VALENTYNE SUITE
Colosseum
•Jazz Rock/Fusion
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4.22
| 460 ratings | 49 reviews | 43% 5 stars
Excellent addition to any |
Studio Album, released in 1969 Songs / Tracks Listing 1. The Kettle (4:25) - James Litherland / guitar, lead vocals
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COLOSSEUM Valentyne Suite ratings distribution
(460 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(43%)Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(40%)Good, but non-essential (14%)Collectors/fans only (1%)Poor. Only for completionists (1%)
COLOSSEUM Valentyne Suite reviews
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Collaborators/Experts Reviews
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Prog Folk
Starting in the same fashion as their debut on an incredibly positive, joyously-communicative (bordering on the epidemic contagion ;-), with Litherland stealing the show both with his superb voice and his wild guitar wailings, James "Butty" is reaching his moment of glory in this RnB-infested rock track. A real gas even if you are not that much in RnB music. Elegy has absolutely nothing to envy its predecessor both in happiness but here DH-S's sax takes the centre-stage and the group is accompanied by a superb string section, which at times draws chills in your back. As you might have guessed, the next track is a rather slow blues with an infectious organ groove and heavy brass section, and Butty Litherland unleashing his heart onto an unsuspecting microphone and your disbelieving here. Orgasmic. Closing of the A-side is a much-more Sacrifice-Demanding Machine, which confirms the progressive qualities detected in the debut album, even if the tracks is also starting as a blues, but this time much more oppressive than previous tracks and it has mid-track fade out (well this is not yet the 70's, so one can forgive the less successful experimentations such as this one. The track ends in a total chaos, which still shows that ideas were there, but not always perfectly laid out on wax.
But all you progheads are giving a hoot about is my coming down to describing the chef d'oeuvre that is coming out and filling (and fulfilling you) the B-side. Starting out a bit like Brubeck's Blue Rondo a La Turc (or more like The Nice's version of it), the track soon diverges from it as Greeenslade's delicious vibraphone descending lines reach directly into your heart, blocks the main vein and all you have to do is wait for the vibes to return before the strokes gets to you. But Dave is a gentleman and happily obliges some more life-saving orgasmic vibes lines. Clearly, this track is Greenslade's "Heure De Gloire", the track he will forever remembered for and as the first movement ends with him having switched to piano (McCoy Tyner-influenced) with DH-S approaching the feel of this writer's ultimate musician, John Coltrane during A Love Supreme!!!!!! Needless to say that Hiseman was playing along as if he was Elvin Jones. 30 years down the road this passage still nails me to the floor with tears of joy flowing out uncontrollably. The main Berstein-inspired theme then takes over again with Greenslade now taking more liberties with the harmonies, while the track is only made possible by Hiseman's wild drumming. As the track is again calming down, Butty Litherland comes in along with the others for some superb angelic vocalizing superbly underlined by D H-S's sax lines. To say that much of this track was written on the day that mankind walked on the moon (although only 6 at the time, I remember that day vividly) is simply so telling, July 21, 69!!! The third part is letting more part to the guitar, but Greenslade is dominating the debate again, and there are some incredibly delightful exchanges between the two but DHS is never far away either. Clearly, TVS is taking off where The Ides Of March had left it on the debut album. But as orgasmic this track is, there is also a feel that the many influences it draws from, even if well-digested are a bit too obvious and this might just be the ultimate reason why Colosseum will never break the big leagues like Yes or Crimson.
Unfortunately for him Litherland was to be sacked because he was mostly a blues player, and Hiseman being the boss he was (the group's official name is John Hiseman's Closseum), and having the opportunity to snatch Clempson from Bakerloo. Tony Reeves left also on musical grounds but of his own. So Clempson will bring in Mark Clarke into the band also. This second album while still not completely progressive, is certainly as historically important as The Nice's debut or Crimson's ITCOTCK and just for that merits the fifth star. Awesome!!!
PROG REVIEWER
PROG REVIEWER
"Valentyne Suite" was the very first album ever released on the "swirl" Vertigo label (if you own the version on Bronze Records, you have the reissue, which was issued after the band made the move to that label in '71). Without a doubt, this is by far the most interesting John Mayall-related album I have ever heard (Heckstall-Smith and Reeves had played in Mayall's Bluesbreakers). "The Kettle" is a rather rocking number, dominated by heavy use of guitar. "Elegy" is a rather jazzy piece complete with strings. Great piece. "Butty's Blues" is, as you expect, a bluesy-piece, but you get lots of CHICAGO or BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS-like horns. "The Machine Demands a Sacrifice" is more hard rocking, blues-influenced number then unexpectedly (at the end) finds the band doing a bizarre experiment that reminds one of Krautrock bands that would appear in the next couple of years. The album closes with the totally amazing title track, divided in to three movements. This is basically Dave Greenslade's time to shine. The music is just unbelievably intense, and you should check out Jon Hiseman's drumming! I can hardly believe it!
Amazing album, and for those who don't mind jazz and blues in their prog rock, you should get this album.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
(I respectfully dedicate this review to the memory of Dick Heckstall-Smith)
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
While the first album seemed a hotch-potch of varied songs that didn't always sit well together, Valentyne Suite's strength is that is diverse yet coherent. Here the magical quintet of Litherland, Heckstall-Smith, Hiseman, Reeves and Greenslade blend driving psychedelia (The Kettle), soaring jazz-rock (Elegy), potent blues (Butty's Blues) and a haunting percussive monster laced with liberal doses of flute (The Machine Demands A Sacrifice) seamlessly to create an engaging set of songs that is somehow topped by the mammoth title track.
