Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Billy Cobham. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Billy Cobham. Sort by date Show all posts

Sunday, 30 December 2018

Learn Billy Cobham - 1998 Magic & Simplicity Of Expression

This is a create do priced CD reissue of 2 of drummer artist/billy-cobham-mn0000767741">Billy Cobham's harder to honor recordings from the after '70s. Of the two, Magic is far superior too is by too large regarded every bit 1 of his virtually interesting recordings inwards his extensive discography. Magic lonely is worth the upgrade to CD; however, the inclusion of Simplicity of Expression: Depth of Thought amounts to nada to a greater extent than than a throw in. artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham recorded about embarrassing disco during the belatedly '70s too this is a prime number example. The 2 for 1 is also practiced to hap upwards too makes the CD highly recommended for fusion collectors.

Contains Two Classic Fusion Albums on One CD ('Magic' (1977) too 'Depth of Thought' (1978) ). Featuring Sidemen Such every bit : Mark Soskin (Piano), Pete Maunu (Guitar), Randy Jackson (Bass) too Sheila E. (Percussion). Includes the Songs : 'On a Magic Carpet Ride', 'Ac/Dc', 'Magic', 'Bolinas', 'Pocket Change', 'Indigo' too 'Early Libra'.

Is at that spot 1 discussion which defines this double compilation CD from drummer extraordinaire Billy Cobham? Sure.....it's "ethereal". Here, Cobham transcends his contemporaries, such every bit Jack de Johnette too Omar Hakim to display non solely a surreal agreement of rhythm, but an "ethereal" display of melody, nuance too structure. Check out "Leaward Winds" from the "Magic" album, or "Bolinas" from "Simplicity of Expression, Depth of Thought". The championship vocal from the latter CD goes boldly where many a jazz drummer wishing to tread, but cannot successfully navigate. This applies to "La Guernica" from the same CD. No overstatement here....merely the weight of Cobham's drumming flowing effortlessly over an air tight melodic moving ridge of inventiveness too purpose. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 masterpiece.

Billy Cobham - 1977 "Magic" 

 Of all artist/billy-cobham-mn0000767741">Billy Cobham's Columbia fusion sessions, fourth dimension has been the virtually unkind to Magic. Despite about inspired too at times awe-inspiring performances, the album is also much a production of its era, suffering from sickly sweetness production, awkward vocal contributions, too ill-fitting clarinet contributions from an out of house artist/alvin-batiste-mn0000008792">Alvin Batiste. Strip away the gummy layers of gloss too indulgence, too Magic begins to alive upwards to its title. artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham's rhythmic interplay amongst bassist artist/randy-jackson-mn0000866743">Randy Jackson too percussionists artist/pete-escovedo-mn0000840760">Pete Escovedo too artist/sheila-e-mn0000019953">Sheila E. is nada curt of astounding, every bit tearing too funky every bit anything inwards the drummer's catalog. But the songs are tepid too the arrangements overbaked, non to cite that artist/pete-maunu-mn0000844724">Pete Maunu's guitar wankery verging on the quest of absurdity. All inwards all, also much of a practiced thing, yet soundless non enough.

Line-up / Musicians

- Billy Cobham / drums, hand-claps, vocals
- Joachim Kuhn / electrical piano, acoustic piano, Mini Moog synthesizer
- Mark Soskin / acoustic piano, acoustic tack piano, electrical piano, Oberheim synthesizer
- Pete Maunu / guitars
- Randy Jackson / bass
- Alvin Baptiste / clarinet
- Pete Escovedo / timbales, vocals
- Sheila Escovedo / congas
- Kathleen Kaan / vocals
- Hojo / hand-claps
- Dennis / hand-claps


Billy Cobham - 1978 "Simplicity of Expression"

 Along amongst the footling known B.C., this is artist/billy-cobham-mn0000767741">Billy Cobham's virtually disappointing recordings of the '70s. Like swain fusion/drumming legends artist/alphonse-mouzon-mn0000003015">Alphonse Mouzon too artist/lenny-white-mn0000246487">Lenny White, artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham gradually migrated toward disco/funk. His construct of this music sounds worse than virtually because he continues the propulsive drum style, making for an unbalanced approach. "Bolinas" too "Pocket Change" are embarrassing, but all is non lost every bit "La Guernica" is a burner. As the so-called decease of fusion was fast approaching, artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham was at a crossroads inwards his career.

