Colosseum is a pioneering British progressive jazz-rock band mixing progressive rock and jazz-based improvising.
The band was formed in 1968 by drummer Jon Hiseman, tenor sax player Dick Heckstall-Smith and bass player Tony Reeves, who had previously worked together in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers on the Bare Wires album. Dave Greenslade, on organ, was immediately recruited, and the line-up was completed by Jim Roche on guitar. Roche only recorded one track before being replaced by James Litherland, (guitar and vocals).
Colosseum made their live debut in Newcastle and were promptly recorded by influential BBC Radio One DJ John Peel for his Top Gear Radio program. This appearance gained them valuable exposure and critical acclaim.
Colosseum's first album, Those Who Are About To Die Salute You, was released by the Fontana label in 1969. Colosseum also played the "Super Session" program produced by BBC with Modern Jazz Quartet, Led Zeppelin, Jack Bruce, Roland Kirk Quartet, Eric Clapton, Steve Stills, and Juicy Lucy. Colosseum's second album, also in 1969, was Valentyne Suite, notable as the first release from Vertigo Records, the first label to sign heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath. Vertigo Records was a branch of Philips, established to sign and develop artists that did not fit the main Philips Records brand.
Dave "Clem" Clempson replaced James Litherland for the third album, The Grass Is Greener, released in 1970 and only in the United States. Louis Cennamo then replaced Tony Reeves on bass, but was replaced by Mark Clarke within a month, and Hiseman recruited vocalist Chris Farlowe to enable Clempson to concentrate on guitar. This is considered to be the definitive Colosseum line-up, which had already partly recorded the 1970 album Daughter of Time.
In March 1971, the band recorded its concerts at the Big Apple in Brighton and at Manchester University. Hiseman was impressed with the atmosphere at the Manchester show, and the band returned five days later for a free concert that was also recorded. The recordings were released as a live double album in 1971, Colosseum Live, shortly before the original band broke up.
After the band split, Jon Hiseman formed Tempest with bassist Mark Clarke; Dave Greenslade formed Greenslade with Tony Reeves; Clem Clempson joined Humble Pie; Chris Farlowe joined Atomic Rooster; and Dick Heckstall-Smith embarked on a solo career.
Hiseman reformed the group as Colosseum II in 1975, with a stronger orientation towards jazz-fusion rock and a new lineup, featuring guitarist Gary Moore, and Don Airey on keyboards. Colosseum II released three albums before disbanding in 1978.
Colosseum reunited for a tour in 1994, the catalyst for a live CD, DVD releases, and new studio releases. Expanded editions of Valentyne Suite and Colosseum Live were also released, as well as several compilation albums.
Hiseman's wife, saxophonist Barbara Thompson, joined the band on various occasions before the 2004 death of Dick Heckstall-Smith and is now a permanent member of the band.
In October 2010, Jon Hiseman's biography was published. Called "Playing the Band" (available from all good bookshops and online. ;-D ) it was written by Martyn Hanson, edited by Colin Richardson and relates the story of his career in music spanning more than four decades and describes his experiences with John Mayall, Graham Bond, Georgie Fame, the New Jazz Orchestra, Colosseum, Tempest, Colosseum II, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the United Jazz & Rock Ensemble and Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia. However, it's not just about his life in music; it is a tale of survival, friendships and rivalry, romance, brutal reality... and the occasional insanity. Full details of how to buy the book are available from: http://www.cka-net.com/acatalog/Temple_Music_Shop.html Further general information on Jon's website:http://www.temple-music.com/ Facebook page "Playing the Band" and weblog: colinrichardsonjazz.typepad.com
Tanglewood 63 appears on the album Live (1971).
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I love this.....its good travelling music. I used to be a Punk. But I love all sorts. Its all music and this is class.
CoxandTanfield 1 year ago