Clocking in at a mere 16 and 1/2 minutes, the three-part Valentyne Suite is surely one of progressive rock's earliest epics. Divided into three themes (January's Search, February's Valentyne and The Grass Is Always Greener) this piece sees Dave Greenslade make an early (and widely ignored) stab at the prog-rock keyboardist throne. After building things up nicely with some vibraphone work, Greenslade performs some tearaway stunts on organ that still excite to this day. The mood shifts on a number of occassions and at one point, Heckstall-Smith's sax does battle with a choir. While Greenslade's mates all accquit themselves well on this ride, there's little doubt as to whose show the Valentyne Suite track is. And it's a great show!
I don't want to give you the impression that this album is flawless, because it isn't. What I can say with certainty is that at the time of its release that weren't many albums around that could match it's progressive rock credentials. It's a real pity that this excellent line-up dissolved right after this album, but this is a lovely memento that only prog fans with an aversion to the obvious blues/jazz roots of Colosseum will want to skip. ... 86% on the MPV scale.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
Similarity with other bands: Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chicago Transit Authority, Chase. It's an excellent addition to any prog collection. Keep on proggin' ..!
Progressively yours, GW
PROG REVIEWER
Wow this is great! At some point it reminds me of that greek group names Akpitae (or Akritas) or even Osanna's Palepoli. Other songs, like Butty's Blues, are more jazzy, and really those guys who how to do their stuff! "The Valentyne Suite" is the main piece on this album, and really it is huge! It can't be shy of any Genesis or any other "mainstream" prog group... It's really powerful, imaginative; always with that jazzy touch, or should I say MAGIC TOUCH? I just can't believe this song simply exist. It's just too good! Just imagine the best jazz group you can find and put make them play with ELP and you get the idea. Valentyne Suite is huge!
This is an essential addition for any real prog fan!
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
The musicianship on this record is quite extraordinary. Dave Greenslade is one of the unsung keyboard heroes of the '70s: indeed, the album's title track is build around his magnificent Hammond performance. Dick Heckstall-Smith plays great sax throughout, while Jon Hiseman is without any doubt one of the greatest drummers in rock. Then there's the very talented James Litherland on guitar and vocals. It's a real pity his career was short- lived (after leaving Colosseum he formed Mogul Thrash, with John Wetton on bass), as his voice is powerful and emotional, well-suited to the mood of the album.
As I said at the beginning, the album has a strong blues vein, which could be somewhat offputting for true-blue proggers. However, being 'progressive' also means being open to all kinds of diverse influences and not overlooking such influential albums as this one because it doesn't sound like Genesis or Yes. "Valentyne Suite" is a must for all lovers of great rock music - period.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
Now from my point of view, 70s Colloseum means fusion mastering with hints of jazz and blues. Previously loose on "Those About To Die Salute You", abundent on this album, less in "Daughter Of Time".Abundent and of top notch. The effort put on this, from all the perspective, is more than reasonable, it's surreal. Enlightening and lifting. Pulsating and exhilarating. In here the musicians developed an expression of resonance and prestige, making music important, vibrant and glamorous. Once more I say, although am not at all on "fusion visions", "Valentyne Suite" is definitory for the genre adopted and the brand reflected. It's a maximum.
From start, Colloseum decide on what they're gonna represent (and what's goona represent them), make a demonstration of force not so common, gather and garnish a recital of pico bello music moments, and enter with a bang. Sheer quality reflects sheer masterminds and delight passion.I see "Valentyne Suite" as something done for music, for the fans, who love deeply such thing(s), for the elevated and charismatic lover and for the good things that cout. It's something!
Dynamic, robust, open and thrilling. "Valentyne Suite" helds pretty much everything you need. Yes, albums that satisfy you from all the aspects do exist and "Valentyne Suite" can be one of these kind of albums. Boemic, still vigurous. Realist, plus dreamy. Mindscaping, but also soulmoving. It's a perfection(ed) language; of an unnatural movement. Very relaxing and very meditative. Although of rapid construction, it can be suitable for a moment of inner thinking, of mind-driving-away, of pause and reflection. This counts for me also as a plus. Fusion manifest (and especially "Valentyne Suite") is a most concludent alternative to complex-heavy psychedelism, to prog generic movements or to crimsonian sound experiments (et caetera). Have that in mind when you think of what exactly you desire to listen. It forms a message and grants a shine.
Two major parts delimited in "Valentyne Suite". I've symbolicly named them "Introduction (to the Valentyne Suite" and "The Valentyne Suite (itself)". Focus should be on the "Valentyne Suite" as it is a master-suite within the master-album. In it lies la cr�me de la cr�me of Colloseum, being the most extraordinary piece of their entire discographic repertoire, without a doubt. Here, the climax of all reaches "beyond" valences and the music eliminates all shadow of unmastered elements. It is the sum of all the ingredients of succes (an artistic succes, first of all). Delighted you'll be by this manifest. The "Introduction" helds the tone perfectly, illustrating the factor and style. Good moments in here as well, especially on "Kettle" or "The Machine Demands A Sacrifice".