Line-up / Musicians

- Billy Cobham / drums, percussion, background vocals (3,5)
- Randy Jackson / bass, background vocals (3,5)
- Mark Soskin / keyboards (1-3,5)
- Joachim Kühn / Moog (4), keyboards (6)
- Mike Mainieri / vibraphone (4)
- Ray Mouton / guitar (1,2,5)
- Charles Singleton / guitar (1,2,5), atomic number 82 vocals (3,5), background vocals (3,5)
- Steve Khan / acoustic 12-string & 6-string guitar (2)
- Pete Mannu / guitar (4)
- Alvin Batiste / clarinet (2), woodwinds (3,5)
- Eddie Daniels / woodwinds (3,5), tenor sax (1)
- Kamal / atomic number 82 vocals (1,6)
- Marvin Stamm / trumpet (1,2,6), flugelhorn (1,2,6)
- Mike Lawrence / trumpet (1,2,6), flugelhorn (1,2,6)
- Wayne Andre / trombone (1,2,6)
- Alan Ralph / trombone (1,2,6)
- George Quinn / trombone (1,2,6)
- Brooks Tillotson / french horn (1,2,6)
- Don Corrado / fench horn (1,2,6)
- David Nadien / concert principal of the string department (1,2,6)
- Matthew Raimondi / string department (1,2,6)
- Richard Hendrickson / string department (1,2,6)
- Alfred V.Brown / string department (1,2,6)
- Peter Dimitriades / string department (1,2,6)
- Anahid Aiemian / string department (1,2,6)
- Louis Shulman / string department (1,2,6)
- Jonathan Abramowitz / string department (1,2,6)

Track Listings

  1. On Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Magic Carpet Ride
  2. AC/DC
  3. Leaward Winds
  4. Puffnstugg
  5. "anteres" The Star
  6. Magic
  7. Reflections In The Coulds
  8. Magic-Recapitulation
  9. Bolinas
  10. La Guernica
  11. Pocket Change
  12. Indigo
  13. Opelousas
  14. Early Libra

Friday, 29 December 2017

For Y'all Paradox - 1996 Paradox

Drummer Billy Cobham, guitarist Bill Bickford, as well as bassist Wolfgang Schmid shape a creative fusion trio on Paradox. The outcome is a powerhouse add-on to Cobham's discography. The music ranges from the roiling heavy metallic sludge of Bickford's "Four More Years," to the full-on funk of Schmid's "Fonkey Donkey," to Cobham's calmly lyrical "Walking inwards Five." Schmid is the principal writer, followed past times Bickford, thus Cobham. The best agency to educate the scene is amongst Paradox's version of "Quadrant 4." The original was the defining rails on Cobham's 1973 debut release, Spectrum. Coming on the heels of Cobham's operate amongst John McLaughlin's original Mahavishnu Orchestra, Spectrum is 1 of the essential documents of fusion's classic era. The original "Quadrant 4" was a showcase for the belatedly Tommy Bolin -- a bona fide stone star of James Gang fame. The melding of Bolin's speed-freak boogie amongst Cobham's pummeling whirlwind got the attending of jazz as well as stone fans alike, achieving nearly "hit single" condition inwards both camps. For their version nearly a quarter-century later, Cobham as well as society notch the measuring dorsum a bit, getting to a greater extent than heft as well as torque without losing whatever of the original's guitar god flash (Schmid nearly steals the present amongst his ain axe-slinging).

While Paradox is a tripartite accomplishment, it is also a personal render to shape for Cobham, who, after the hope of his early on solo career, became involved inwards many forgettable projects (does anybody recollect Bobby & the Midnites?). Paradox doesn't gibe the howling, apocalyptic thunder of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, only it is the equal of Cobham's ain triumphant kickoff release.

