Colosseum - Valentyne Suite 12" Vinyl LP Album

In 1969, as the psychedelic haze of the late 60s began to dissipate, the British music scene was ripe for a new sound. Colosseum, a band of virtuoso musicians with a shared love of jazz and rock, answered the call with their second album, "Valentyne Suite."

This wasn't your average rock 'n' roll record. Colosseum fused elements of jazz, blues, and psychedelic rock, creating a sound that was both innovative and accessible. It was a time of musical experimentation, and Colosseum wasn't afraid to push boundaries.

"Valentyne Suite" is a sonic journey that takes you through a range of emotions and musical styles. From the hard-rocking opener "The Kettle" to the mellow jazz vibes of "Elegy," the album showcases the band's versatility and instrumental prowess. The title track, a sprawling 11-minute epic, is a testament to their ambition and compositional skills.

While "Valentyne Suite" was praised for its musicianship and adventurous spirit, it wasn't without its detractors. Some critics found the album's eclecticism to be disjointed, while others felt that the band's jazz leanings were too strong for a rock audience. Despite this, the album garnered a loyal following and is now considered a classic of the progressive rock genre.

Produced by Tony Reeves and Gerry Bron for Hit Record Productions, "Valentyne Suite" was recorded at Olympic Studios in London. The album's production is crisp and clean, allowing the band's musicianship to shine through.