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Martyn Hanson writes: What a pleasant surprise that a band that had been going on and off for five decades could come up with such a strong, not to say eclectic, album. Pete Feenstra, for Get Ready to Rock, beautifully sums it up: ‘Given the virtual collapse of the jazz rock and fusion market in the interim period between the band’s original dissolution and their comeback in 1994, the album’s title has an ironic ring about it. On their last studio album Tomorrow’s Blues they traded their former progressive style for a more mature blues feel, but this album has a surprisingly broader sweep.’ Jon reinforced this feeling in an interview just after the release: ‘It’s amazing what appeals to one person is quite different to another. I have people who swear the best track is ‘You Just Don’t Get It’ and why is it so late on the album. Others go for Ana Gracey’s ‘Blues to Music’. I like ‘The Way You Waved Goodbye’. So I hope [there’s] something for everyone.’ This, the final Colosseum studio album featuring master drummer Jon, was released 11 years after Tomorrow’s Blues. Those into Roman numerals would have got the year straightaway, as the cover has the numerals MMXIV = 2014. -
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This double CD is the first Colosseum work to feature Barbara Thompson after Dick passed away. It contains songs from both the then recent studio albums, Bread & Circuses and Tomorrow’s Blues. However, the title of the album makes a firm connection with their classic live album Colosseum Live from 1971. The review from Prog Archives was full of praise and enthusiasm: ‘It is simply thrilling! ‘The Valentyne Suite’ as an example here. It starts in a classic way, with a motive run by organ supported with a saxophone. However, the bass line is run in a different way and it indicates certain surprises. The piano and saxophone duo is wonderful mainly thanks to the reliable Barbara, who then shows her skills in a beautiful, sober solo part, followed by a dynamic solo part from Dave on Hammond organ. The second part starts in a sweet and melancholic way. The vocals of Mark Clarke [are] a masterpiece, and then another saxophone solo entrance.’ Barbara really adds something to ‘February’s Valentyne’ with her contribution.' The album was recorded in 2005 and released in 2007 and we are offering limited copies here at a specially discounted price. -
This compilation album issued in 2002 contains seven numbers composed by Barbara Thompson and performed live or in the studio with the United Jazz and Rock Ensemble between 1978 and 1999. This is one of a series of United Jazz and Rock Ensemble albums showcasing the compositions of individual band members. Barbara has composed many works for various ensembles, choirs and orchestras. Scores and parts in PDF format and mp3s can be downloaded free at here -
10 original compositions by Barbara Thompson for 12-piece saxophone orchestra released 16th July 2012. "The wide spectrum of the compositions shows us the dark side of saxophone sound. The performance of this orchestra is perfect on this CD with highest recording quality. It's more than a milestone!"