Paradox was 1 fine ability fusion trio. Bassist Schmid is a known quantity inwards Germany. His kickoff marks were made inwards Klaus Doldinger's grouping Passport. He has won many German linguistic communication music awards. New York guitarist Bill Bickford spent a decade inwards the band DeFunkt. Billy Cobham is Billy Cobham. The beat department of Cobham as well as Schmid start "Shoes inwards Seven" amongst a rocking beat out similar inwards audio as well as utilisation to Cobham's previous plough inwards the historic "Right Off" from Miles Davis's Tribute to Jack Johnson. Bickford goes amongst the period of time past times throwing inwards roughly real effective funky tike ninth chords. As Bickford solos it appears he is indeed paying tribute to "Right Off" equally he mimics John McLaughlin's guitar sound. His chord cognition seems to live real advanced. Cobham has engaged inwards many guitar/drum "duels" over the years. There is 1 of those on this cutting equally well. However, Bickford arms himself amongst exclusively chords. It would seem he would live outmanned equally Cobham commonly goes into battle against single-note gunslingers who tin shoot faster than the speed of sound. Instead Bickford matches every drum beat out amongst every chord change. (Or is it the other agency around?) It is quite an impressive feat either way. It is musical, too. Who knew that Billy Cobham was rocking things out 1 time again inwards a fantastic jazz-rock trio inwards the middle of the somewhat fusion-stale 1990s?

Before fusion engaged inwards a seemingly unbreakable dearest thing amongst elevators, it amplified stadiums globally amongst joyous eruptions of lacerating electrical guitars as well as orchestral keyboards intertwined amongst blaring horn sections. Underneath those plugged-in audio collages were molten hotbeds of relentless stone as well as mitt percussion that propelled all the pyro-madness amongst funk-informed grooves. Recalling the glory slickophonic years of fusion-rock, Paradox thumps mightily amongst the same frenetic electricity, extroverted pyrotechnics as well as herculean strength that elevated the careers of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, as well as Weather Report to stone star status. Comprised of fusion veterans, drummer Billy Cobham, bassist Wolfgang Schmid, as well as guitarist Bill Bickford, this all-star trio stomps similar a thumperasaurus monster abruptly awakening from a deep sleep. The combined steroid ability of Cobham's muscular backbeats as well as nasty drum fills, Schmid's thick elastic basslines, as well as Bickford's electromagnolia guitar musings are a forcefulness to live reckoned. From the opening "Fonkey Donkey" which strangely gallops amongst a subversive nod to Ornette Coleman's rowdier electrical years, to Cobham's '70s classic, "Quadrant 4," which features the drumming juggernaut hammering roughly of his best soloing inwards recent years, this trio goes for broke amongst nearly every note. Although subtlety isn't a original gene inwards their repertoire, the relative soft "Walking In Five" as well as "Late Nite" offering brief moments of quieter pleasures. Light years from beingness a classic inwards whatever sort, Paradox does all the same furnish ample bear witness that the '70s jazz era was non a consummate waste.

Track listing:

1 Fonkey Donkey (Wolfgang Schmid-Grandy) 5:14
2 Four More Years (Bill Bickford) 8:52
3 Quadrant iv (Billy Cobham) 5:28
4 Myohmyohyeoye (Wolfgang Schmid-Grandy) 9:25
5 Walking In Five (Billy Cobham) 6:35
6 Jam O'James (Bill Bickford) 5:21
7 Late Nite (Bill Bickford) 9:03
8 Shoes In Seven (Wolfgang Schmid-Grandy) 4:58
9 Five In (Wolfgang Schmid-Grandy) 6:17

Personnel:

- Billy Cobham / drums
- Wolfgang Schmid / bass
- Bill Bickford / guitars

Monday, 24 July 2017

Learn Paradox - 1996 Paradox

Drummer Billy Cobham, guitarist Bill Bickford, in addition to bassist Wolfgang Schmid shape a creative fusion trio on Paradox. The final result is a powerhouse improver to Cobham's discography. The music ranges from the roiling heavy metallic sludge of Bickford's "Four More Years," to the full-on funk of Schmid's "Fonkey Donkey," to Cobham's calmly lyrical "Walking inwards Five." Schmid is the principal writer, followed past times Bickford, in addition to thus Cobham. The best means to laid upwards the scene is amongst Paradox's version of "Quadrant 4." The original was the defining rails on Cobham's 1973 debut release, Spectrum. Coming on the heels of Cobham's run amongst John McLaughlin's original Mahavishnu Orchestra, Spectrum is ane of the essential documents of fusion's classic era. The original "Quadrant 4" was a showcase for the belatedly Tommy Bolin -- a bona fide stone star of James Gang fame. The melding of Bolin's speed-freak boogie amongst Cobham's pummeling whirlwind got the attending of jazz in addition to stone fans alike, achieving most "hit single" condition inwards both camps. For their version most a quarter-century later, Cobham in addition to fellowship notch the measuring dorsum a bit, getting to a greater extent than heft in addition to torque without losing whatsoever of the original's guitar god flash (Schmid most steals the demo amongst his ain axe-slinging).

While Paradox is a tripartite accomplishment, it is also a personal render to shape for Cobham, who, after the hope of his early on solo career, became involved inwards many forgettable projects (does anybody retrieve Bobby & the Midnites?). Paradox doesn't tally the howling, apocalyptic thunder of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, simply it is the equal of Cobham's ain triumphant commencement release.

Paradox was ane fine ability fusion trio. Bassist Schmid is a known quantity inwards Germany. His commencement marks were made inwards Klaus Doldinger's grouping Passport. He has won many German linguistic communication music awards. New York guitarist Bill Bickford spent a decade inwards the band DeFunkt. Billy Cobham is Billy Cobham. The musical rhythm department of Cobham in addition to Schmid start "Shoes inwards Seven" amongst a rocking beat out similar inwards audio in addition to role to Cobham's previous plough inwards the historic "Right Off" from Miles Davis's Tribute to Jack Johnson. Bickford goes amongst the menstruation past times throwing inwards or thus real effective funky youngster ninth chords. As Bickford solos it appears he is indeed paying tribute to "Right Off" every bit he mimics John McLaughlin's guitar sound. His chord noesis seems to live real advanced. Cobham has engaged inwards many guitar/drum "duels" over the years. There is ane of those on this cutting every bit well. However, Bickford arms himself amongst solely chords. It would seem he would live outmanned every bit Cobham unremarkably goes into battle against single-note gunslingers who tin shoot faster than the speed of sound. Instead Bickford matches every drum beat out amongst every chord change. (Or is it the other means around?) It is quite an impressive feat either way. It is musical, too. Who knew that Billy Cobham was rocking things out ane time again inwards a fantastic jazz-rock trio inwards the middle of the somewhat fusion-stale 1990s?

Before fusion engaged inwards a seemingly unbreakable beloved matter amongst elevators, it amplified stadiums globally amongst joyous eruptions of lacerating electrical guitars in addition to orchestral keyboards intertwined amongst blaring horn sections. Underneath those plugged-in audio collages were molten hotbeds of relentless stone in addition to manus percussion that propelled all the pyro-madness amongst funk-informed grooves. Recalling the glory slickophonic years of fusion-rock, Paradox thumps mightily amongst the same frenetic electricity, extroverted pyrotechnics in addition to herculean strength that elevated the careers of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, in addition to Weather Report to stone star status. Comprised of fusion veterans, drummer Billy Cobham, bassist Wolfgang Schmid, in addition to guitarist Bill Bickford, this all-star trio stomps similar a thumperasaurus monster abruptly awakening from a deep sleep. The combined steroid ability of Cobham's muscular backbeats in addition to nasty drum fills, Schmid's thick elastic basslines, in addition to Bickford's electromagnolia guitar musings are a strength to live reckoned. From the opening "Fonkey Donkey" which strangely gallops amongst a subversive nod to Ornette Coleman's rowdier electrical years, to Cobham's '70s classic, "Quadrant 4," which features the drumming juggernaut hammering or thus of his best soloing inwards recent years, this trio goes for broke amongst nearly every note. Although subtlety isn't a original component inwards their repertoire, the relative soft "Walking In Five" in addition to "Late Nite" offering brief moments of quieter pleasures. Light years from beingness a classic inwards whatsoever sort, Paradox does notwithstanding render ample evidence that the '70s jazz era was non a consummate waste.

