Esoteric Recordings Release Expanded & Remastered Renaissance Titles “A Song For All Seasons,” “Ashes Are Burning” and “Prologue”

by | Mar 21, 2019 | New Releases, News

Renaissance latest release “A Symphonic Journey” also available through Esoteric Recordings

Esoteric Recordings Release Expanded & Remastered Renaissance Titles “A Song For All Seasons,” “Ashes Are Burning” and “Prologue.” The band’s latest release “A Symphonic Journey” is also available through the label. Expanded & Remastered versions of Renaissance’s “Carnegie Hall,” “Scherezade” and “Novella.” are soon to follow!

Renaissance: “A Song For All Seasons” 3CD Remastered & Expanded Clamshell Box Edition

Released March 29, 2019.

TRACKLIST
A NEWLY RE-MASTERED 3 CD EXPANDED CLAMSHELL BOXED SET EDITION OF THIS CLASSIC RENAISSANCE ALBUM

FEATURING 15 BONUS TRACKS INCLUDING THE ENTIRE CONCERT RECORDED AT THE TOWER THEATER, PHILADELPHIA IN DECEMBER 1978 RELEASED IN FULL FOR THE FIRST TIME

WITH ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH A NEW ESSAY AND A REPRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL ALBUM POSTER 

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a newly re-mastered and expanded 3CD clamshell box edition of the classic album, “A Song for All Seasons” by RENAISSANCE. Released in March 1978, the album featured the song “Northern Lights”, a Top Ten hit single in the UK and Europe, and was a successful hit album in the UK, USA and Canada. By the late 1970s the line-up of highly gifted vocalist Annie Haslam, Michael Dunford (acoustic and electric guitars), John Tout (keyboards, vocals), Jon Camp (bass, acoustic & electric guitars, vocals) and Terry Sullivan (drums, percussion) had recorded a series of acclaimed albums that fused classical music influences with progressive rock and had earned a loyal following in Europe and had enjoyed wider success in the United States and Japan.

Working with producer David Hentschel (who had also produced the albums “A Trick of the Tail” and “Wind and Wuthering” for Genesis), the material on “A Song for All Seasons” was some of the most carefully crafted work of the band’s career. Flying in the face of the prevailing musical fashions of the time, “A Song for All Seasons” would be the band’s most successful album in Europe and is one of their best-loved works.

This expanded edition has been newly re-mastered from the original master tapes and features 15 bonus tracks, including the previously unreleased promotional edit and a “Top of the Pops” recording of “Northern Lights”, along with a BBC Radio session from August 1978 and a further two CDs comprising the entire concert recorded at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia on 4th December 1978, appearing in full on CD for the first time, with an additional 55 minute’s worth of unreleased tracks.

The release also features an illustrated booklet with a reproduction of the band’s 1978 US tour programme and new essay. The set also includes a reproduction of the original album poster given away with the initial pressing of “A Song for All Seasons”.

DISC ONE:
“A SONG FOR ALL SEASONS”
RE-MASTERED
1. OPENING OUT
2. DAY OF THE DREAMER
3. CLOSER THAN YESTERDAY
4. KINDNESS (AT THE END)
5. BACK HOME ONCE AGAIN
6. SHE IS LOVE
7. NORTHERN LIGHTS
8. A SONG FOR ALL SEASONS BONUS TRACKS
9. NORTHERN LIGHTS PROMOTIONAL SINGLE EDIT (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED ON CD)
10.DAY OF THE DREAMER – BBC SESSION – 19TH AUGUST 1978
11.MIDAS MAN – BBC SESSION – 19TH AUGUST 1978
12.THE VULTURES FLY HIGH – BBC SESSION – 19TH AUGUST 1978
13.NORTHERN LIGHTS – “TOP OF THE POPS” VERSION (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)

