Colosseum
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1968) - Dave Greenslade -- vocals, organ - Dick Heskstall-Smith (RIP 2004) -- sax - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) -- drums, percussion - Tony Reeves -- bass - Jim Roche -- guitar
line up 2 (1968-69) - Dave Greenslade -- vocals, organ - Dick Heskstall-Smith (RIP 2004) -- sax - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) -- drums, percussion NEW - James Litherland -- vocals, guitar (replaced Jim Roche) - Tony Reeves -- bass
line up 3 (1969) NEW - Dave Clempson -- vocals, guitar (replaced James Litherland) - Dave Greenslade -- vocals, organ - Dick Heskstall-Smith (RIP 2004) -- sax - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) -- drums, percussion - Tony Reeves -- bass
line up 4 (1970) NEW - Louis Cennamo -- bass (replaced Tony Reeves) - Dave Clempson -- vocals, guitar - Dave Greenslade -- vocals, organ - Dick Heskstall-Smith (RIP 2004) -- sax - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) -- drums, percussion
line up 5 (1970) NEW - Mike Clarke -- bass (replaced Louis Cennamo) - Dave Clempson -- vocals, guitar - Dave Greenslade -- vocals, organ - Dick Heskstall-Smith (RIP 2004) -- sax - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) -- drums, percussion
line up 6 (1970) - Mike Clarke -- bass - Dave Clempson -- vocals, guitar NEW - Chris Farlowe -- vocals - Dave Greenslade -- vocals, organ - Dick Heskstall-Smith (RIP 2004) -- sax - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) -- drums, percussion
line up 7 (1975-76) as Colosseum II NEW - Don Airey -- keyboards, synthesizers - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) - drums, percussion NEW - Gary Moore (RIP 2011) -- vocals, guitars, NEW - Neil Murray -- bass NEW - Mike Starrs – vocals
line up 8 (1976-78) - Don Airey -- keyboards, synthesizers\ - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) - drums, percussion\ NEW - John Mole (RIP 2006) -- bass - Gary Moore (RIP 2011) -- vocals, guitars
line up 9 (1976-78) - Don Airey -- keyboards, synthesizers NEW- Keith Airey – guitars (replaced Gary Moore) - Jon Hiseman (RIP 2018) - drums, percussion - John Mole (RIP 2006) -- bass
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- Don Airey (solo efforts) - Don Airey and Friends (Don Airey) - Atomic Rooster (Chris Farlow) - The Beazers (Chris Farlowe and Dave Greenslade) - Black Sabbath (Neil Murray) - Bruford (Neil Murray) - The Graham Bond Organization (Dick Heskstall-Smith) - Chris Biscoe Quartet (John Mole) - Michael Chambosse And Friends (Mike Starrs) - Dave Clempsom (solo efforts) - The Company of Snakes (Neil Murray) - Curved Air (Tony Reeves) - Deep Purple (Don Airey) - Duesenberg (Mike Starrs) - Et Cetera (Neil Murray) - Empire (Neil Murray) - Chris Farlowe (solo efforts) - Fastway (Don Airey and Neil Murray) - Ferry Aid (Gary Moore) - G-Force (Gary Moore) - Gilgamesh (Neil Murray) - Gogmagog (Neil Murray) - Peter Green Splinter Group (Neil Murray) - Greenslade (Dave Greenslade, Jon Hiseman and Tony Reeves) - Hamburg Blues Band (Dave Clempson and Dick Heskstall-Smith) - Hanson (Neil Murray) - Dick Heskstall-Smith (solo efforts) - Jon Hiseman (solo efforts) - Allan Holdsworth Trio (Jon Hiseman) - Hollywood Friends (Don Airey) - Humble Pie (Dave Clempson) - Jethro Tull (Don Airey) - JCM (Jon Hiseman) - Lake (Mike Starrs) - Peter Lemer Quintet - The Little House Band (Don Airey) - Living Lound (Don Airey) - Lucifer's Friend (Mike Starrs) - M3 (Neil Murray) - John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (Dick Heskstall-Smith, Jon Hiseman and Tony Reeves) - John Mayall and Friends (Gary Moore) - Manchild (James Litherland and