VALENTYNE SUITE

Colosseum peaked their career with this album, vastly improved over the not so distinguishable debut album. Still, I must say that Colosseum's music is an acquired taste: there is not enough for the typical prog-rock fan and there's likely not enough for an adventureous fusion fan. This is even more rock-jazz than jazz-rock. In particular the rhythm section sounds conventional albeit soloing on the brass instruments is pretty close to jazz and nothing short of quality. Vocals are bluesy and so is guitar. The compositions are average and still better developed than on the debut album. The first three tracks are not worth special descriptions but the album is worth acquiring because of the 16-minute title track and the peak of the band. The only more adventureous epic with prog-rock hints, good progressive Hammond without much of distracting vocals and with plenty space to solo for each instrument and good dynamics. Still, I can't give it more than 3 stars with progressive context in mind.