DISC TWO:
LIVE AT THE TOWER THEATER, PHILADELPHIA – 4th DECEMBER 1978
1. CAN YOU UNDERSTAND (LIVE 1978)
2. CARPET OF THE SUN (LIVE 1978)
3. THINGS I DON’T UNDERSTAND (LIVE 1978)
4. OPENING OUT (LIVE 1978) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
5. DAY OF THE DREAMER (LIVE 1978)
6. MIDAS MAN (LIVE 1978) – LIVE AT THE TOWER THEATER, PHILADELPHIA – 4th DECEMBER 1978

DISC THREE:
1. NORTHERN LIGHTS (LIVE 1978)
2. A SONG FOR ALL SEASONS (LIVE 1978) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
3. TOUCHING ONCE IS SO HARD TO KEEP (LIVE 1978) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
4. ASHES ARE BURNING (LIVE 1978) (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED) 

For more information:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/renaissance-a-song-for-all-seasons-3cd-remastered-expanded-clamshell-box-edition/

Renaissance: “Ashes Are Burning” Remastered & Expanded Edition

TRACKLIST
NEW REMASTERED & EXPANDED EDITION OF THE CLASSIC 1973 ALBUM BY RENAISSANCE

FEATURING THREE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED LIVE BONUS TRACKS RECORDED FOR BBC RADIO IN 1974

FULLY RESTORED ARTWORK AND LINER NOTES WITH EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS 

Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a newly re- mastered and expanded edition of the classic 1973 album by Renaissance, “Ashes Are Burning”. Formed in 1969 by former Yardbirds members Jim McCarty and Keith Relf, by the 1971 Renaissance had undergone a series of line-up changes and had evolved into a completely different band from the one that had recorded the albums “Renaissance” and “Illusion”. By June 1972 Renaissance had signed to EMI’s Sovereign label and had settled into a line-up featuring the highly gifted vocalist Annie Haslam, John Tout (keyboards, vocals), Jon Camp (bass, vocals), Terry Sullivan (drums, percussion) and Rob Hendry (guitar, mandolin, vocals) who recorded the album “Prologue”, featuring material written by Michael Dunford (a member of the group who had decided to eschew performing with the band to concentrate on song writing) and lyricist Betty Thatcher.

By April 1973 Rob Hendry had departed the band and Michael Dunford rejoined on acoustic guitar in a guest capacity to record the album that would break Renaissance to a wider audience, (particularly in the USA), “Ashes Are Burning”. Featuring such classic material as “Can You Understand”, “Carpet Of The Sun”, “At The Harbour” and the epic title track (featuring Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash on electric guitar). Released in October 1973, “Ashes Are Burning” would establish Renaissance as one of the finest symphonic progressive rock acts.

This Esoteric Recordings edition has been re-mastered from the original Sovereign Records master tapes and adds a previously unreleased thirty minute live performance for BBC Radio One’s In Concert programme in 1974 (recently discovered in the archives).

The booklet features a new essay and exclusive interviews with Annie Haslam and Terry Sullivan and fully restores the original album artwork.

1. CAN YOU UNDERSTAND
2. LET IT GROW
3. ON THE FRONTIER
4. CARPET OF THE SUN
5. AT THE HARBOUR
6. ASHES ARE BURNING

BONUS TRACKS
(PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED)
7. CAN YOU UNDERSTAND (LIVE -BBC RADIO “IN CONCERT” 1974)
8. LET IT GROW (LIVE -BBC RADIO “IN CONCERT” 1974)
9. ASHES ARE BURNING (LIVE – BBC RADIO “IN CONCERT” 1974) 

For more information:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/renaissance-ashes-are-burning-remastered-expanded-edition/

Renaissance: “Prologue” Expanded & Remastered Edition

TRACKLIST
NEW REMASTERED & EXPANDED EDITION OF THE CLASSIC 1972 ALBUM BY RENAISSANCE

FEATURING ONE BONUS TRACK PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED ON CD

FULLY RESTORED ARTWORK AND LINER NOTES WITH EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS 

Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a newly re-mastered and expanded edition of the classic 1972 album by Renaissance, “Prologue”. Formed in 1969 by former Yardbirds members Jim McCarty and Keith Relf, Renaissance had by 1971 undergone a series of line-up changes and had evolved into a completely different band from the one that had recorded the albums “Renaissance” and “Illusion”.