Track listing:

1 Fonkey Donkey (Wolfgang Schmid-Grandy) 5:14
2 Four More Years (Bill Bickford) 8:52
3 Quadrant four (Billy Cobham) 5:28
4 Myohmyohyeoye (Wolfgang Schmid-Grandy) 9:25
5 Walking In Five (Billy Cobham) 6:35
6 Jam O'James (Bill Bickford) 5:21
7 Late Nite (Bill Bickford) 9:03
8 Shoes In Seven (Wolfgang Schmid-Grandy) 4:58
9 Five In (Wolfgang Schmid-Grandy) 6:17

Personnel:

- Billy Cobham / drums
- Wolfgang Schmid / bass
- Bill Bickford / guitars

Thursday, 20 December 2018

Learn Billy Cobham - 1974 [2014] Crosswinds

Crosswinds is the 2nd album of fusion drummer Billy Cobham. The album was released inwards 1974. It comprises iv songs, all composed past times Billy Cobham. It was used every bit the Earth for the Souls of Mischief's striking vocal "93 'til Infinity". Wiki

artist/billy-cobham-mn0000767741">Billy Cobham's 2nd engagement every bit a leader was 1 of his ameliorate sessions. Four songs (all originals past times the leader/drummer) incorporate "Spanish Moss -- Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Sound Portrait," and, inwards addition, artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham contributed 3 other pieces. The selections squad him amongst guitarist artist/john-abercrombie-mn0000214546">John Abercrombie, both of artist/the-brecker-brothers-mn0000521674">the Brecker Brothers, trombonist artist/garnett-brown-mn0000803730">Garnett Brown, keyboardist artist/george-duke-mn0000536122">George Duke, bassist artist/john-williams-mn0001250343">John Williams, together with Latin percussionist artist/lee-pastora-mn0000907310">Lee Pastora. In general, the melodies together with the vamps are reasonably memorable. artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham also takes an unaccompanied drum solo on "Storm." Worth searching for past times fusion collectors.  All Music

Billy Cobham made this album at a pivotal point. The original Mahavishnu Orchestra had disbanded, John McLaughlin was wallowing, together with jazz purists were showtime to complain close the stone influence. Billy helped demo a novel direction. Crosswinds opening suite has lush together with sophisticated horn arrangments, soothing a subtly intense rhythm. The upshot is similar night, tropical breezes, only every bit he wants to convey. You tin almost require heed the ocean, the music of the wild Caribbean Area (no steel drums of course, only cool). The ease of the album alternates betwixt hot together with cool, amongst or thence funky fusion together with a beautiful extended piece, Heathers, close the end, featuring a trombone solo that sounds similar the soundtrack to a loving together with relaxing dream. The album is inspired, Billy at his creative best, showing the jazz globe a novel dimension that fusion had non shown before. At 35 minutes it is a piffling short, but nosotros cause got character here, non quantity. This album belongs inwards whatsoever jazz or fusion collection. By D. M. Paine

"Crosswinds" has been inwards my vinyl collection since 1974, when I initiative off picked upwards a re-create at King Karol Records on 42nd Street inwards Manhattan. Well, I lately became reacquainted amongst this recording afterwards picking upwards a CD re-create at a "oh thence trendy" tape shop inwards Haight-Ashburry, San Francisco. As I did then, I played the novel CD over together with over again, completely enraptured past times Cobham's "Ripley's Believe or Not" staccatto drumming together with Lee Pastora's smoking Latin percussion. Joined past times the Brecker Brothers, George Duke, John Abercrombie, Alex Blake, John Williams, Garnett Brown together with other corking luminaries of early on jazz fusion, Cobham together with his willing partners beat out together with cast a veritable masterpiece. Drive along Big Sur together with cause got inwards the vast together with dramatic California skies together with scarred bluffs together with you'll laid about to undertand what hues of emotions this exquisite recording conjures. Crosswinds alternates betwixt adrenaline musical rushes together with absolute sublime chill, creating a perfectly balanced sinuous stream of sound. Simply exquisite!  By Hector Reyes-erazo.

