DAUGHTER OF TIME

Flawed but enjoyable third studio release from progressive jazz-rock axis Colosseum despite Chris Farlowe's inexplicable shouting and a medium production. 'Three Score and Ten, Amen' starts majestic but turns forgettable, and 'Time Lament' is better, with nice string and horn arrangements, Leonard Bernstein-isms and anthemic feel. David Greenslade's piano is beautifully showcased in 'Take Me Back to Doomsday' and features feathery jazz parts with multi-instrumentalist Barbara Thompson's flute and Baritone sax. The title cut wakes things up and we start to hear the brass-rock influence in this group, Harrold Beckett's trumpet and myriad talents of Dick Heckstall and Thompson, and 'Bring Out Your Dead' smokes the jazzical. Missed is the heat of leader Jon Hiseman's drums, seeming a bit uninspired here. A muddled blues for 'Downhill and Shadows' but Hiseman is redeemed by solo 'Time Machine' and a terrific moment to himself. The record fails at times and the band seemed to be coming apart, though for 1970 it is fairly bold music. A hit-and-miss set from a potentially great outfit.