The Dawn Of Ananda

Annie Haslam began her singing career in earnest whilst at university when she got up and performed a version of Those Were The Days at a local pub. Annie later joined a cabaret band called The Gentle People who had a residency in a venue called the Showboat in London's West End. She also trained under the opera singer Sybil Knight.
It was however in late 1970 that Annie joined the band she is probably still identified with. Annie became the singer with Renaissance in 1971 after answering an advertisement placed in the music paper Melody Maker in late 1970.

Her five octave soprano voice was to be an outstanding feature of this band until the band split in the eighties. While she was a member of Renaissance Annie recorded a number of well-received albums including Prologue, Ashes Are Burning, Novella and Song For All Seasons. The latter album making the top forty of the British albums chart and also spawning a top ten hit single with Northern Lights.
Renaissance continued under the leadership of Annie and Michael Dunford until 1987.Following the end of Renaissance Annie and fellow Renaissance member Michael Dunford formed the short-lived Nevada although Renaissance did briefly reconvene in the late nineties for an album and touring following which Annie returned to her solo career.

Annie's solo career began in 1978 while still with Renaissance when she released Annie In Wonderland and although the album was critically well received Annie regarded Renaissance as her main concern at the time.

The Dawn Of Ananda,' released in 1999, is one of Annie's most spiritual works, and contains some of her finest work and song writing collaborations. This album includes a contribution from her former 'Renaissance' colleague Michael Dunford, and also Larry Fast, Tony Visconti, Mickey Simmons, Mick Rossi and Rave Tesar who is a member of Annie's band. Rave shares the production credits with Tony Visconti and Larry Fast.

1. Precious One
2. Ananda
3. Twig
4. Summon the Angels
5. 'Michael' Prince of Angels
6. Lily Lullaby
7. This Is Destiny
8. A Thousand Angels
9. Running River Runs
10. Angel Blue

 Annie Haslam (born 8 June 1947, Bolton, Lancashire) is an English progressive rock vocalist and songwriter.
Originally a fashion student, she began studying under opera singer Sybil Knight in 1970 and developed her five-octave vocal range.In February 1971, she became the new lead singer of Renaissance, after answering an advertisement in a magazine, and auditioning for the band in Surrey.
In 1977, she began her solo career with her album Annie in Wonderland, produced by Roy Wood who played most of the musical instruments, and who also duetted with her on one track, and also performed on the Intergalactic Touring Band album. Haslam and Wood were engaged to be married for four years, which she later described as "Four of the funniest years of my life". She has since released eight studio albums, three of which were released through her own record label, White Dove. She has also collaborated with Steve Howe on a number of projects.
In 1993 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she survived and which became the inspiration for her 1994 album, Blessing in Disguise.
Her 2006 Live Studio Concert, was also released as her first solo DVD. Haslam released an EP called Night and Day, her first solo recording for some years, with Welsh rock band Magenta in 2006.
Haslam currently resides in Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

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