Colosseum - XI (2025) [Hi-Res]

Formed in 1968 and revived in 2020 by guitarist Clem Clempson and bassist Mark Clarke, together with R&B legend singer Chris Farlowe (who joined in 1970), COLOSSEUM’s present line-up includes keyboardist Nick Steed (Van Morrison, PP Arnold), saxophonist Kim Nishikawara (Michael Bublé, Maggie Bell, Jack Bruce) and drummer Malcolm Mortimore (Tina Turner, Tom Jones, Gentle Giant). In 2022 they released the album Restoration. 2025 sees them unveiling a new studio album. Simply titled XI, COLOSSEUM’s eleventh studio album brings another exciting chapter in the band’s recording history, which began in 1969 with their debut Those Who Are About To Die Salute You. The nine songs on XI showcase the current COLOSSEUM line-up at their best – a group of friends, long-time colleagues and like-minded people honouring the memory of founding members Jon Hiseman and Dick Heckstall-Smith without sounding outdated, and who once again cover the wide spectrum of blues, jazz-rock and prog that COLOSSEUM is known for, in a dynamic and inspired manner. The album includes seven self-penned songs, with keyboardist Nick Steed standing out as a songwriter alongside Clem Clempson. The almost 9-minutes long ‘English Garden Suite,’ with its length and title, is reminiscent of the COLOSSEUM masterpiece ‘The Valentyne Suite.’ Well-chosen covers of Van Morrison’s ‘Ain’t Gonna Moan No More’ and Jack Bruce’s ‘Out Into The Fields’ complete XI. Recorded in November 2024 at Curtis Schwartz Studios Ardingly, Temple Music London and DanceTone Music New York (composer, guitarist, and producer Ray Detone’s studio, who co-wrote the song ‘Gypsy’ with Mark Clarke, on which he plays rhythm guitar). Ray DeTone is also – apart from background vocals by Ana Gracey, the daughter of Jon Hiseman and Barbara Thompson – the only guest contributor on XI. XI was produced by Clem Clempson and Nick Steed.