By June 1972 Renaissance had settled into a line-up featuring the highly gifted vocalist Annie Haslam, John Tout (keyboards, vocals), Jon Camp (bass, vocals), Terry Sullivan (drums, percussion) and Rob Hendry (guitar, mandolin, vocals). The album “Prologue” was recorded in June and July 1972 and featured material written by Michael Dunford (a member of the group who had decided to eschew performing with the band to concentrate on song writing) and lyricist Betty Thatcher. Featuring such classic material as the album title track, “Kiev”, “Spare Some Love” and the epic “Rajah Kahn”, “Prologue” was also notable for the presence of guest musician Francis Monkman (of Curved Air) who would play VCS 3 synthesiser on “Rajah Khan”. The album would pave the way for the future success of Renaissance and would effectively be regarded as the band’s first true album.

This Esoteric Recordings edition has been re-mastered from the original Sovereign Records master tapes and adds the rare single version of “Spare Some Love” as a bonus track (appearing on CD for the very first time). The booklet features a new essay and exclusive interviews with Annie Haslam and Terry Sullivan and fully restores the original album artwork.

1. PROLOGUE
2. KIEV
3. SOUNDS OF THE SEA
4. SPARE SOME LOVE
5. BOUND FOR INFINITY
6. RAJAH KAHN

BONUS TRACK
7. SPARE SOME LOVE (SINGLE VERSION)
(PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED ON CD) 

For more information:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/renaissance-prologue-expanded-remastered-edition/

Renaissance: “A Symphonic Journey” 2CD / 1DVD Digipak Edition

TRACKLIST
A WONDERFUL NEW LIVE SET COMPRISING 2 CDS & A DVD (NTSC / REGION FREE) SET OF LIVE RECORDINGS MADE IN CONCERT IN OCTOBER 2017 IN THE USA WITH THE RENAISSANCE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

FEATURING CLASSIC MATERIAL

INCLUDES AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH QUOTES FROM ANNIE HASLAM

RENAISSANCE PERFORMING TWO EXCLUSIVE CONCERTS IN TOKYO 17th & 18th SEPTEMBER 2018 

Symphonic Rock Recordings is delighted to announce the release of a new 2 CD and DVD live album by Renaissance, “A Symphonic Journey”. This wonderful recording captures in sound and vision a very special concert staged at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside PA, USA on 27th October 2017. Renaissance perform an extensive set of classic material with the Renaissance Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble especially formed for a series of American concerts.

Annie Haslam comments: “Renaissance has touched so many hearts across land and sea, for what seems to be most of a lifetime now, in the performance of this exquisite and unique music. I cannot imagine my life apart from being the ‘voice’ of Renaissance, to carry our message out into the world. For a long time now it has been a dream of mine for Renaissance to perform ‘live’ again with an orchestra, but the how and when of this was unclear. I felt however, deep inside that it would one day come to pass.

“I was filled with pride and overwhelmed with emotion when we finally stepped onto the stage for this performance. To look over my shoulder and see all of the classical musicians with their instruments, brought back my vivid memory of our orchestral performance forty years ago in London, of Renaissance at The Royal Albert Hall with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

“Renaissance band members Rave Tesar, Mark Lambert, Leo Traversa, Geoffrey Langley and Charles Descarfino are impeccable on this DVD in their performance of the timeless music. In the culmination of a perfect blend with the Renaissance Chamber Orchestra who graced our stage, how wonderful it was and is to be able to share this incredible, unforgettable evening with our loyal supportive fans who have accompanied us on this musical-spiritual journey”.

“A Symphonic Journey” captures on two CDs and a DVD (NTSC / Region Free) the magic of the concert and features such classic material as “Trip To The Fair”, “Carpet Of The Sun”, “Mother Russia”, “A Song For All Seasons” and “Ashes Are Burning” and is a fine souvenir of a perfect musical evening.

