Elegy: The Recordings 1968 - 1971 Limited Collectors Edition - 6 Cd Box ( Deluxe )

Colosseum was founded in 1968 by virtuoso drummer Jon Hiseman and saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith (who had played together in the Graham Bond Organization and with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers). Together with bassist Tony Reeves and keyboardist Dave Greenslade, the band's line-up was completed by guitarist and singer James Litherland. Their debut album "Those About to Die Salute You" was one of the first successful attempts to combine jazz, blues and rock and reached number 15 in the British album charts.

Their second album, "Valentyne Suite", was the first release on the Progressive Vertigo label and stayed in the British album charts for nine weeks, reaching number 15. The album centered around the three-part "Valentyne Suite", which earned the band much praise from critics and is now considered a milestone of early progressive rock. In the USA and Canada, the album was released in 1970 in a modified form as "The Grass is Greener", remixed and with new member Dave "Clem" Clempson (guitar, vocals), who replaced James Litherland in the group. The album also contained a number of songs unreleased in the UK.

"Daughter of Time" was released on Vertigo in December 1970 and heralded another line-up change within the group, with new additions Mark Clarke (bass) and the unmistakable lead singer Chris Farlowe. The album stayed in the UK Top 30 for five weeks.

A series of concerts in the UK were recorded in 1971 and released in June of the same year as the double LP "Colosseum Live", a top 20 hit in the UK. Colosseum disbanded in October 1971, but re-formed in 1994. This Esoteric Recordings release also includes bonus tracks from the studio and an additional CD with more live recordings from 1971.

6CD box set with the albums "Those About To Die Salute You", "Valentyne Suite", "The Grass Is Greener", "Daughter Of Time" and "Colosseum Live". Plus 12 bonus tracks from studio sessions and live recordings.

Includes an illustrated booklet with an essay.

Reviews

"Colosseum made history with these albums [...] now in a package, remastered with crystal clear sound [...] A booklet with pictures and lots of text tells the story of the band in detail." (GoodTimes, February/March 2024)