Dick Heskstall-Smith) - The MIdnight Blues Band (Don Airey) - Mogul Thrash (James Litherland) - Mona Lisa Overdrive (Don Airey and Neil Murray) - Gary Moore (solo efforts) - Gary Moore and Friends (Don Airey) - Granny's Intentions (Gary Moore) - The Brian May Band (Neil Murray) - The Wes Minster Five (Jon Hisemam) - Morrissey Mullen (John Mole) - National Health (Neil Murray) - The New Jazz Orchestra (Jon Hiseman) - One World Project (Gary Moore) - Phenomena (Don Airey and Neil Murray) - Cozy Powell's Hammer (Don Airey) - Rainbow (Don Airey) - The RD Crusaders (Gary Moore) - Howard Riley Trio - Rondinilli(Neil Murray) - Scars (Gary Moore) - The Secret Police (Neil Murray) - Shadowshow (Jon Hiseman and John Mole) - The Michael Schenker Group (Neil Murray) - The Skirmishers (Jon HIseman) - Skid Row (Gary Moore) - Snakecharmer (Neil Murray) - The Snakes (Don Airey) - The Soul Searchers (Gary Moore) - Sounds Orchestral - Mike Starrs (solo efforts) - The Stonkers (Neil Murray) - The Mike Taylor Quartet (Jon Hiseman) - Tempest (Jon Hiseman and Mike Clarke) - Thin Lizzy (Gary Moore) - Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia (Jon Hiseman) - Tone Band (Mike Starrs) - The United Jazz & Rock Ensemble (Jon Hiseman) - Uriah Heep (Dave Clempson) - Vow Wow (Neil Murray) - Andrew Lloyd Webber (Variations) - Whitesnake (Neil Murray) - Wild Connections (Gary Moore)
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Genre: progressive Rating: 3 stars *** Title: The Grass Is Greener Company: Dunhill Catalog: DS
50079 Country/State: UK Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: 305 Price: $40.00
Best time to play: Sunday morning before anyone's gotten Up (headphones strongly suggested)
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As far as I can
tell, 1970's "The Grass Is Greener"
was basically an American-ized version of 1969's "Valentyne
Suite" (Vertigo
catalog number VO 1 / 847 900 VTY). Released in
I won't try to convince anyone it was a great album ('cause it wasn't), but it's one of those strange sets that I find myself drawn to from time to time. Maybe due to the fact it is pretty far outside the mainstream, but still listenable ... beats me.
"The Grass
Is Greener" track listing: 1.) Jumping Off the Sun (Mike Taylor - Dave Tomlin) - 3:00 rating: *** stars Yeah, it's progressive (always liked the opening bells), but courtesy of Dave Clempson's roaring guitar, had a distinctive rock edge. Actually the track's always reminded me of a Cream song with Clempson's lead vocal sounding very much like a Jack Bruce effort. You'll have to decide if that's a good thing or not. 2.) Lost Angeles (Dave Greenslade - Dick Heckstall-Smith) - 5:30 rating: **** stars 'Lost Angeles' exhibited an interesting jazzy edge before Clempson's killer fuzz guitar solo kicked in. The overlooked heroes on this one were actually the Jon Hiseman and Tony Reeves rhythm section. 3.) Elegy (James Litherland) - 3:26 rating: **** stars The album's most commercial offering and the lone track featuring the original Litherland vocal, 'Elegy' was also one of the album highlights. A smooth and slinky bluesy-rocker, hearing this one you were left to wonder why the band elected to go with Clempson on vocals ... Funny that when I listened to it the last time around the vocal reminded me of Adam Levine of Maroon Five fame. 4.) Butty's Blues (James Litherland) - 6:45 rating: *** stars A conventional bluesy track, the first half of 'Butty's Blues' basically served to showcase Dave Greenslade's organ. Then Clempson's vocals and the horn arrangement really kicked in and things went downhill. This one's always reminded me of something out of Brian Auger's catalog.