Short and simple: a masterpiece and an album I applaud. Concerning my relation with the rest of Colloseum, "Valentyne Suite" is not an exception, but a mega-succesful acomplishment. Highly recommended, truly worthy. An album for all, for ever.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
This is very good blues album with some hard-prog tendencies. Let' see: "The Kettle" is a simple hard rock tune with catchy riff (I heard the very same riff few days ago sampled and used in some hip hop crap or something...ah, whatever). Nice harsh vocal and flashy wah-wah guitar. "Elegy" is beautiful downtempo jazz-blues in old school fashion. The same goes for "Butty's Blues". "The Machine Demands A Sacrifice" is another hard-rocker with psychedelic touch and nice ending. I'm wondering if the word "computer" is used in lyrics here for the first time in the history of music. Anyone?
And now, COLOSSEUM's epic, the mighty "Valentyne Suite"...well, I don't know. It's 16 and a half minutes long, undoubtedly progressive, with beautiful long opening Hammond solo (with fragments of melodies borrowed from Bach) and unforgettable solo on vibes. Brass section works really well, and after the end of the first theme, the whole suite calms down...and goes not so inspiring. I won't say dull, because there are few nice moments and chord progressions, but the second and the third theme are just not on the same level with the first one.
Don't get me wrong. All the tracks are gorgeous, band members are outstanding technicians, (Greenslade himself is a genius), and I can go that far and say that if we remove all the technical facts, we still have one soulful album full of spirit and passion.
This is a good record. The problem is, after years of listening it doesn't grow on me any more (unlike some other real prog masterpieces), it sounds dated and average. I would rather prefer to have an album full of good blues tracks (as on side A) or fully developed suite with more than three themes spread over two sides of LP. This is one of the first side long tracks in prog history, and I do respect that effort. Beside that, this is just very good blues rock album. A little bit more than three stars, really.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin
"Valentyne's suite" was originally released on Vertigo records famous "swirl" label, being that label's first album. Interestingly, when the band later moved to Island records subsidiary Bronze, "Valentyne's suite" was selected for re-release on their budget "HELP" label, selling for substantially less than the full price of an LP. Other such releases included Emerson Lake and Palmer's "Pictures at an exhibition" (Catalogue number HELP1), and King Crimson's "Earthbound" (HELP6). Valentine's suite was HELP4. Unlike most of that series though, this is a studio recording.
If Colosseum's first album "Those who are about to die salute you" found the band members still rooted in their jazz origins, "Valentyne's suite" sees them moving quickly into the rock arena. The jazz and blues influences are still very much in evidence, but the freeform sections are briefer and less indulgent, the album having a generally more accessible feel.
The opening "The Kettle" with its light multi-tracked pop vocals and nonsense lyrics is among the band's most commercial works, but still manages to feature some fine guitar work by James Litherland. The commercial, more rock orientated feel is maintained with the vocals dominated "Elegy", while "Butty's blues" is a more traditional blues/jazz number. "The machine demands a sacrifice" is a wandering piece with an avante garde ending.
The focus of the album though is of course the title suite in 3 sections. While credited as a band composition, parts 1 and 2 are primarily the work of Dave Greenslade, while the final part was written by Jon Hiseman and Dick Heckstall-Smith. Greenslade's organ playing therefore features strongly in the piece, as he engages in instrumental "conversations" with the other band members. If only he had been as forthright and dynamic with his eponymous band, and had perhaps not bothered with the mellotron purchase (sacrilege I know, but some expoit it better than others!), Greenslade could have been a much bigger player in the developing prog of the early 70's.
The suite is by far Colosseum's finest recording. It balances their blues and jazz influences with genuinely progressive moments. The rock themes on which the track is based seldom permit the music to stray too far into improvisation, the jazz rock sound being much closer to early Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears.
Bearing in mind that the piece was recorded in 1969 (the sleeve notes affirm that they were written as the first man was stepping on the moon), "The Valentyne suite" pre- dates many of the prog epics which followed in the early 1970's. How influential it was on those epics is open to debate, but there is no doubt that Colosseum were pioneers in the field. That in itself does not make the album essential listening, and for me the four tracks which occupy side one are pleasant but dispensable diversions. The title suite however is worthy of any respectable prog collection.
PROG REVIEWER
PROG REVIEWER
The first side samples from many musical styles, though none of them work entirely. The Kettle is the raw rocker, with heavy bass, multiple guitar lines, and some truly restless drumming. I always enjoy it, though the vocals are not effective and can wear thin over time. Elegy is a jazzy number that sounds a stark contrast from the opener. It's light and crisp, showing the band can tighten up when they want. Butty's Blues is obviously a bluesy number, more from the style of wailing horns and impatient organ than bayou blues. Again, a good song, but nothing spectacular, and it doesn't improve meaningfully on what's been done before in the genre. The Machine Demands a Sacrifice has a bit of a Latin influence, and even has a less-than-convincing freakout to conclude. Decent tune (the flute is a welcome addition as well), but nothing to return to frequently.
The Valentyne Suite. Of course I knew to expect something interesting, but based on what came on the A side, I was not prepared for this gem. This is a series of structured jams that moves through a variety of dynamics and tempos. They really like the build style here, and I for one am thrilled! Some of the grooves work up to some truly chaotic and raw flourishes, especially from the organ. Each instrument really gets a chance to shine, and they do a great job of not jamming for too long. This baby is crisp, consice, and absolutely bursting with energy. If you can't rock to this, you need to check your pulse. I especially like the ending--a huge build, followed by a cathartic, raw refrain from earlier.
