Billy Cobham, Billy Cobham, Billy Cobham, Billy Cobham, Billy Cobham, Billy Cobham, Billy Cobham,

To me….Billy Cobham is da bomb….the album called Spectrum is my favorite by Billy because even more than Miles it kinda defines the genre of jazz-funk for me. This album, although its an instrumental has it all. Billy is right smack in the middle of jazz & funk….you can almost dance to the tracks on this album, but not quite….its madefor listening…….but you cant help but tap your feet & snap your fingers to it.

There is some awfully powerful drumming in here that is veryreminiscent of Buddy Miles and thats no accident either. Billy played with Miles on "Jack Johnson" (the one I call "Miles Hendrix album"). So its got kind of a "rock edge" to it. At the same time his drumming is so tight & funky…..you could easily see Billy as a member of the JBs or P-Funk as well. Another thing about Cobham & specifically the album "Spectrum" are the memories that I have that are associated with it. For me this album is something like the soundtrack for much of what Im still able to remember about the 1970s, listeningto it today ….it seems like it was always playing in the background…..back then !! I have no idea if others here will agree with my assessment,but those are my thoughts. Im glad that I brought it….again !!

Here is the track listing for Spectrum:

1.OUADRANT4

2. a. SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT DOOR

b. SPECTRUM

3 a. ANXIETY

b. TAURIAN MATADOR

4 STRATUS

5 a. TO THE WOMEN IN MY LIFE

b. LE LIS

6 a. SNOOPY’S SEARCH

b. RED BARON

I should look out for that album. Who’s in Billy’s band on that one?

The Jack Johnson album was the first Miles LP I bought, and

I’ve always heard of Billy’s name before. I may have to

check that SPECTRUM CD out.

You should be able to pick up "Spectrum" on CD for $9.99 at your local merchant.

Don’t pass it up !!!

You can find it as a used LP and Tommy Bolin(g) is a well travelled ,eclectic musician on some cuts re: -Spectrum. I dig the groove on Bolin’s solo-Private Eyes"

CD–tune-Bustin’ out for Rosie". Credible vocals and smooth

funk-groove ,IMO. He’s had Narada Walden as a drummer in his

live band circa 1975. He’s deceased. Check it out.

Don’t minimize that Cobham hand picked Tommy Bolin(g) for that LP out of a zillion guitarists .He adds a unique sound, IMO. Cobham is brilliant! enjoy

Here is the line up for "Spectrum" – Billy Cobham:

Billy Cobham – percussion

Tommy Bolin – guitar

Jan Hammer – piano (elec. & acustic) & synthesizers

Joe Farell – flute & soprano sax

Jimmy Owens – flugelhorn & trumpet

John Torpea – guitar ("Lis Lis")

Ron Carter – acustic bass

Ray Baretto – congas

How does that lineup sound to you ???

Excellent band. Joe Farrell is the clincher for me. I’ll definitely buy this disc. Thanks.

I haven’t heard the Bolin material you mentioned. Any other recommendations ??

Bolin only has one other solo LP-Teaser".

Yo folks…..Did you know that Billy was an original member of Mahavisnu Orchestra with John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer, and Jerry Goodman. Now a lot of this work was before Spectrum, and the drummer who replaced him in the band was Narada Michael Walden. I have had the opportunity of seeing both of them live with John. Talk about intense!!!! Talk about the drummer man!!!

(PARTIAL) BILLY COBHAM DISCOGRAPHY

1. SPECTRUM ATLANTIC SD-7268 1973

2. TOTAL ECLIPSE ATLANTIC SD 18121 1974

3. A FUNKY THIDE OF THINGS ATLANTIC SD-18149 1975

4. LIFE & TIMES ATLANTIC SD 18166 1976

5. INNER CONFLICTS ATLANTIC SD 19174 1978

6. ALIVEMUTHERFORYA COLUMBIA JC-35349 1978

7. WARNING (DIGITAL) GRP-GRP-A-1020 1985

8. "LIVE" ON TOUR IN EUROPE ATLANTIC SD 1 976