Valentyne Suite (Expanded Edition)

Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a newly re-mastered and expanded edition of the classic 1969 album by COLOSSEUM, Valentyne Suite. Originally released in November 1969 housed in a striking sleeve designed by Marcus Keef, Valentyne Suite was the first release on the Progressive imprint VERTIGO and spent nine weeks on the UK album chart, peaking at number 15. The album featured the classic Colosseum line-up of Jon Hiseman (Drums), Dave Greenslade (Organ & Vibes), Dick Heckstall-Smith (Saxophones), James Litherland (Guitar, Vocals) & Tony Reeves (Bass). Valentyne Suite is arguably the finest album by the band, featuring such outstanding tracks as The Kettle (with a distinctive riff later sampled by Fatboy Slim), Elegy and The Machine Demands a Sacrifice (with lyrics by Pete Brown). However the albums focal point was the three part Valentyne Suite which earned the band critical praise and is now regarded as a milestone in early Progressive Rock. This newly re-mastered and expanded reissue includes a bonus track of Tell Me Now (recorded at Lansdowne studios in April 1969) and a bonus remastered CD of the US and Canadian album THE GRASS IS GREENER, released on the Dunhill label in 1970. The album featured some material featured on Valentyne Suite, albeit remixed and featuring new member Dave Clem Clempson (Guitar, Vocals).