Annie Haslam
Country of origin:
England, now lives in U.S.
Type of music generally:
Pop
Status:
Most recent release, Woman Transcending (compilation, 2007)
See also:
Annie Haslam's siteWikipedia's entry on Annie Haslam
Ectophile's Guide entry for Renaissance
Comparisons:
Mary Fahl, Sally Oldfield (similar voice)
General comments:
Annie Haslam has a very beautiful, clear, and expressive soprano voice. She has a dramatic and emotional delivery. She was with the English band Renaissance, which played classical-influenced prog rock a la Yes or Emerson, Lake and Palmer. (wpm@value.net)Annie Haslam was the lead singer for Renaissance, a rock-pop group with classical music influences from the 70's. Renaissance was one of the most innovative bands of the time. Annie Haslam has produced several solo CDs since then. She has an exquisite, compelling voice. (billonline@adlerbooks.com)
English singer, five-octave range, now lives in the Philly suburbs and performs mostly in the PA/NJ/DE/NY area. Was the lead singer with Renaissance for years. I last saw her live when part of Renaissance staged a comeback in 2001. (Silme@ix.netcom.com)
Recordings:
- Annie in Wonderland (1977)
- Still Life (1985)
- Annie Haslam (1989)
- Blessing in Disguise (1994)
- LIVE Under Brazilian Skies (live, 1998)
- The Dawn of Ananda (1999)
- It Snows in Heaven Too (seasonal, 2000)
- One Enchanted Evening (2002)
- Woman Transcending (compilation, 2007)
Annie in Wonderland
Release info:
1977—WEA International
Availability:
See Annie Haslam's site
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Annie Haslam—vocals, backing vocals
Guest artists:
Jon Camp—bass, bass pedals, guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Louis Clark—brass arrangement, choir arrangement, flute, polymoog, string arrangements, synthesizer
Dave Donovan—drums
Dick Plant—backing vocals
Roy Wood—arrangements, balalaika, bass, cello, drums, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards, saxophone, string bass, wind
Produced by:
Roy Wood
Comments:
It's arguably (in my opinion) the best of her solo efforts. (nightwol@dircon.co.uk)
Annie Haslam
Release info:
1989
Availability:
See Annie Haslam's site
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Annie Haslam—vocals,backing vocals
Guest artists:
Peter Bliss—guitar, programming, backing vocals
Mel Collins—saxophone
John DeNicola—programming
Larry Fast—electric drums, synthesizer
Joe Franco—drums, percussion
Justin Hayward—acoustic guitar, vocals
Mark Lampariello—guitar
Robert Matarazzo—backing vocals
David Rose—violin
Raphael Rudd—harp
Produced by:
Larry Fast
Comments:
This is well worth getting. Very "produced" which tends to obscure the singing a little at times, and the songs vary in strength, but a good showcase for Annie's voice. (nightwol@dircon.co.uk)
Blessing in Disguise
Release info:
1994—re-released 2007
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Recommended for fans
Group members:
Annie Haslam—vocals
Guest artists include:
John Arbo—bass, string bass, backing vocals
David Biglin—guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Denny Bridges—backing vocals
Joe Goldberger—drums, percussion
Mark Hitt—guitar
Amie Richan—violin
Jordan Rudess—keyboards
Joe Sharone—guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Rave Tesar—keyboards
Tony Visconti—guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Produced by:
Tony Visconti
Comments:
This is billed as "Annie Haslam's Renaissance" it has more to offer lovers of Annie's voice than it does to Renaissance fans in general. The songs are pretty ordinary, and the musicians not up to much (in my opinion) but it is distinctively Annie singing. ((nightwol@dircon.co.uk))
Further info:
Annie covered Yes's "Turn of the century" on the Tales From Yesterday tribute album.
Thanks to JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
