Colosseum - Valentyne Suite (Vertigo 1969) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

The second album by Colosseum launched the Vertigo label. It seems a logical choice. The band had already recorded a successful LP for Phonogram, Those Who Are About To Die Salute You, on Fontana (STL 5510). Their brand of mixing jazz and rock in a rather original way is custom made for the concept of the label. There can be little doubt about the musical competence of these gentlemen. All these years later, the music still sounds fresh. Technically this is top-notch. Blues, jazz and rock are blended into a heady mixture and the playing sounds extremely confident. The ever present danger of too elaborate soloing is wisely restricted, especially on side A, which features strong compositions and fine singing. This A side is better than the long suite on side B: more compact and emotional. This is ever so important, where this kind of venture is always in danger of being marred by too much intellectual exercise. The sidelong suite on side B certainly has its moments, but not all the parts are bridged adequately and some of the ensemble playing sounds cerebral. Still a fine LP by any standards. VertigoSwirl.com

Track listing:

Side one
1. The Kettle
2. Elegy
3. Butty’s Blues
4. The Machine Demands a Sacrifice

Side two
Valentyne Suite:
1. Theme One: January's Search"
2. Theme Two: February's Valentyne
3. Theme Three: The Grass Is Always Greener

Jon Hiseman: Drums
Dick Heckstall-Smith: Tenor & Soprano Sax, Flute
Dave Greenslade: Organ & Vocals
Tony Reeves: Bass Guitar
James Litherland: Vocals & Guitar
String arrangement on ‘Elegy’ by Neil Ardley
Recorded Spring/Summer 1969
Produced by Tony Reeves & Gerry Bron