An enjoyable album, but only necessary for the Valentyne Suite epic. Because this album is not altogether coherent and not really breaking any new ground, I'll pull up short in granting it masterpiece status, though the epic has some truly incredible moments. Stronlgy recommended for fans of jazz rock. Bonus points for the album art.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Symphonic Team
The whole album is unfortunately very badly recorded (and I'm talking about the remastered version here!). The follow up album, _Daughter of Time_ is better in almost all respects.
The Vallentyne Suite is indeed a classic but this original studio version is not the ultimate version of it in my opinion. I recommend buying the live concert DVD Colloseum Lives: The Complete Reunion Concert instead.
Had this album been better recorded/produced and the other tracks had sounded as good and inspired as the title track, this album would get a much higher rating from me. But as it stands it is only a fair album.
Good, but non-essential
PROG REVIEWER
"The Kettle" is a song I liked instantly. It's really a guitar driven, psychedelic flavoured tune with great vocals. Very catchy as well. "Elegy" is a jazzy tune with the focus on the vocals. Sax after 1 1/2 minutes joined by a string section. I like this as much as the first track. "Butty's Blues" is a blues track obviously. Butty was a nickname that Dave Greenslade gave James Litherland. It's slang for a thick slice of bread and butter, which James apparently enjoyed a lot. Organ and drums to open with horns arriving a minute in. Vocals follow. If you like blues you should check this tune out. Sax solo after 3 minutes. "The Machine Demands A Sacrifice" is a little hard to enjoy for me because the vocals are a little harsh. I really like the organ / bass passage after 1 1/2 minutes though. It calms right down before 2 1/2 minutes before building back up in a powerful and spacey way. The second half of the track saves the day for me.
"The Valentyne Suite" is a 17 minute ride that's worth the price of admission alone. The organ early from Greenslade is fantastic. And the drumming is very impressive. Lots of vibes and sax too. A calm with piano and sax after 2 minutes. Drums join in. Some nice organ work 4 minutes in then it kicks back in with an uptempo drum / organ led melody. Another calm 6 1/2 minutes in as vocal melodies arrive then sax. They just seem to jam until the guitar come in before 13 minutes (and goes on and on) as drums pound and bass throbs. Love that section. Check out the drumming before 16 minutes. It ends with a melody from earlier.
These guys were all fine musicians with most of them having a Blues background playing with John Mayall's Bluebreakers. Greenslade was the exception, and he of course would go on to form the great GREENSLADE.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
The album is legendary and the best the band produced. The album cover is a wonderful landscape with a mysterious ghostly woman standing forlorn near a massive candle. The music though is not a serene tranquil soundscape. In fact, the dynamism and energy injected into such songs as The Kettle and The Machine Demands a Sacrifice is astonishing. There is a heavy emphasis on guitar riffs and staccato Hammond. Dave Greenslade is a prog legend and he is on fire here, creating amazing atmospheric music on organ. Dick Hestall-Smith is commendable on sax and is well supported by virtuosos guitarist James Litherland. The rhythm machine is the bass of Tony Reeves and percussive work of Jon Hiseman. Together the band are an indelible force generating mind blowing music that forever changed the face of progressive music. They proved that a multi movement suite could be put onto a rock album well before the likes of Genesis' Supper's Ready, or Yes' Close to the Edge. Colosseum were pioneers of the form and were able to perform blues, heavy rock and symphonic art rock with ease.
There are two versions that are markedly different. The UK album featured not only different track order than the US version, but also included different songs. The Kettle is one of the greatest tracks on the UK and is missing on the US version. The Valentyne Suite is completely omitted on the US album which is bizarre considering the name of the album, and of course the US actually changed the title to "The Grass is Greener" as it included that song. US also added Bolero, Rope Ladder to the Moon, Jumping Off The Sun and Lost Angels. I have both versions on a double CD and prefer the original UK album featuring the suite and live broadcasts of Lost Angels and Arthur's Moustache.
This is a breakthrough album certainly not only for Colosseum but for prog rock, similar to King Crimson's debut ITCOTCK, and VDGG's TGAM. 1969 was a breakthrough year for the genre of course and set the boundaries and rules for progressive music. This album features all the prog elements: the side long epic 'The Valentyne Suite' (absolute brilliance), the thematic proggy 'The Machine Demands A Sacrifice ' and the ultra riff heavy 'The Kettle ' (my favourite). This in itself is deserving of a high star rating. I rate it up from 3 stars to 4.
PROG REVIEWER
The leap from the talented but somewhat hamfisted Those Who Are About To Die to the chic, suave musical narrative of Valentyne Suite is a remarkable step for this early traditionally-rooted jazz/rock outfit. From the first crunchy guitar chords and the entrance of Hiseman's superb, laid-back, absolutely textbook drumming, it clear this album is something special, fun and unique. Get a cup of your favourite brew, connect Valentyne Suite to your CD player and *relax*.
The Kettle is punchy, classy, deceptively simple-sounding jazz rock. Some belters of bass solos from the criminally unknown Tony Reeves, quality wailing blues guitar, a great riff and Hiseman's ever-present supporting, classy drumming. The lyrics are mostly nonsense, but sound great and the general energy is just right.
