Valentyne Suite

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Cat No: ECLEC22599

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Format Details:

Release Date: 28 July 2017

Label: Esoteric Recordings / Cherry Red

Packaging Type: Brilliant Case (Jewel Case size, Holds 2 CDs)

No of Units: 2

Barcode: 5013929469945

Genres: Rock Progressive Rock

Release Date: 16 January 2026

Label: Music On Vinyl

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 8719262039971

Genres: Rock Progressive Rock

Description
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 album’s 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).

Description

Colosseum are an English jazz rock band, mixing blues, rock and jazz-based improvisation. Colin Larkin (Encyclopedia of Popular Music) wrote that "the commercial acceptance of jazz rock in the UK" was mainly due to the band.
The band were formed in early 1968 by drummer Jon Hiseman with tenor sax player Dick Heckstall-Smith, who met each other when they both played in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
Valentyne Suite takes the band out of their bluesy comfort zone into something closer to prog rock. The album is generally seen as their best album and still extremely enjoyable.
Fun fact: the riff from "The Kettle" was used on "Ya Mama" by Fatboy Slim.
Valentyne Suite is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on white & pink marbled coloured vinyl.
Tracklisting
Tracklisting