(side
2) Another one that's always reminded me of a Jack Bruce track (yes, I know he co-wrote it), 'Rope Ladder to the Moon' had a memorable melody that found a nice niche between catchy and experimental and some of the eccentric lyrics Pete Brown and Bruce were so fond of. 2.) Bolero (instrumental) (Mauriece Ravel) - 5:28 rating: *** stars Apparently pulling a page out of The Nice recording catalog, their cover of Ravel's 'Bolero' was mildly entertaining. The first half of the song didn't stray too far from the original melody, but then Clemson's guitar solo kicked in and the song essentially abandoned the original melody in favor of a rock jam ... and then back to the main theme. 3.) The Machine Demands a Sacrifice (Pete Brown - Jon Hiseman - James Litherland) - 2:48 rating: *** stars As mentioned, 'The Machine Demands a Sacrifice' was one of the re-recorded tracks off of "Valentyne Suite"; reflected Clempson's vocals and included in a heavily abbreviated version. In spite of those adjustments, it was worth hearing. 4.) The Grass is Greener (instrumental) (Dick Heckstall-Smith - Jon Hiseman) - 7:31 rating: **** stars Perhaps the album's prettiest performance, the instrumental 'The Grass is Greener' showcased a wonderful melody that gave each member a shot at the spotlight - Reeves turned in one of the most melodic bass solos I've ever heard.
© Scott R. Blackerby June, 2024
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Genre: progressive Rating: 3 stars *** Title: Wardance Company: MCA Catalog: MCA
2310 Country/State: UK Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: cut lower right corner Available: 1 Catalog ID: 1000 Price: $15.00
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Four years after Colosseum called it quits
drummer Jon Hiseman decided to revive the nameplate. Hiseman began
rehearsing with a variety of musicians, eventually settling on a line-up
featuring keyboard player Don Airey, bassist Neil Murray, vocalist Mike
Starrs and guitarist Gary Moore. As Colosseum II, the quintet
was signed to Gary Bron's Bronze label. Produced
by Martin Levan and Jon Hiseman, operating as a quarter,1977's "War
Dance" was their second album for MCA. It was also their
second LP in a year. I'm certainly not a hardcore progressive, or
jazz-rock fusion fan, but for some reason I've held on to my copy of this
album. Shoot, I even pull it out for a spin from time to time.
Their third and final album, it was the first Colosseum II album I purchased
and I guess I was expecting something sounding a little more like the
original Colosseum - namely English progressive moves. There was
nothing even close to be heard in th
"Wardance" track listing: 1.) Wardance
(instrumental) (Don Airey) - 5:56 rating:
*** stars 2.) Major Keys (John Mole - Gary Moore) (instrumental) - 5:10 rating: *** stars Powered by a rumbling John Mole bass line, Airey's melodic synthesizer work and some of Moore's most melodic playing, 'Major Keys' was interesting for sounding like a mash-up of mid-'70s funk with a dab of disco and something out of the Jan Akkerman and Focus catalog. 3.) Put It That Way (instrumental) (Gary Moore - Jon Hiseman) - 3:37 rating: **** stars 'Put It That Way' essentially served as a spotlight for Moore's amazing versatility. How many different guitar styles can you cram into ninety seven seconds? Well, listening to this the answer was plenty. Yeah, I'll admit Airey demonstrated he could keep up with Moore on this one. 4.) Castles (Gary Moore - Jon Hiseman) - 5:40 rating: *** stars The album's lone vocal, I'm always surprised by how nice Moore's voice was. Yeah, the ballad 'Castle' sounded totally out of place on the album. Moreover, it wasn't particularly original, sounding like something out of the Ambrosia catalog, of perhaps something you would have heard while waiting on a phone help line.
