Colosseum II-Strange New Flesh (1976)

Colosseum was one of the first progressive rock bands to emerge in the late 1960s. After releasing four magnificent progressive jazz albums (“Those Who About to Die Salute You,” “Valentyne Suite,” “The Grass Is Greener,” and “Daughter of Time”), they disbanded near the end of 1971. Several years later, one of its founders, drummer Jon Hiseman, revived the band, recruiting vocalist Mike Starr, guitarist Gary Moore, keyboardist Don Airey, and bassist John Mole, thus forming Colosseum II. In 1976, they debuted with “Strange New Flesh,” which, unlike the progressive Colosseum of earlier years, leaned towards a vigorous jazz-rock sound very much in line with what other contemporary bands of the genre were doing at the time (Return to Forever), fusing it with an energetic rock style reminiscent of the Jeff Beck Group or the James Gang. An album that opens with the dazzling and exhilarating "Dark Side of the Moog," an ironic title that bears no resemblance to the work of the bands led by Roger Waters and David Gilmour. This is followed by the melodic and atmospheric "Down to You," featuring excellent vocals from Starr and Airey's keyboard work. The funky jazz tracks "Gemini and Leo" and "Secret Places" add a touch of lightheartedness to this debut album. The album closes with the melodic "On Second Thoughts" and the tour de force "Winds," where all the musicians deliver dazzling instrumental performances in a powerful piece of progressive jazz that serves as the perfect conclusion to a masterpiece of 1970s jazz-rock.