Valentyne Suite

In 1969 (when some other guys were doing something trivial like landing on the Moon) Colosseum’s Valentye Suite stood out head and shoulders above everything else being played – quite magnificent!The Valentyne Suite (when I were a lad) only had 5 tracks – but is almost perfect. Hiseman’s drumming is astonishing, Dave Clempson’s guitar playing on a par with Clapton, along with the incredible Dick H-S (RIP) on sax – and the swirling organ from Dave Greenslade.The Tracks

1. Kettle – Roaring start to the album. Everything a jazz-rock track should be, but with that special, distinctive, Colosseum magic.

2. Elegy – just beautiful, with delicate strings. Tears to the eyes.

3. Butty’s Blues – Yes, it’s a Blues piece with great sax

4. Machine Demands A Sacrifice – Hiseman’s drums tear along and then a VERY strange ending – never did work out what was going on…

5. Valentyne Suite – The best bit on the album – three movements that showcase the entire band (including some wonderful phased drums), and some spine-tingling organ from Mr. Greenslade.