DISC ONE:
1. PROLOGUE
2. TRIP TO THE FAIR
3. CARPET OF THE SUN
4. AT THE HARBOUR
5. GRANDINE IL VENTO
6. SYMPHONY OF LIGHT

DISC TWO:
1. KALYNDA
2. ISLAND
3. MOTHER RUSSIA
4. SONG FOR ALL SEASONS
5. ASHES ARE BURNING

DISC THREE: DVD
1. PROLOGUE
2. TRIP TO THE FAIR
3. CARPET OF THE SUN
4. AT THE HARBOUR
5. GRANDINE IL VENTO
6. SYMPHONY OF LIGHT
7. KALYNDA
8. ISLAND
9. MOTHER RUSSIA
10.SONG FOR ALL SEASONS
11.ASHES ARE BURNING
NTSC / REGION FREE 

For more information:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/renaissance-a-symphonic-journey-2cd-1dvd-digipak-edition/

You can learn more about the band by visiting:
www.renaissancetouring.com
facebook.com/renaissancetouring
www.anniehaslam.com
facebook.com/anniehaslamart

Esoteric Recordings To Release BE-BOP DELUXE SUNBURST FINISH 3CD/1DVD Limited Edition Deluxe Boxed Set – November 23, 2018

by | Nov 14, 2018 | New Releases, News, Reissue

NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES

FEATURING AN ADDITIONAL 39 BONUS TRACKS DRAWN FROM NEW 5.1 SURROUND SOUND & STEREO MIXES FROM THE ORIGINAL MULTI-TRACK MASTER TAPES, BBC RADIO SESSIONS FROM 1976, PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED OUT-TAKES FROM THE ALBUM SESSIONS, ALONG WITH A PREVIOUSLY RELEASED UNISSUED 1976 HARVEST RECORDS PROMO VIDEO OF “SHIPS IN THE NIGHT” & A BBC TV OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST APPEARANCE FROM FEBRUARY 1976

INCLUDES A LAVISHLY ILLUSTRATED 68 PAGE BOOK WITH MANY PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN PHOTOGRAPHS & NEW ESSAY BY BILL NELSON. ALSO INCLUDES A FACSIMILE OF THE 1976 SUNBURST FINISH TOUR PROGRAMME, POSTCARDS AND A REPLICA POSTER

Esoteric Recordings is proud to announce the release of a new re-mastered four-disc deluxe expanded boxed set limited edition (comprising 3 CDs and a DVD) of SUNBURST FINISH the legendary 1976 album by BE-BOP DELUXE.

Recorded in the Autumn of 1975 at Abbey Road studios (with some sessions also taking place at AIR studios in London), SUNBURST FINISH was the third album by Be-Bop Deluxe and the first to feature the line-up of BILL NELSON (vocals, guitars, keyboards), CHARLIE TUMAHAI (bass, vocals), ANDY CLARK (keyboards) and SIMON FOX (drums). It was also the first BE-BOP DELUXE album to be co-produced by BILL NELSON and JOHN LECKIE. An album of immense musical inventiveness and creativity, SUNBURST FINISH was one of the finest albums of its era, a perfect cohesion of ten classic songs written by BILL NELSON (featuring his highly imaginative guitar playing) and a stylized and striking artwork package. Featuring such classic material as “Heavenly Homes”, “Crying to the Sky”, “Sleep that Burns”, “Life in the Air Age”, “Crystal Gazing” and “Blazing Apostles”, the album also spawned the hit single “Ships in the Night” and launched BE-BOP DELUXE as one of the major breakthrough acts of 1976.

This expanded reissue has been newly re-mastered from the original master tapes and features an additional 39 bonus tracks drawn from a stunning new 5.1 surround sound & stereo mixes from the original multi-track tapes by award winning engineer Stephen W. Tayler, previously unreleased out-takes from the album sessions, a BBC Radio “In Concert” performance from January 1976, a rare John Peel Show session from February 1976 (unavailable on CD for over twenty years), along with an unissued and previously unreleased 1976 Harvest Records promotional video for “Ships in the Night” and a session for BBC TV’s “Old Grey Whistle Test” show from January 1976.