Elegy is one of the album's most unusual pieces and, to be frank, it doesn't quite work for me. Litherland's vocals are best for me in very small doses, and the disjointed organ/sax interplay is clearly very clever but fails to go much beyond that. Not quite sure whether the violins are really doing much but everyone's kicking around nicely, and any band with the instrumental talent and taste Colosseum have naturally leave redeeming features all over the place, whether in the solos or a neat bit of interaction I didn't quite notice before.
Butty's Blues is, predictably enough, a blues. Nothing wrong with that and it is a very creative one. Dave Greenslade on organ brings the house down wonderfully with a biting harmonica-impression and the one-man-brass-section-sound of Dick Heckstall-Smith is not to be underestimated. Litherland's vocals, guitar and the attached lyrics are a perfect fit. The rhythm section, as always, is great. Love it to pieces.
The Machine Demands A Sacrifice is the most frantic and strange piece on side one, going for a sort of edgy, cutting vibe and actually hitting it very well. Wonderfully choppy organ that grooves in a way that takes a while to work into you, snarly vocals, a rhythm section that alternates tense aggression, avant-garde percussions and charmingly absentminded jazz with absolute fluency. Not to mention the menacing rebirth of the piece towards the end into a block of sound. Strange, but it really works.
And now, the big bit: Hiseman's entrance is simply a 'you're here' announcement. Crisp, fresh, warm percussion lines, a bit of Broadway style offering a cinematic overview in glimpses between the band's precise, coherent jazz improvisations. Dave Greenslade is on particular top form, adeptly tackling wandering vibraphone, glaring organs and an incredibly smooth piano trio with Dick Heckstall Smith's mournful saxophone and a mounting wall of expressive percussion. The ideas are just everywhere, playing is precise, sharp and you get the sense of a band who are truly in the zone. Just when you're in your comfort zone, one of the neatest rhythm section parts ever written thunders out of the woodwork in air-drumming ecstasy. And hey, that's like inverted classical distorted organ... I mean... wow, where is this...
The band simply has an astonishing capacity for this huge, improvisationally-rooted, many-part composition with roots in a huge number of styles coherently in unexpected and wonderful directions and then pulling it back together. Going through all the details would be a waste of my time and yours, but highlights include a Litherland-Reeves duet, almost each and every time John Hiseman inserts in a fill. Strictly in and of themselves, I think the bright first and destructive third parts are a bit better than the second, but it's the second that ties it all together and allows the third to seem so appropriate. An absolute triumph.
Onto bonus goodies (both lives, neither produced spectacularly, but both very audible): Arthur's moustache is an initially sluggish jazzy piece with what I think is a bass solo and a half slammed in the middle. You get an impression of what the band is doing, and that it's probably a good thing, even if the claustrophobic sound makes it fairly heavy going.
The more open Lost Angeles resembles, with its rolling vibraphone, the more pictorial bits of Valentyne Suite. Again, the extensive vocal bits don't really seem to serve the piece, but they're niceish, and Hiseman and, indeed, the whole band, seems to be on pretty much top form and we get some delicious guitar soloing. Worth hearing if you're a fan of the group.
So, props to an absolutely killer album. Only the slightly irksome presence of elegy is warding off a fifth star, but, for all that, you won't find a better other thirty minutes of music easily and for fans of musicians who know what they're doing, this is one of those albums you might not have but which contains half a dozen real virtuosos without the contagious impulse to show off at every possible juncture. Which isn't to say that they don't do just that more than sufficiently a lot of the time. If you don't have this album, your collection is incomplete.
Rating: Four Stars, possibly going to be revised to a five if I find myself warming to Elegy at some point in the future Favourite track: First part of Valentyne Suite, hands down.
PROG REVIEWER
The first number, the kettle, did not move me. It�s a pastiche of Jimi Hendrix Experience/Cream stuff, not very imaginative nor original. With Elegy things start to improve a little with a good mix of blues and soul, featuring some nice rhythm guitar. Betty�s Blues is an interesting jazz/blues number, with some real screaming brass arrangements. The Machine Demands a Sacrifice (what a title!) is too a nice number led by a driving organ, strong rhythm (including some innovative percussion at the end) and a powerful use of brass and flute. it also has the best vocals of the entire album.
The real gem of the album, at least prog wise, is the 16 minute suite title track. This instrumental Piece is not only the album�s highlight but a very groundbreaking work at the time with stunning organ runs, shifting moods and rhythms, fine sax parts and one true embrace of jazz, rock and classical music. Even if at the time other groups were doing something similar (The Nice comes in mind), Colosseum�s contribution is not small on its part.
I can�t really say I�m totally enraptured by this album. I was never a fan of jazz and blues for starters. And at the time I felt much closer to the work of other, more classical influenced and melodic groups. However, I can�t deny the sheer power of this CD and its contribution to the evolution of prog music in general. Personally I�d rate this album three stars. For its importance I�m giving it another half star. If you�re into 60�s progressive blues stuff, this is a must have. If you�re into general prog music history this CD an excellent addition. For me Valetyne Suite is good, with a brilliant last part. 3,5 stars.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
Characteristically to time of its release, this is so called "early jazz rock" - heavy bluesy rooted with rock and jazz added in almost equal proportions. Excellent rock energy, bluesy soul, and jazzy musicianship. Dick Heckstall-Smith sax soloing is one of his best ( speaking about jazz rock music), rhythm section is heavy and great, James Litherland is band's best vocalist.