(side 2) 1.) Fighting Talk (instrumental) (Gary Moore - Jon Hiseman) - 5:50 rating: *** stars Powered by Moore, 'Fighting Talk' was the album's most straight forward rocker. Not sure when or where it was recorded, but YouTube has a live performance clip of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzIvOe-vpSg 2.) The Inquisition (instrumental) (Gary Moore - Jon Hiseman) - 5:45 rating: **** stars Listening to 'The Inquisition' is like watching a drunk driver speeding through a school zone at 100 miles an hour. The tempo these guys powered through was simply stunning. Once again the spotlight was on Moore; particularly when he started tossing out Flamenco-flavored riffs, but the secret sauce was Hiseman. How can anyone play drums that long with such power? The video and sound quality are poor, but recorded for a BBC television appearance, YouTube has a live performance of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtjDigJ_QQI 3.) Star Maiden (instrumental) (John Mole) rating: **** stars / Mysterioso (instrumental) (Don Airey) rating: *** stars / Quasar (instrumental) (Don Airey) - 6:15 With science fiction all the range in the mid-'70s, I guess it shouldn't have come as a surprise to hear this trilogy. The highlight of Mole's pretty 'Star Maiden' was his melodic fretless bass playing. Lovely and every bass player should hear it. The rocker 'Mysterioso' shifted the emphasis to another round of the Airey-Moore battle of instruments. 'Quasar' added bells and trotted Moore back into the spotlight. It was also another example of Hiseman's powerhouse drumming. Wish it had been longer. 4.) Last Exit (Gary Moore - Jon Hiseman) - 3:22 rating: **** stars Sporting one of their prettiest melodies, 'Last Exit' was a nice atmospheric rocker. It would fit nicely into a film soundtrack. My only complaint was the song faded out far too soon. Kind of an ironic song title given this proved to be their final album (plans for a fourth set abandoned when Moore decided to rejoining Thin Lizzy.
© Scott R. Blackerby February, 2025
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the States by ABC Dunhill (it
never saw a UK release), the album featured four songs from the earlier
LP. Curiously new singer/guitarist Dave Clempson apparently rerecorded
his vocals over original singer James Litherland's performances on three of
the four selections ('Butty's Blues', 'The Machine Demands a Sacrifice', and
'The Grass Is Greener'). The fourth track 'Elegy' featured the
original Litherland vocal. Those "remakes" were
rounded out by three new studio numbers: 'Jumping
Off The Sun', 'Lost Angeles', 'Rope Ladder To The Moon', and 'Bolero'.
Musically the album offered up an engaging
mixture of blues-rock and jazzy moves. Think along the lines of
John Mayall when he was working with an extended horn line-up and you'll
have a feel for much of the album. For what it's worth, Clempson was a
decent guitarist (check out his solo on 'Lost Angeles'), but in the vocal
department he wasn't nearly as good as Litherland, or the forthcoming Chris
Farlowe. Exemplified by tracks like 'Jumping Off the Sun', 'Lost
Angeles' and 'Butty's Blues' his voice has always struck me as being tight
and scratchy - very much like Jack Bruce's instrument. One of the standout
performances, 'Elegy' served to showcase how good Litherland had been.
ese
grooves. The funny thing is that had I taken the time to look at some
of the reviews I would have noticed the main reason this set attracted
attention was the presence of Gary Moore, Gary Moore and Gary Moore
... The focus was clearly on Moore, but all four members
contributing to the songwriting chores and all four were exceptionally
talented players, capable of dazzling work. On this largely
instrumental set the interplay between keyboardist Airey and Moore was never
less than interesting. Still, none of it would have worked without the
Hiseman-Mole rhythm section. Hiseman was simply one
helluva drummer. Check out his performance on the album's most rock
oriented track - 'Fighting Talk'. With the exception of the
atypical ballad 'Castles' the set was frequently technically dazzling.
Checkout the speed and power they display on 'The Inquisition'. At the
same time it wasn't the warmest collection I've ever heard and that
ballad ... Featuring Moore on guitar and vocals, 'Castles'
sounded totally out of place on the album (though Moore's voice was
surprisingly commercial). Exemplified by material like the title track
and 'The Inquisition' I've long wondered whether the album's best described
as progressive, jazz-rock fusion, or some hybrid of the two.
Ultimately I guess it doesn't really matter since the LP's well worth
checking out (and you can still find affordable original copies).