Another highlight of this limited edition boxed set is the lavishly illustrated 68-page book with many previously unseen photographs and an essay of recollections by Bill Nelson. Additionally, the set includes a facsimile of the 1976 SUNBURST FINISH tour programme, postcards and a replica poster. This special deluxe limited edition boxed set of SUNBURST FINISH is a fitting tribute to a fine band, the creative vision of Bill Nelson and a wonderful album.

Released November 23, 2018.

DISC ONE:
SUNBURST FINISH
THE ORIGINAL STEREO MIX RE- MASTERED:
1. FAIR EXCHANGE
2. HEAVENLY HOMES
3. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT
4. CRYING TO THE SKY
5. SLEEP THAT BURNS
6. BEAUTY SECRETS
7. LIFE IN THE AIR AGE
8. LIKE AN OLD BLUES
9. CRYSTAL GAZING
10. BLAZING APOSTLES

BONUS TRACK
11. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT (SINGLE VERSION) A-SIDE OF SINGLE

DISC TWO:
SUNBURST FINISH
THE 2018 STEREO MIX:
1. FAIR EXCHANGE (NEW STEREO MIX)
2. HEAVENLY HOMES (NEW STEREO MIX)
3. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT (NEW STEREO MIX)
4. CRYING TO THE SKY (NEW STEREO MIX)
5. SLEEP THAT BURNS (NEW STEREO MIX)
6. BEAUTY SECRETS (NEW STEREO MIX)
7. LIFE IN THE AIR AGE (NEW STEREO MIX)
8. LIKE AN OLD BLUES (NEW STEREO MIX)
9. CRYSTAL GAZING (NEW STEREO MIX)
10. BLAZING APOSTLES (NEW STEREO MIX)

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED BONUS TRACKS
11. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT (FIRST VERSION)
12. BEAUTY SECRETS (FIRST VERSION)
13. THE MYSTERY DEMO
14. CRYSTAL GAZING (ALTERNATE VOCAL VERSION)
15. CRYING TO THE SKY (FIRST VERSION)
16. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT (ALTERNATE VOCAL VERSION)

DISC THREE:
BBC RADIO RECORDINGS
1. LIFE IN THE AIR AGE (LIVE)
2. SISTER SEAGULL (LIVE)
3. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT (LIVE)
4. MAID IN HEAVEN (LIVE)
5. THIRD FLOOR HEAVEN (LIVE)
6. BLAZING APOSTLES (LIVE)

BBC RADIO ONE “IN CONCERT” 15TH JANUARY 1976
7. CRYING TO THE SKY (BBC JOHN PEEL SESSION)
8. PIECE OF MIND (BBC JOHN PEEL SESSION)
9. BLAZING APOSTLES (BBC JOHN PEEL SESSION)
BBC RADIO ONE “JOHN PEEL SHOW” SESSION 10th FEBRUARY 1976

DISC FOUR: DVD
SUNBURST FINISH
THE NEW 5.1 SURROUND SOUND MIX, NEW 96 KHZ / 24-BIT STEREO MIX AND 96 KHZ / 24-BIT ORIGINAL STEREO MIX
1. FAIR EXCHANGE (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
2. HEAVENLY HOMES (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
3. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
4. CRYING TO THE SKY (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
5. SLEEP THAT BURNS (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
6. BEAUTY SECRETS (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
7. LIFE IN THE AIR AGE (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
8. LIKE AN OLD BLUES (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
9. CRYSTAL GAZING (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
10. BLAZING APOSTLES (5.1 SURROUND MIX)

BONUS VIDEO MATERIAL
1. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT (OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST)
2. FAIR EXCHANGE (OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST)
BBC TV “OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST” SESSION 13TH JANUARY 1976
3. SHIPS IN THE NIGHT (UNRELEASED PROMO VIDEO) 1976 HARVEST RECORDS UNISSUED PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

