Colosseum II - Electric Savage (1977-1993) APE (image+.cue), lossless

 

Sticking to instruments proved to be a great decision in increasing consistency and music quality of their albums.
All three lead players are chameleons, well versed in rock and rock-related fashions like jazz-rock and fusion.
To my joy, playing is dynamic, intensive while remaining accessible. Compositions are solid, leaving place to keyboard and guitar soloing. Drumming is very evident in the mix and never static. Fill-ins are superb.
Moore does not play a typical jazz guitar, it is rock shaped towards jazz.
"Rivers" is a pretty good ballad even if cheesy and not fitting the rest of the album. Then come more intensive tracks with good variety in rhythms. Noteworthy are equlibristic "Desperado" reminiscent of Brand X and "Intergalactic Strut".
Colosseum II fusion is closer to prog-rock than any other US fusion band, no wonder since the players weren't orthodox jazz players.
Excellent addition to any prog-rock/fusion collection unless you are a fusion snob and demand more jazz in the sound. web

Tracklist:

1. Put It This Way (Gary Moore/Jon Hiseman ) – 4:55

2. All Skin & Bone (G.Moore/J.Hiseman) – 3:46

3. Rivers – (G.Moore/J.Hiseman)- 5:50

4. The Scorch (G.Moore/Don Airey)– 6:02

5. Lament (Trad., arranged by G.Moore/J.Hiseman/D.Airey/John Mole) – 4:40

6. Desperado"(G.Moore/J.Hiseman) – 5:59

7. Am I" (D. Airey) – 4:16

8. Intergalactic Strut"(D.Airey) – 5:58

Personnel

Gary Moore - guitars, vocals 

Don Airey - keyboards, synthesizer, Hammond organ, clavinet, piano

John Mole - bass

Jon Hiseman - drums, percussion, cymbals, gong, bells