Colosseum (Band)
Colosseum is a British jazz-rock band.
- 2.1 albums
- 2.2 Compilations
- 2.3 Sessions
History
1968-1971
Colosseum was founded in 1968 by drummer Jon Hiseman and saxophonist Dick Heckstall -Smith, who had previously played with the Graham Bond Organization, and then with John Mayall 's Bluesbreakers the European " white " Blues had popularized. Hiseman brought him already known from school days Dave Greenslade one (later head of his band Greenslade ) and Tony Reeves with. Together they tested numerous guitarists and singers and chose James Litherland (from James Litherland 's Brotherhood ). Hiseman won the music producer Gerry Bron for the production of albums and the organization of appearances. Jim Roche was the second guitarist for a short time.
Within a short time the Colosseum was merged with suite -like compositions, jazz, rock, blues and classical elements known. Heckstall -Smith played two saxophones at times simultaneously. The complex instrumental spectrum was expanded in 1970 by the rhythm-and - blues singer Chris Farlowe. The live album of the band (recorded in 1971 ) documented the well- highest level of development of the group and was responsible for more than 20 years of their capstone. In November 1971, Colosseum disbanded.
Colosseum II
In 1975, Hiseman Colosseum II with Gary Moore, Don Airey later joined them. Moore on guitar brought a stronger rock influence. After three years with three almost entirely instrumental albums shattered the band, even on the limited commercial success. Moore went back to Thin Lizzy, Airey to Rainbow.
Reunion
In 1994, he Hiseman after more than 20 years, the group in the successful occupation of 1971 to a reunion concert together, which was also recorded for the WDR Rockpalast. This was followed by a successful reunion tour and a new studio album, Bread And Circuses. Another studio album was followed in 2003 with Tomorrow 's Blues. The tour for the album was not able to take the diseased Heckstall - Smith. He was replaced by Hiseman wife Barbara Thompson, who had already collaborated in 1970 on the album Daughter of Time In Colosseum.
2011 gave Colosseum - inadvertently - their farewell concert on Zappanale 22 in Bad Doberan. Almost two hours joined the band in the cast Jon Hiseman (drums) and Barbara Thompson (saxophone ), Chris Farlowe (vocals), Mark Clarke (bass ), David Clempson (guitar) and Dave Greenslade (organ) on. Finished it with a drum solo by Jon Hiseman.
" Actually I have to tell you something, this is quite a historic gig tonight. Because this is maybe probably Colosseum 's last gig ever. It just happens to be here. But it looks like it is the finish of the band, Because Barbara Has Parkinson 's Disease and this is now too hard for her to play and I can not come on tour and leave her alone at home and so I think this is the finish for us now. But I have no problem with that - we went out with a great gig at the top of our game - I have no complaints. - By the way, I have something to say: This is a pretty historic appearance. Because this is perhaps the Colosseum last appearance at all. It is purely coincidental here. But it looks as if it were the end of the band, because Barbara has Parkinson's disease and can no longer play and I do not go on tour and they can be left alone at home, so it's probably the end. But I have no problem with that - we left with a grand appearance at the summit of our career stage -. I'm not complaining "