To pre-order BE-BOP DELUXE SUNBURST FINISH 3CD/1DVD Limited Edition Deluxe Boxed Set:
https://www.amazon.com/Sunburst-Finish-BE-BOP-DELUXE/dp/B07GRM8SQ7

Also Available As a 2CD Expanded & Remastered Edition

Bill Nelson’s official website: www.billnelson.com

Esoteric Recordings to releases Renaissance Live DVD & CD

by | Jul 19, 2018 | New Releases, News

Esoteric Recordings has announced that they will be releasing the new Renaissance live 2CD & DVD set.  A Symphonic Journey with the Renaissance Chamber Orchestra will be available September 14th, to
coincide with the first Renaissance concerts in Japan in 8 years on 17th & 18th September in Tokyo

Buy Ticket
https://www.livenation.co.jp/show/1177445/renaissance-a-symphonic-journey/tokyo/2018-09-17/ja

Renaissance Is:
Annie Haslam – Lead Vocalist
Rave Tesar – Keyboards
Tom Brislin – Keyboards & vocals
Mark Lambert – Guitar & vocals
Frank Pagano – Drums, percussion & vocals
Leo Traversa – Bass & vocals

String section 

Joe Deninzon: 1st violin
Eddie Venegas: 2nd violin
Orlando Wells: viola
Leo Grinhauz: cello
Allen Won: clarinets and flutes
Bob Magnuson: double reeds and flutes
Vinnie Cutro: trumpet
Bob Ferrel: trombone
Bill Hughes: french horn

Ray Thomas Founding Member Of The Moody Blues Has Passed Away

by | Jan 7, 2018 | News

It is with profound sorrow and sadness that Cherry Red Records and Esoteric Recordings regret to announce that Ray Thomas, founder member, flautist and vocalist of the Moody Blues, passed away suddenly at his home in Surrey on Thursday 4th January 2018.

We are deeply shocked by his passing and will miss his warmth, humor, and kindness. It was a privilege to have known and worked with him and our thoughts are with his family and his wife Lee at this sad time.

Born in Stourport-on-Severn on 29th December 1941, Ray was a member of various Birmingham Blues and Soul groups in the early 1960s, notably with El Riot and the Rebels, who also featured John Lodge and Mike Pinder at various stages in their existence. Ray formed The Krew Cats with Mike Pinder in 1963 and the group performed on the Hamburg club scene that year. Returning to Birmingham, Thomas and Pinder formed the Moody Blues with Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, and Clint Warwick. The band signed to Decca Records and enjoyed a worldwide hit with their cover of Bessie Banks’ “Go Now” in January 1965.

In October 1966 the Moody Blues line-up changed with the recruitment of Justin Hayward and John Lodge to replace the departing Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. The musical style of the group changed dramatically with the incorporation of the Mellotron into their sound, along with Ray’s evocative flute playing.

The band’s 1967 single “Nights in White Satin” (from the groundbreaking album “Days of Future Passed” – a number one album in the USA in 1972) was graced by a magical flute solo from Ray, contributing to the evocative arrangement of the song.
Over seven albums released between 1967 and 1972, the Moody Blues enjoyed major success, and each album was graced with compositions by Ray such as “Legend of a Mind” (about the psychedelic champion Timothy Leary), “Eternity Road”, “And the Tide Rushes In” and “For My Lady”.

In the mid-1970s, Ray recorded two successful solo albums; “From Mighty Oaks” (1975) and “Hopes Wishes and Dreams” (1976). The Moody Blues success continued into the 1980s. Ray’s song “Veteran Cosmic Rocker” (from 1981’s “Long Distance Voyager”) highlighted Ray’s marvelous sense of humor.

Ray remained with the Moody Blues until 2002 when he retired from the band due to health issues. Despite mobility issues, Ray continued to play and record occasionally, contributing a new song, “The Trouble with Memories” to a 2010 boxed set release of his two solo albums and more recently to the John Lodge album “10,000 Light Years Ago” in 2014. In 2017 it was announced that the members of the Moody Blues, including Ray Thomas, were to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.