COLOSSEUM LIVE

Colosseum created a strange brew of their own, mixing jazz, blues, soul with progressive rock sensibilities in a very European way. After four studio releases, which enjoyed a relative success, the group released a live-cut double album named simply Colosseum Live. It was recorded Manchester University and the Big Apple in Brighton during the band's Daughter Of Time tour.

Colosseum Live portrays an experienced group with incredible amounts of energy and vigour as well as on-stage know-how. Various jokes and modifications of lyrics are just a part of the act. This must have been a great show to be at! Dave Greenslade is at his best here with his unmistakeable jazz organ virtuosity. Dave "Clem" Clempson's screaming guitar rings out beautifully on his heavy blues rock solos, but also fits in well when a rhythm guitar role is needed. Chris Farlowe, only recently having joined the band, is the engine of the group with screaming jazzy vocals and many anecdotes in between songs. Dick Hechstall-Smith, the prominent figure of the English jazz scene adds incredible saxophone parts, sometimes playing two instruments at once, a bit like David Jackson of Van Der Graaf Generator. Jon Hiseman's drumming goes from light bebop parts to almost "proto-metal" gallops. Mark Clarke plays some great grooves as well as providing backing vocals, which are in great harmony with those of Farlowe and Clempson. All in all, Colosseum was made up of outstanding professional musicians.

Although Colosseum Live is a double album, it consists of just six tracks (plus one bonus track). These are always above seven minutes and are characterised by lengthy jams. Despite being largely driven by improvisation, the music has a feeling of being organised. "Tanglewood '63" is a great example of that. Starting with a charming saxophone intro, it turns into a jazzy jam, than introducing vocals and going through many different forms. "Stormy Monday", which is a classic blues number goes far beyond being a blues cliche with tempo changes. "Lost Angeles" is the track you are waiting for the whole album. Sort of based on their "Valentyne Suite", this song has many different sections, all very interesting and rewarding.

To conclude, Colosseum Live is a legendary live album. It could well be described as "Colosseum in a nutshell" with all of the band's most significant characteristics. Obviously, it belongs into every Colosseum fan's collection, but will make a great addition to every prog nut's assortment. A very accessible record and will be a great place to start for new Colosseum listeners. Four stars!