Walk Away Renée / Pretty Ballerina

by The Left Banke

Walk Away Renée / Pretty Ballerina cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: January 1967
  • Label: Smash
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 28:28
  • Community rating: 4.16/5 from 8 ratings

Artists on this release: Tom Finn, Jeff Winfield, Rick Brand, George Cameron, Steve Martin Caro, Lisa David-Schierhorst, Michael Brown

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Now regarded as a definitive example of baroque pop, 'Walk Away Renée / Pretty Ballerina' merges the sophisticated, classically-inspired songwriting of teenage keyboardist Michael Brown with rock instrumentation. The album's sound is defined by Brown's prominent harpsichord, lush string arrangements orchestrated by producer Harry Lookofsky, and the soaring lead vocals of Steve Martin Caro, particularly on the two hit title singles. Though augmented by numerous session musicians, the record maintains a cohesive identity, establishing a unique and influential style that also made brief but notable excursions into gritty garage rock and early country rock.

Genres

Descriptors: orchestral, chamber, string arrangements, melodic, classic

Tracklist

  1. Pretty Ballerina (02:38)
  2. She May Call You Up Tonight (02:21)
  3. Barterers And Their Wives (03:00)
  4. I've Got Something On My Mind (02:49)
  5. Let Go Of You Girl (02:55)
  6. Evening Gown (01:46)
  7. Walk Away Renee (02:44)
  8. What Do You Know (03:00)
  9. Shadows Breaking Over My Head (02:36)
  10. I Haven't Got The Nerve (02:16)
  11. Lazy Day (02:23)

Credits

  • Steve Martin Caro - lead vocals
  • Michael Brown - piano, harpsichord, clavinet, lead vocals (on "what do you know")
  • Tom Finn - bass guitar, backing vocals
  • George Cameron - drums, percussion, backing vocals, co-lead vocals on "i haven't got the nerve"
  • Lisa David-Schierhorst - drums
  • Jeff Winfield - electric guitar
  • Rick Brand - electric guitar
  • Hugh McCracken - guitar
  • Al Gorgoni - guitar
  • George "Fluffer" Hirsh - guitar
  • John Abbott - bass, guitar, string arrangements
  • Seymour Barab - bass, cello
  • Joe Mack - bass
  • Al Rogers - drums
  • Buddy Saltzman - drums
  • Harry Lookofsky - violin, producer, manager
  • George Marge - oboe
  • Jackie Kelso - flute

More from The Left Banke: full discography