I got this album every bit a gift inwards 1974 when I was xix years old. My unsuspecting sis had heard the refer Billy Cobham, but did non realize what a masterpiece she had placed inwards my hands. Although a virtuoso drummer amongst monstrous chops, Billy doesn't allow his virtuosity run away amongst him. Although those looking for impressive drumming volition non endure disapointed. His role of fourth dimension on the the Crosswinds suite, his climactic "Storm" solo the driving halt drive volition satisfy drummers, air-drummers together with percussion fans. This album exhibits Billy Cobham, composer together with arranger. With a black hues on his palette together with a broad brush, Billy paints us quite a seascape. The "Pleasant Pheasant",one of my favorites, is energetic, driving, exciting together with only a piffling fighting funky. This features an special together with rhythmic drum solo. "Heather", what tin I country close "Heather", hypnotic, seductive, good paced. It starts every bit a whisper of a siren's vocal together with builds to what to engagement mightiness endure 1 of Michael Breckers most beautiful together with haunting solos. This 1 is for the headphones, folks. "Heather" is worth the cost of this recording alone. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 stellar cast of musicians on this album move inwards concert together with inwards symbiosis to hit 1 of the underated recordings inwards the "fusion" era. No pyrothechnics for it's ain sake here. Impressive solo's abound inside the context of the pieces. John Abercrombie, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Garnett Brown, Lee Pastora ...etc., a dream squad of musicians. This album should never cause got been gone this long from the CD shelves/racks/bins of music outlets. Few of Billy's recording stair out upwards to this 1 inwards my opinion. By ND.NY 

Tracks Listing:

Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait":
1. a. Castilian Moss (4:11)
2. b. Savannah the Serene (5:14)
3. c. Storm (2:52)
4. d. Flash Flood (5:08)
5. Pleasant Pheasant (5:21)
6. Heather (8:40)
7. Crosswind (3:42)

Total Running Time: (35:08)

Line-up / Musicians

- Billy Cobham/ drums, percussion.
- John Williams/ guitar (acoustic), bass (acoustic), bass (electric).
- Randy Brecker/ trumpet.
- Garnett Brown/ trombone.
- John Abercrombie/ guitars.
- George Duke/ keyboards, vocals.
- Lee Pastora / percussions 
 

Friday, 28 December 2018

Learn Billy Cobham - 1974 [2000] Crosswinds

Crosswinds is the 2d album of fusion drummer Billy Cobham. The album was released inwards 1974. It comprises iv songs, all composed past times Billy Cobham. It was used equally the footing for the Souls of Mischief's hitting vocal "93 'til Infinity". Wiki

artist/billy-cobham-mn0000767741">Billy Cobham's 2d appointment equally a leader was 1 of his amend sessions. Four songs (all originals past times the leader/drummer) incorporate "Spanish Moss -- Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Sound Portrait," and, inwards addition, artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham contributed 3 other pieces. The selections squad him amongst guitarist artist/john-abercrombie-mn0000214546">John Abercrombie, both of artist/the-brecker-brothers-mn0000521674">the Brecker Brothers, trombonist artist/garnett-brown-mn0000803730">Garnett Brown, keyboardist artist/george-duke-mn0000536122">George Duke, bassist artist/john-williams-mn0001250343">John Williams, in addition to Latin percussionist artist/lee-pastora-mn0000907310">Lee Pastora. In general, the melodies in addition to the vamps are reasonably memorable. artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham too takes an unaccompanied drum solo on "Storm." Worth searching for past times fusion collectors.  All Music

Billy Cobham made this album at a pivotal point. The original Mahavishnu Orchestra had disbanded, John McLaughlin was wallowing, in addition to jazz purists were commencement to complain almost the stone influence. Billy helped exhibit a novel direction. Crosswinds opening suite has lush in addition to sophisticated horn arrangments, soothing a subtly intense rhythm. The lawsuit is similar night, tropical breezes, only equally he wants to convey. You tin almost request heed the ocean, the music of the wild Caribbean Area (no steel drums of course, only cool). The ease of the album alternates betwixt hot in addition to cool, amongst or therefore funky fusion in addition to a beautiful extended piece, Heathers, close the end, featuring a trombone solo that sounds similar the soundtrack to a loving in addition to relaxing dream. The album is inspired, Billy at his creative best, showing the jazz globe a novel dimension that fusion had non shown before. At 35 minutes it is a trivial short, but nosotros cause got character here, non quantity. This album belongs inwards whatever jazz or fusion collection. By D. M. Paine

