Colosseum-Valentyne Suite (1969)

Colosseum was one of the first bands to combine jazz and rock, emerging from the union of various rhythm and blues musicians who had been part of several prestigious bands, such as John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and the Graham Bond Organisation. This is how Jon Hiseman (drums) and Dick Heckstall-Smith (saxophone) decided to go their own way, moving away from Mayall's blues school, and form a band. For this, they recruited guitarist James Litherland, keyboardist Dave Greenslade, and bassist Tony Reeves. After naming this new venture Colosseum, offers from several record labels soon arrived, with the British label Fontana ultimately signing them and producing their first album, "Those Who Are About To Die Salute You", which was released in early 1969. On this debut album, Colosseum showcased a style that perfectly fused jazz, swing, blues, psychedelia, and passages of classical music, all wrapped in powerful rock sounds, as demonstrated in tracks like "Mandarin" and the unrestrained "Debut". The progressive element was present in "Beware The Ides Of March", a reinterpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach's classic "Toccata and Fugue in D minor", performed in an astonishing manner by an awe-inspiring Dick Heckstall-Smith. After this lavish debut, the band left Fontana Records and signed with Vertigo, with whom they released their second album, "Valentyne Suite", later that same year. It began as spectacularly as its predecessor, with the powerful "The Kettle", a track infused with rhythm and blues sounds and Litherland's incendiary guitar. "Elegy" followed a similar path, this time featuring Dick Heckstall-Smith in the lead role with his saxophone and a superb string section. At this point, the band returned to its blues roots with the leisurely "Butty's Blues", where an infectious organ and the horn section combine to create an outstanding and almost unbelievable piece. The second side of the original vinyl is almost exclusively dedicated to the progressive suite of the same name, an extraordinary exercise in which all the band's hallmarks come together, with superb performances from every member. This includes Dave Greenslade's intelligent and innovative organ playing, Tony Reeves' precise and rhythmic bass, Dick Heckstall-Smith's passionate sound, Jon Hiseman's powerful and intricate drumming, and James Litherland's expressive guitar work. "Valentyne Suite" is undoubtedly one of the masterpieces of late 1960s progressive rock. However, despite the orgasmic nature of its compositions, its multiple and obvious influences, even though very well structured, were one of the reasons why, due to a lack of unique originality, they could never compete creatively with their contemporaries, such as bands like King Crimson or Yes, to name just two of the most iconic progressive rock bands.