Those Who Are About To Die Salute You

The core members of Colosseum first appeared together (according to rock cartographer Pete Frame) as Bluesbreakers #89, on John Mayall's Bare Wires album. After Mayall broke up that short-lived lineup, drummer Jon Hiseman reunited with bassist Tony Reeves and saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith, adding childhood friend and organist Dave Greenslade, while guitarist/singer James Litherland was recruited after an extensive search. Reconstituted as Colosseum, Hiseman assembled one of London's first (and finest) jazz-rock hybrids. Their loud and powerful debut is an absolute stunner. Acknowledging their R&B roots, both "Walking in the Park" and the heavy "The Kettle" swing with ballsy precision. The title track is the jazziest, with excellent soloing from everyone. The album's gem, however, is the decidedly progressive "Valentyne Suite" (not to be confused with the album of the same name) that covers most of the second side; the dialogue between the band members is electric as they blow through each section. The classics also come into play: that same J.S. Bach chord sequence in Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale" pops up here on "Beware the Ides of March." Released in March, the album was well received in the UK, reaching No. 15; The US release on ABC Dunhill in July 1969 had the above track list. Litherland then left the band for the similarly sounding Mogul Thrash, but not before recording further sessions for Colosseum's second album. The first release on the seminal Vertigo Records label, Valentyne Suite was released in November and found similar success, reaching the UK No. 15. [Refers to US pressing]