COLOSSEUM LIVE

This is a complete blast ! I must admit i'm a little partial to heavy Blues since back in the early eighties when I listened to early AEROSMITH, LED ZEPPELIN, FREE, CREAM etc. And this album brought those feeling all back to me.There's not too many bands on this site that are heavily influenced by the Blues but certainly early COLOSSEUM was one of those.The vocals of Chris Farlowe are over the top really, talk about passion.The guitar of Dave Clempson is what you might expect as he cops solo after solo. I love when these guys jam. And hey Dave Greenslade himself rips it up mostly on the organ but he does add piano and vibes.The drumming of Jon Hiseman is ever-present while bassist Mark Clark adds a lot to this rhythm section. What's unique about this style is the addition of the sax from Dick Heckstall-Smith. I was a big fan of "Valentyne Suite" and "The Grass Is Greener" and all this album did was make me an even bigger fan.

"Hope Ladder To The Moon" sounds amazing to start as it builds with vocal expressions and more. It kicks in around a minute with vocals. Sax around 3 minutes when the vocals stop. It's the organ's turn after 4 minutes then the guitar starts to rip it up before 8 minutes then the vocals return. Kicking ass ! "Walking In The Park" opens with drums and guitar as organ, sax and vocal shouts follow.Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes and the organ leads when they stop. Sax after 3 minutes followed by guitar.Vocals are back before 5 minutes and he's singing with passion.Vocal scats follow then a big finish. "Skelington" opens with a an extended yell then the band kicks in with vocals in tow.The sax sounds good here. Some bluesy guitar 2 1/2 minutes in.This is great ! The guitar echoes 7 1/2 minutes in as he continues to solo. Sax after 8 minutes when the guitar solo stops.Vocals are back 9 1/2 minutes in. Some insane vocal expressions from 12 1/2 minutes to 14 minutes.

"Tanglewood" has an interesting intro with sax and an almost Country vibe. Organ and vocal melodies join in. So good. Sax only 6 minutes in then it kicks back in at 8 minutes.Nice. "Encore-Stormy Monday Blues" is straight up Blues with vocals. Organ and sax lead after 4 minutes then guitar 5 minutes in. "Lost Angeles" is the 15 minute version. Haha. Organ to start as a beat joins in. Incredible sound here. It's building 2 minutes in then the vocals arrive after 3 minutes. Sax follows. It settles before 7 minutes with vocals.The guitar starts to solo before 9 minutes right through to almost the 15 minute mark. Hell yeah ! "I Can't Live Without You" opens with sax as drums then guitar join in.The bass throbs as the guitar solos over top. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in then it settles with organ before 3 minutes.Vocals are back before 5 minutes. Sax and guitar lead late.

4.5 stars for this live recording from 1971. I consider this a very special album.