Rare balance between heavy and melodic blues-rock and jamming, long jazzy compositions. Kind of music was missed very soon in music history.
By the way, fans can compare this album with band's next release, strange "The Grass Is Greener" release for US market, where are some same songs, as on "Valentyne Suite", but recorded with band's new singer and guitarist Dave Clempson.
My rating - 4+.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
For me this is first and foremost an superb collection of heartfelt music, with varied songwriting and an open-minded attitude.
With The Kettle we take a strong rocking start with heavy psychedelic blues rock, rather similar to what also Deep Purple was doing those days. Elegy remains equally upbeat, but with a more jazzy swing. Time for a blues on Butty's Blues, traditional in style but simply excellent. I could become a real blues fan from listening to this stuff. The Machine is a track that I could do without. It's not bad but rather straightforward, except for the noisy ending that reminds of PF's Bike.
On to what everyone was waiting for, Prog! A whole suite of it actually. The first part brings The Nice and Deep Purple to mind, full of heavy rocking energy and classical-inspired organ melodies. It develops into a great organ and sax jam on a rockabilly bass line. Part two starts a bit more mellow, full of oohs and ahs and romantic themes. Part three lets the guitar come to the fore. The band runs wild again on this one.
An inspired and vigorous lump of early prog rock, with the emphasis on rock!
PROG REVIEWER
PROG REVIEWER
This really is a pleasent, eclectic proto-prog record. Colosseum plays a mix of heavy rock- songwriting, jazzy blues-rock, jazz improvisations & wind-sections and some very intelligent composition. The long title-track that fills side two can be seen as one of the first eclectic prog epics.
When I started writing this reviews I had to check the year of release of this album and I was actually a bit suprised. Dating from '69, this is really a revolutionary record! It's vision is more evolved then that of the debut of another major jazz-rock pioneer Chicago and the diversity of the material is also something worth mentioning. The musicians involved are all very very good, though I would like to point at key/organ-player Dave Greenslade as the real man of the match (mostly because of his amazing compositions and solo's on the title track). With two motivated vocalists the vocals stand-out as refreshing on every song (I'd almost think they had more vocalists). The use of sax played by Dick Heckstall-Smith is very good and functional. His solo's are also one of main attractions of the the title track.
The four songs on side one are all strong in compositions and all have their catchy moments (or are catchy throughout). The Ketlle has a hard-rock sound with that heavy'n'free Led Zeppelin feel. Butty's Blues is a more conventional (or should I say 'classic') approach on a jazzy blues. The Machine Demands A Sacrifice has a nice political feel and the refrein is very melodic and sticky. The ending section of the song is funny and a bit Gentle Giant like.
On side two, The Valentyne Suite, stands out as one of the major recordings of '69. With it's amzing adventerious eclectic opening section you can't help getting excited and a feeling of WOOHW arises. The varius sections are all very good, though I would like to refer to the extended key-solo by Greenslade and the sax solo (on an almost classcial theme) as highlights. The ending section of the song has less catchy parts and sometimes I loose my attention at the end of this huge composition. Still it has many good moments with a drum-solo and ofcourse a lot of rockin' guitar noodling.
Conclusion. This is a safe buy. This album is as much eclectic & proto-prog as it is jazz- rock and it's sound should appeal to fans both genres. Furthermore it's a prime example of the progressive genre gaining momentum in 1969. No less then an excellent addition to any prog rock collection for this one. Four stars.
PROG REVIEWER
PROG REVIEWER
Conclusion: Valentyne's suite is a slightly more prog-oriented album, still retaining the bluesy jazz rock of their debut. It is the pinnacle in the first three albums Colosseum released and as such theobvious choice for anyone interested in the band, proto-prog, prog and/or jazz rock. Brilliant and well executed.
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
While being fairly rooted in a late-60's sound, ''Valentyne suite'' show shines of a progressing style, especially in the long eponymous track.Actually the first side is not really impressive.With evident psychedelic and bluesy inspirations the four tracks explore Rock, Funk, Jazz, Blues and Horn Rock, based on the psych-influenced organ moves, the melodic sax solos, the smooth guitar parts and James Litherland's expressive voice.Some orchestral textures are also present, while ''The Kettle'' seems to be the most interesting piece with its powerful, raw, old-school Psychedelic Rock sound.On the flipside Colosseum attempt to deliver a long, daring and more experimental composition.''Valentyne suite'' is a 17-min. opus, divided in three themes, with long instrumental jams, where Jazz Rock meets Psych/Prog in one of the earliest examples of a growing Prog movement.Greenslade adds a slight dose of Classical preludes on his organ and piano performances and finally Colosseum come up with some enganging and trully fascinating material.Powerful and grandiose sax passages meet funky bass grooves, strong Hammond organ runs and irritating piano textures, while even James Litherland's guitar is more prominent with a main role to the music.Lots of nice breaks are placed between frenetic solos and more tighly structured ideas, while the individual performances are often stunning with extreme virtuosity and passion.This time no vocals are added, letting the musical execution speak of Colosseum's composing talent, except for some mellow choir lines in the second theme.
''Valentyne suite'' is considered by many fans as a milestone of an emerging Prog scene.The weaker A side prevents me from personally considering it so, but the long eponymous suite of the B one is certainly a nice musical experiment, full of good executions and powerful instrumental craziness.Recommended.
