Biography
As the keyboardist in the jazz-blues-rock fusion group Colosseum, Greenslade first gained notice through his composition of the 17-minute, multi-section epic “Valentyne Suite,” which formed the centerpiece of the album sharing that title. The band ultimately dissolved in 1971 amid the conflicting ambitions of its members. Over the ensuing two years Greenslade kept busy with session work while assembling a new ensemble distinguished by its decision to pursue progressive rock without employing a guitarist; the lineup featured second keyboardist Dave Lawson, drummer Andy McCullough, and former Colosseum colleague Tony Reeves on bass. This configuration issued the albums Greenslade and Bedside Manners Are Extra on Warner Bros. The third release, Spyglass Guest, departed from that approach when guitarists Andy Roberts and Dave “Clem” Clempson—another ex-Colosseum associate—added six-string parts. Martin Briley had replaced Tony Reeves by the time the final Greenslade album appeared, and the band disbanded in 1975.
Under his full name, Greenslade issued the engaging Cactus Choir the following year. In 1979 he composed and released the ambitious double LP Pentateuch of the Cosmogony (commonly shortened to Pentateuch; the CD version removes several minutes of music yet retains the artwork). Created in collaboration with fantasy artist Patrick Woodroffe, whose imagery directly shaped the music, the project showcased Greenslade’s ever-growing collection of electronic keyboards. In subsequent years he largely disappeared from view, becoming, in the words of his friend Terry Pratchett—author of the Discworld novels—“the man every TV producer in England would call when a new TV theme was needed” (which may be news to the ever-prolific Barrington Pheloung). That connection with Pratchett nevertheless drew Greenslade back into the spotlight with the 1994 album From the Discworld, a collection of pieces inspired by the writer’s humorous fantasy novels. Since then, activity under the Greenslade name has again remained minimal.
Under his full name, Greenslade issued the engaging Cactus Choir the following year. In 1979 he composed and released the ambitious double LP Pentateuch of the Cosmogony (commonly shortened to Pentateuch; the CD version removes several minutes of music yet retains the artwork). Created in collaboration with fantasy artist Patrick Woodroffe, whose imagery directly shaped the music, the project showcased Greenslade’s ever-growing collection of electronic keyboards. In subsequent years he largely disappeared from view, becoming, in the words of his friend Terry Pratchett—author of the Discworld novels—“the man every TV producer in England would call when a new TV theme was needed” (which may be news to the ever-prolific Barrington Pheloung). That connection with Pratchett nevertheless drew Greenslade back into the spotlight with the 1994 album From the Discworld, a collection of pieces inspired by the writer’s humorous fantasy novels. Since then, activity under the Greenslade name has again remained minimal.
Albums
G & T
2021
Time To Make Hay - A Collection Of Original Recordings
2015
Routes - Roots
2011
Cactus Choir
1976
Live
