Colosseum

Loved James Litherland's* voice (in my top 5 of the so-called blue-eyed blues vocalists), but always felt Farlowe couldn't resist unnecessary vocal gymnastics to the detriment of some songs (ditto Ian Gillan).

* but pity about his mid 90's middle of the road rock album full of instantly forgettable tunes.

I've tried to find some Litherland' releases but without success. What'd be the name of this mid 90's album ?

Dick Heath wrote: bsurmano wrote: Loved James Litherland's* voice (in my top 5 of the so-called blue-eyed blues vocalists), but always felt Farlowe couldn't resist unnecessary vocal gymnastics to the detriment of some songs (ditto Ian Gillan). * but pity about his mid 90's middle of the road rock album full of instantly forgettable tunes. I've tried to find some Litherland' releases but without success. What'd be the name of this mid 90's album ? Fourth Estate - released at least 12 years ago on a UK label. I do believe he was playing guitar as part of the pit orchestra for pop and rock musicals around that time - sure I saw his name in the programme for a Gary Glitter musical at Nottingham. Also recall James Litherland appears of the Alexis Korner Memorial Concert triple CD set (recorded 1995 and released by the UK-based  Indigo Label), specifically Volume 2 (IGOCD2051). Sings one song and then backs (ironically) Chris Farlowe on 3. BTW the of the AK MC is worth checking out for who's on it.

Yes, he was really amazing-- a true metal god, years before Eddie Van Halen and a huge influence on fellow Irish guitarists. His later solo stuff ('Victims of the Future', etc.) wasn't great and seemed to be geared toward selling records, but for awhile in the mid-70s there were few better.

Atavachron wrote: Yes, he was really amazing-- a true metal god, years before Eddie Van Halen and a huge influence on fellow Irish guitarists. His later solo stuff ('Victims of the Future', etc.) wasn't great and seemed to be geared toward selling records, but for awhile in the mid-70s there were few better.

Well, I used to dig Gary Moore's Eighties stuff as well. Perhaps not all of his albums were up to scratch, but the live "I Want Moore!" really cooks, and I really love the album he cut with Glenn Hughes singing on part of the tracks ("Run for Cover"). I'm not very well acquainted with his later, bluesy stuff, though I've been planning to get a few of his albums. My favourite Moore guitar track of all, though, is one that is not to be found on any of the albums he has recorded with his own name, but rather on drummer Cozy Powell's second solo album, "Tilt". The track is called "Sunset", and it's absolutely beautiful - Moore used to dedicate it to Randy Rhoads when playing it live.

Colosseum were one of the few bands that steered me towards Prog and Jazz-Rock in my formative years. They remain much loved and their reunion performance was truly professional. Dave Clempson on guitar remains highly underrated, despite his exceptional skills that leave many better known names rather embarrassed. There was a thread on him not long ago.

This DVD is one of the best I've seen

Atavachron wrote: Yes, he was really amazing-- a true metal god, years before Eddie Van Halen and a huge influence on fellow Irish guitarists. His later solo stuff ('Victims of the Future', etc.) wasn't great and seemed to be geared toward selling records, but for awhile in the mid-70s there were few better.

I have Tempest's two albums- good stuff but I don't find them to be anywhere near Colosseum (especially their 2nd album). But then in my mind neither were Colosseum II, really...

Would I be right in saying that Tempest were perhaps more hard rock than jazz rock? I don't really see them as a jazz rock band, myself, despite having Allan Holdsworth and Ollie Halsall in the line up...

I agree with SEAN TRANE, that the COLOSSEUM LIVES [Live in Cologne] DVD is a must have. Just great performances throughout and as I've mentioned on other threads, an important piece of memorabilia for fans now the masterful Mr. Heckstall- Smith has sadly shuffled on.

On another note, I really enjoy 'BREAD AND CIRCUSES' and really find only one track [two at the very most] sub par. A particularly underrated album imo. altho I accept some may be put off by some of its not so prog , not so fusion rockier elements. From where I am , it aint bad......[Love that Steely Dan type groove on the Dick Heckstall-Smith tune, 'Big Deal']

I have their 2 first albums and they are quite good but titled suite on "Valentyne Suite" is just amazing.