PROG REVIEWER
Colosseum's sophomore effort pictures well-trained musicians with a lot of musical know-how creating something very mature, steady and inteligent. This was a groundbreaker for 1969. Worth mentioning that what would later be known as progressive rock was still a new style. Colosseum's contemporaries such as The Nice, Procol Harum or Soft Machine put a good perspective to how good this piece of music is. "Valentyne Suite" is a multimovement epic, which blends jazz music with a classical form of music. This is pretty much the highlight and probably the best part of the album. Other songs are also very good, "The Kettle" showcases James Litherland's amazing singing and great guitar playing, but mainly as I said: "Valentyne Suite" is what you listen to this album for.
Great, great music and one of the most important early-prog albums! A must-have for any progressive rock nut!
PROG REVIEWER
On the first side we listen to four songs that, to tell the truth, are not very different from those of the previous album, apart from the first one, "The Kettle" (7,5/8), written by Heckstall-Smith and Hiseman, whose beginning is marked by a decidedly heavy guitar (Litherland), which also distinguishes the rest of the piece. Here the group tries a fusion between blues, jazz and hard-rock. The shorter "Elegy" (three minutes, 7+) and the subsequent "Butty's Blues" are both written by Litherland, which is new respect the first record. "Elegy" has a nice rhythm and a good saxophone solo, but overall it's a minor piece, a filler. "Butty's Blues" is much more consistent, in which Litherland's singing dialogues with the group's fiatistic jazz, which in some points reaches daring dissonances. The ending has a very pompous orchestral crescendo but which ends in fading (vote 7,5/8). "The Machine Demands A Sacrifice" (written by Litherland, Brown, Smith and Hiseman, vote 7) after a great start, suddenly vanishes, but then continue with a long unconvincing instrumental tail. Vote side A: 7,5/8. On balance, the first side of the debut album is better than this.
Second Side. Here's to you the famous "The Valentyne's Suite" (almost 17 minutes, vote 8,5 / 9). "Theme One: January's Search" (6:25) is very good, with continuous changes of rhythm and atmosphere. The second piece, "Theme Two: February's Valentyne" (3:33), shorter and quieter, is a reworking preparation for the third movement, "Theme Three: The Grass Is Always Greener" (6:55) where the rhythm gradually grows, the main melody is resumed, and finally we arrive at the paroxysmal climax obtained through an unstoppable progression of the guitar (Litherland) supported by a wild section rhythmic (Hiseman and Reeves). It all ends, after a pause, with the resumption of the initial melody again. Masterpiece.
Great album of fusion. Blues-jazz-rock with an instrumental suite of 17 minutes. Proto-progressive. After the first classical songs of Procol Harmu and Nice, after the first psychedelic albums of Pink Floyd and Family (1967-69), in 1969 King Crimson baptized the progressive-rock with their debut, and Colosseum contribute, sideways, in the field of jazz-rock, to put the suite (instrumental, in this case) as the standard of the new progressive music. The historical significance of this album is unquestionable, as is the beauty of the suite, which certainly is seminal for the other groups that will compete with a suite (the choruses of the second movement of "Valentyne's Suite" will be evoked in the "Atom Heart Mother" suite, a year later), up to 20 minutes. The album does not have a first side at the height of the second (not even close) and this is the reason why I do not include it in the category of 5 stars. But maybe I'm wrong.
First side, vote: 7,5/8. Second side, vote 8,5/9. Vote album: 8,5. Rating: Four Stars.
Latest members reviews
This album was brilliant at the time of release and is brilliant today. Not exactly fusion, and not exactly prog (judging by today's meaning of the term) but the perfectly blended mixture of blues, heavy rock and jazz comming from the time when nobody new what prog is but everybody were trying to ... (read more)
Report this review (#2510901) | Posted by Artik | Thursday, March 4, 2021 | Review Permanlink
Colosseum peaked their career with this album, vastly improved over the not so distinguishable debut album. Still, I must say that Colosseum's music is an acquired taste: there is not enough for the typical prog-rock fan and there's likely not enough for an adventureous fusion fan. This is even ... (read more)
Report this review (#2510843) | Posted by sgtpepper | Thursday, March 4, 2021 | Review Permanlink
You could argue that Valentyne Suite is dated. Or that it's just proto-prog. Or that it's (by the standards of the rest of prog) basic. I think all of the above is true, but this album is still essential to the prog canon. What I love about this is the grime of it. It's dusty, muddy, and like ma ... (read more)
Report this review (#2487343) | Posted by mental_hygiene | Wednesday, December 23, 2020 | Review Permanlink
I think this album could be considered a masterpiece of music and from the first driving notes of the edgy guitar on 'The Kettle', I knew I was in for a treat. As catchy as they are melodic, Colosseum deliver a bluesy but driven sound on this album. The first four songs are unique on their own ... (read more)
Report this review (#1167813) | Posted by ebil0505 | Wednesday, April 30, 2014 | Review Permanlink
Colosseum's "Valentyne Suite" was one of the first records of the group i ever heard and owned, finding an lp copy of it in 1988. I was instantly impressed with the combination of variety and cohesion here in this record which the band pull off incredibly well.On the first track called "The Kett ... (read more)
Report this review (#944173) | Posted by presdoug | Monday, April 15, 2013 | Review Permanlink
