A GORGEOUS MIXTURE OF FOLK, CLASSICAL, AND POP THAT IS PERFECT FOR ROMANCE..IF YOU KNOW RENAISSANCE, THIS IS THEIR FIRST STUFF, AND I THINK THE BEST! THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER GROUPS ON HERE,TOO, BUT THE CORE FEELING OF THE MUSIC..SOFT AND YET ENERGIZING, IS UNLIKE ANYTHING I HAVE HEARD. PENTANGLE AND FAIRPORT COME TO MIND, BUT THIS IS UNIQUE..MANY SONGS YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE, EVEN IF YOU ARE A FAN, AND THE SOUND IS VERY GOOD ON BOTH CDS..GOOD BOOKLET TOO..BUY IT! BRITMAN

This is truly a wonderful collection that celebrates the music of not only Jane Relf but also the original lineup of Renaissance and their follow up band Illusion. The music written by Keith Relf, Jim McCartey, and the other members of the band remains as original and creative today as it was during the periods in which the albums were released. On this particular collection, the choices of songs do a really great job of focusing on both Jane Relf sung songs and really great Renaissance moments that appeared on the original albums.

Also, to me especially, a truly great best-of focuses on more than just the top hits by bringing out other lesser well known, as well as often unheard, if not unreleased, songs to the fold. Like the first Genesis boxset, Jane's Renaissance does this as well. One of the most priceless items found here is the bonus track: Carpet of the Sun (rough mix), which has a way of letting you know that only Annie Haslam could have replaced Jane Relf and carried on the great music that had been begun by Keith Relf, Jim McCartey, John Hawken, Louis Cennamo, and Jane Relf.

I cannot recommend Jane's Renaissance more. Whether you are looking for just an introduction to or are wanting to have that one collection that does a great job of rounding out the music of Renaissance and Illusion, then Jane's Renaissance is for you.

As stated in the liner notes, "Jane's Renaissance - A coming of age for a premier female vocalist of the classic rock era." Before Annie Haslam put her stamp on Renaissance's music, Jane Relf, sister of former Yardbirds member Keith Relf, lent her voice to the earliest incarnation of Renaissance. At the time it was a new thing to have a rock band fronted by a female vocalist. Included in the two-disc collection is the complete recordings of Jane with the bands Illusion and Stairway as well as her work with Renaissance. If you are expecting a particular type of music you will be disappointed with this collection. The music included is varied and contains recordings from 1969-1995. Music changes over time and that is reflected in this set. Jane Relf is a very good and capable vocalist. If you enjoy something out of the ordinary and enjoy female vocalists this collection is well worth your time.

This collection of Jane's songs is a must have for those who cherish this artist's beautiful and pure voice. Whoever coined the phrase "A National Treasure" must have listened to Jane Relf's vocals for she truly has a voice worthy to be deemed a National Treasure. My only negative criticism to the CD is that it does little to honor Keith Relf and Jim McCarty who stayed together after the demise of the Yardbirds and formed the band Renaissance and later Illusion for which Jane's voice would have never been discovered. Jim McCarthy's influence in song writing, music composition and musical harmony is what makes this collection a must have hormonal experience to the listener.

This Is a great Album full of some nice songs,She went Solo after leaving Brother Keith's Renaissance band In the 70's. She Is more famous for the Findus Fish-Finger Add "Gone Fishing" Included here,But only the Song not the Introduction by Gordon Jackson then famous for being the Boss In The Professionals. If you like early 70's Prog-Rock then this Is for you. Happy Listening

I'm giving it 2 stars because of the butchery but the music is incredible and some of it spiritual and is a deserved 5 stars. Doesn't that horrible medley (EDIT) bother anyone? Some of illusions finest work have been butchered, Medley: Golden Thread/Madonna Blue/Isadora/The Revolutionary/Candles are Burning. My favorite songs are in that mish-mash and edit. Most of the golden thread is just missing when the music changes pace with some great lyrics and musicianship. I'll just wait until illusions first and second album is released for a reasonable price.