Record Reviews

COLOSSEUM ~ XI REPERTOIRE 1498 (Barcode: 4009910149829) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 As the title suggests, this is the 11th studio album by legendary British Jazz-Rock Fusion group ColosseumFind albums by this artist, although the numbering is very confusing considering the numerous various releases, duplications, archival albums and so no, but who cares, since they are still most probably the best band of its kind. The current lineup includes three veteran members: vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Mark ClarkeFind albums by this artist, and three more recent members: keyboardist Nick SteedFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Kim NishikawaraFind albums by this artist and drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist. Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist sings background vocals on one track and Ray DeToneFind albums by this artist plays rhythm guitar on another track. The album presents nine tracks, mostly written by the band members, with one track by Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist and another being a Jack BruceFind albums by this artist / Pete BrownFind albums by this artist song. The music sounds like the good old Colosseum, keeping faithful to the same sound, instrumentation and stylistic approach since the time of their formation in 1968, which is an amazing achievement considering we are talking about well over half a Century. One may criticize the fact that the group did not “evolve” over time, but let’s be honest, they were simply perfect from day one and as the saying goes: “don’t fix what does not need fixing”. The perfectly balanced amalgam of Blues, Rock and Jazz worked ideally from the first album and still is better than anything else on the scene operating in the same musical sphere. All the compositions are exactly perfect for what one expects from Colosseum, the instrumental work is sensational, especially the guitar playing by Clempson, who is an unmatched Blues-Rock guitarist, and the vocals are brilliant (Farlowe was eighty-three years young when he recorded these tracks!). Overall, although this album does not surprise or innovate, it is absolutely perfect in what it is supposed to be – great music faithful to the tradition of Colosseum and still better that any other musical outfit playing similar material. No brainer whatsoever – it’s a must for all people who know what great Jazz/Blues/Rock cocktail is supposed to sound like. Hats off fellas - hope to catch you live again soon!

Updated: 22/08/2025Posted: 22/08/2025

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