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 until 1987 with Annie along with Jon Camp and Michael Dunford. Following the split, Annie continued with her solo career, which began in 1978 with her debut solo album Annie In Wonderland.
Still Life was originally recorded and released in 1985. The album features classical music put together by long-time Renaissance lyricist Betty Thatcher. The album was considered and remains a career highlight, and is highly regarded by both the large Annie Haslam fan base and that held by Renaissance.
The album features the London Philharmonic Orchestra and arrangements by Louis Clark who also conducted the album and is credited alongside Annie Haslam.
The album has been unavailable for as short time. This reissue has been re-mastered and will not doubt be welcomed by not just the large Annie Haslam fan base but also beyond that.