Not so much a review as a personal view of an album which I believe was the first to be released on the Verigo label, so found it interesting, as I like a lot of music from the same label. Colosseum's, Valentyne Suite starts with the very energetic "The Kettle". As an opener, gets me going quic ... (read more)
Report this review (#732445) | Posted by Ozymandias | Wednesday, April 18, 2012 | Review Permanlink
The Valentyne Suite is often seen as the peak of Collosseum's career. The styl is classified as fusion. In this case it's a fusion of brassrock and hardrock; a mixture of Chicago and Deep Purple flooded with solo's of guitars, saxophones, flutes and keys. This fusion sometimes comes close to pro ... (read more)
Report this review (#679815) | Posted by the philosopher | Saturday, March 24, 2012 | Review Permanlink
I have to admit that it is my favourite album of Colosseum. It has accompanied me since 1971 and I always return to it with great pleasure. I love to listen to its vinyl version (do you know the wonderful feeling when you take out the record carefully from the envelop, wipe it with a cloth with ... (read more)
Report this review (#500850) | Posted by lotjanek | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 | Review Permanlink
One thing I have Noticed about many , If not the majority of reviews here at this kick ass site, Jazz is not taken kindly too. especially the mid to late 70's variety , This album is in my opinion a stone classic of progressive rock and even psychedelia, Since I came into the prog world through t ... (read more)
Report this review (#404785) | Posted by darkprinceofjazz | Monday, February 21, 2011 | Review Permanlink
I suppose any listener to an album that fuses different musical styles will eventually ponder if one is particularly dominant. Is a folk-rock album, for example, more 'folk' than 'rock' or vise versa? Colosseum's Valentyne Suite ostensibally offers a jazz-rock fusion yet it is impossible to dec ... (read more)
Report this review (#210013) | Posted by Kiwi1 | Friday, April 3, 2009 | Review Permanlink
So what's the fuss about ? I don't understand why I forked out a fortune for this album and I do not understand why it is so highly rated. Behind the hype, there are some funky blues with some references to jazz. The opening track The Kettle is good with it's mix of funk, jazz and blues. Bu ... (read more)
Report this review (#188158) | Posted by toroddfuglesteg | Thursday, November 6, 2008 | Review Permanlink
Surprising to see this one classified as Jazz Rock / Fusion. It rather edges on the early prog / heavy blues side. The sound, rich and heavy, comes close to the most sophisticated Keef Hartley Band albums (with some line-up intertwinning). Compositions are ambitious, which is probably the stron ... (read more)
Report this review (#187753) | Posted by snookerfool | Sunday, November 2, 2008 | Review Permanlink
If I was rating this album just on the sound alone.....I would be wavering between 4 stars and 5 stars....but given that this album came out in 1969.....I am sure it must have influenced some of my favourite artists....so I will bump it up to 5 stars..... In some places this sounds more like bl ... (read more)
Report this review (#168831) | Posted by digdug | Sunday, April 27, 2008 | Review Permanlink
You know those 50 things you want or need to do before you die - well one of mine was to see the Colosseum play the Valentyne Suite live - and last year I did in a Culture Centre in Oldenburg Germany. Barbara Thompson was on sax and replicated the late Dick Heckstall-Smith's deft handling of the ... (read more)
Report this review (#163292) | Posted by DAVE M | Thursday, March 6, 2008 | Review Permanlink
So, what do you do if you want to check out some jazzy rock? You find the top rated albums at progarchives, of course, and give them a go. This was luckily the first one I laid my hands upon, as I later haven't only had great moments with jazz rock. This one contains both some jazz and blues, an ... (read more)
Report this review (#137798) | Posted by freddan | Tuesday, September 11, 2007 | Review Permanlink
A most essential album to define the genre. the suite itself is considered masterpiece not just for its importance as contribution to raise prog music but for being a superb piece of music itself. The other numbers surely top the quality created by valentyne suite. greenslade play the keyboards ... (read more)
Report this review (#127269) | Posted by luisman | Sunday, July 1, 2007 | Review Permanlink
Colosseum at their best: when a jazz band tries the rock way, you get this marvellous kind of album! Incredibly, this fantastic stuff was written in 1969, the same year of the King Crimson masterpiece In The Court Of The Crimson King, Frank Zappa's Hot Rats and Jethro tull's Stand Up. All geni ... (read more)
Report this review (#122856) | Posted by firth of fifth | Sunday, May 20, 2007 | Review Permanlink
When I heard title track, I was blown away by the strenght of horns, and beautyness of organs. This is great epic and one of best instrumentals in history of rock. Pay attention on "Butty's Blues", especially on vocals. Other songs are also pretty fine. Five stars! ... (read more)
Report this review (#86035) | Posted by coa190 | Monday, August 7, 2006 | Review Permanlink
The second work of COLOSSEUM released in 1969 "Valentyne suite". It is an indeed delightful content. It is a rare masterpiece that enhances all of the blues, rock, jazz, and classics. It is one of the most important works of so-called British jazz-rock. "The Valentyne Suite" is a masterpiece t ... (read more)
Report this review (#55455) | Posted by braindamage | Wednesday, November 9, 2005 | Review Permanlink
Remember this album came out in 1969. It was produced by one of the few bands you can actually classify as a supergroup. Personally as a fan I feel deprived of years of music of this exceptional quality produced by a band that unfortunately disbanded in 1971 years after only 3 years. The band ... (read more)
Report this review (#26288) | Posted by | Wednesday, September 29, 2004 | Review Permanlink
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