Elegy 1968-1971

"Elegy : The Recordings 1968 - 1971" is a 6 CD box set celebrating the work of Colosseum recorded between 1968 and 1971. A remastered set including the albums "Those About To Die Salute You", "Valentyne Suite", "The Grass Is Greener", "Daughter Of Time" and "Colosseum Live", plus an additional 12 bonus tracks drawn from studio sessions and live recordings. Also includes an illustrated book with essay.

Colosseum came together in 1968, the brainchild of virtuoso drummer Jon Hiseman and saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith, who had played together in the Graham Bond Organisation and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Teaming with bass guitarist Tony Reeves and keyboard player Dave Greenslade, the line up of the band was completed with the recruitment of guitarist and vocalist James Litherland.

Their debut album, "Those About To Die Salute You" was was one of the 1st successful attempts to fuse jazz, blues and rock reaching # 15 on the UK album chart.

Their 2nd album, "Valentyne Suite", was the 1st release on the progressive Vertigo imprint and spent 9 weeks on the UK album chart, peaking at # 15. The album’s focal point was the 3 part "Valentyne Suite" which earned the band critical praise and is now regarded as a milestone in early Progressive rock. In the USA and Canada the album appeared in different form in 1970 as "The Grass Is Greener" remixed and featuring new member Dave “Clem” Clempson, who replaced James Litherland in the group. The album also featured a series of songs unreleased in the UK.

Released on Vertigo in December 1970, "Daughter Of Time" heralded another line up change within the group, featuring new recruits Mark Clarke on bass and the distinctive lead vocalist Chris Farlowe. The album spent 5 weeks in the UK top 30. A series of UK concerts were recorded in 1971 and were issued in June of that year as the double LP "Colosseum Live", a UK top 20 hit.

Colosseum disbanded in October 1971, but were to reform in 1994.This forthcoming Esoteric Recordings release also features studio bonus tracks and an additional CD of further live recordings from 1971. To be released on February 23rd, 2024.