WAR DANCE

In the late Seventies I was on a 'vintage-keyboard-quest', scrutinizing all the covers of the albums in my favourite record-shops on pictures of musicians playing Moog synthesizer, Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes piano, Hohner clavinet or Mellotron. I got excited when I noticed a certain Don Airey using the famous Minimoog, it was on the album "Electric Savage" by COLOSSEUM II. The line-up was sensational featuring Jon Hiseman on drums and Gary Moore on guitar (along John Mole on bass). I was delighted about "Electric Savage" but their next LP "Wardance" (1977) is my favourite one, it sounds more mature than the other two records. The rhythm-section is amazing, what a dynamic and propulsive sound. Don Airey plays lots of great solos (Minimoog, Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ) and Gary Moore delivers his best work, his guitar play is more varied and subtle than during his blues - and heavy metal days (a blistering, wah-wah drenched solo in "Star Maiden/Mysterioso/Quasar and a mind blowing guitar-overdub duet with Spanish guitar and fiery electric guitar). But the most thrilling element on this album is the interplay between Don Airey's spectacular Minimoog flights and Gary Moore's biting electric guitar. The crappy "Castles" (boring vocals and boring climate) keeps this album from a 'five-star- award', the other seven instrumental tracks are splendid symphonic jazz rock!