In the late 60’s Annie Haslam was to find out that not only did she have a talent for dress design but that also she had a hidden talent for singing, which was discovered after her sister in law (also a singer), heard her singing along with the music at the end of the TV show in the UK called The Saint..  This encouragement led her to her first singing position at the ‘Showboat in the Strand’ (a cabaret style dinner theatre in London’s West End). After six months here she answered an ad in the Melody Maker and went for an audition in Surrey with a rather unusual band called Renaissance. Annie’s unique style of singing captured the members of the band and she was immediately offered the job as lead singer, from that moment on her life would never be the same.

This was the beginning of a whole new life for Annie.  From that point on she would start her musical adventures that took her all over the world, and which brought her to such wonderful venues as The Royal Albert Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York, performing with The Royal Philharmonic and The New York Philharmonic Orchestras, respectively. The music that was created within the band was quite unique and that stand the test of time.

Annie and Renaissance recorded a number of well-received albums including Prologue; Ashes Are Burning, Turn of the Cards, Novella, ‘Live’ at Carnegie Hall and Song for All Seasons. The latter album made the top forty of the British albums chart, and also spawned the top ten hit single Northern Lights.

Annie's solo career began in 1977 while still with Renaissance. Her debut album Annie in Wonderland (Sire Records) produced by Roy Wood met with great critical acclaim.

However this did not deter her from her main focus at that time which was the band.

Renaissance would carry on recording and performing worldwide until 1987, with personnel changes along the way.

Under the leadership of Annie and fellow band member Michael Dunford the tenure would last until 1987.

Following the break up of Renaissance, Annie, fellow Renaissance member Michael Dunford and Peter Gosling, formed Nevada and recorded several singles, but did not tour.

Renaissance members Annie, John Tout, Michael Dunford and Terry Sullivan did briefly reunite for an album in 2000, augmented by Mickey Simmonds, Roy Wood and Alex Caird. This led to a successful tour of Japan in 2001, which was preceded by a warm up show at The Astoria London. in Renaissance was augmented at the ‘live’ shows by Rave Tesar and Dave Keyes from Annie’s band and Mickey Simmonds.

‘Live’ in Philadelphia was recorded in 1997 and is a specially filmed studio concert by Annie Haslam and her band. This  was originally a studio concert series for the Prism TV Network. The concert features Annie and an early inception of her band, performing music from her solo career and her days with Renaissance.

Highlighted are some songs Annie co-wrote with her producer Tony Visconti, from the album ‘Blessing in Disguise’ (Pool of Tears and What he Seeks) and Renaissance favourites (Carpet of the Sun and The Young Prince and Princess) are also featured.

Listen out for Annie’s favourite ‘Seashell Eyes’ co-written with David Biglin.

There is also a bonus track on the CD that is not available on the DVD, the track is entitled ‘Goodbye Trees.’ The song was co-written by Annie and her long time keyboard player Rave Tesar. Another Annie and Rave song, ‘Sleepless Mother,’ has its debut. Both songs have not been released until now.

The production of the CD as with the DVD has been overseen personally by Annie who also provides her personal insights on the recording in the sleeve notes that accompany the album.