"Crosswinds" has been inwards my vinyl collection since 1974, when I foremost picked upward a re-create at King Karol Records on 42nd Street inwards Manhattan. Well, I of late became reacquainted amongst this recording afterward picking upward a CD re-create at a "oh therefore trendy" tape shop inwards Haight-Ashburry, San Francisco. As I did then, I played the novel CD over in addition to over again, completely enraptured past times Cobham's "Ripley's Believe or Not" staccatto drumming in addition to Lee Pastora's smoking Latin percussion. Joined past times the Brecker Brothers, George Duke, John Abercrombie, Alex Blake, John Williams, Garnett Brown in addition to other groovy luminaries of early on jazz fusion, Cobham in addition to his willing partners beat out in addition to cast a veritable masterpiece. Drive along Big Sur in addition to accept inwards the vast in addition to dramatic California skies in addition to scarred bluffs in addition to you'll start out to undertand what hues of emotions this exquisite recording conjures. Crosswinds alternates betwixt adrenaline musical rushes in addition to absolute sublime chill, creating a perfectly balanced sinuous flow of sound. Simply exquisite!  By Hector Reyes-erazo.

I got this album equally a gift inwards 1974 when I was xix years old. My unsuspecting sis had heard the get upward Billy Cobham, but did non realize what a masterpiece she had placed inwards my hands. Although a virtuoso drummer amongst monstrous chops, Billy doesn't allow his virtuosity run away amongst him. Although those looking for impressive drumming volition non live on disapointed. His role of fourth dimension on the the Crosswinds suite, his climactic "Storm" solo the driving halt drive volition satisfy drummers, air-drummers in addition to percussion fans. This album exhibits Billy Cobham, composer in addition to arranger. With a black hues on his palette in addition to a broad brush, Billy paints us quite a seascape. The "Pleasant Pheasant",one of my favorites, is energetic, driving, exciting in addition to only a trivial flake funky. This features an especial in addition to rhythmic drum solo. "Heather", what tin I tell almost "Heather", hypnotic, seductive, good paced. It starts equally a whisper of a siren's vocal in addition to builds to what to appointment mightiness live on 1 of Michael Breckers most beautiful in addition to haunting solos. This 1 is for the headphones, folks. "Heather" is worth the cost of this recording alone. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 stellar cast of musicians on this album locomote inwards concert in addition to inwards symbiosis to hit 1 of the underated recordings inwards the "fusion" era. No pyrothechnics for it's ain sake here. Impressive solo's abound inside the context of the pieces. John Abercrombie, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Garnett Brown, Lee Pastora ...etc., a dream squad of musicians. This album should never cause got been gone this long from the CD shelves/racks/bins of music outlets. Few of Billy's recording stair out upward to this 1 inwards my opinion. By ND.NY 

Tracks Listing

Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait":
1. a. Castilian Moss (4:11)
2. b. Savannah the Serene (5:14)
3. c. Storm (2:52)
4. d. Flash Flood (5:08)
5. Pleasant Pheasant (5:21)
6. Heather (8:40)
7. Crosswind (3:42)

Total Running Time: (35:08)

Line-up / Musicians

-Billy Cobham/ drums, percussion.
- John Williams/ guitar (acoustic), bass (acoustic), bass (electric).
- Randy Brecker/ trumpet.
- Garnett Brown/ trombone.
- John Abercrombie/ guitars.
- George Duke/ keyboards, vocals.
- Lee Pastora / percussions 
 

Wednesday, 26 December 2018

Learn Billy Cobham - 1974 [2008] Full Eclipse [24Bit Remastered]

Total Eclipse is the 3rd album of fusion drummer Billy Cobham. The album was released inwards 1974. It comprises viii songs, all composed past times Billy Cobham. The album peaked spot out vi inwards the Billboard Jazz album charts, spot out 12 inwards the R&B album charts in addition to spot out 36 inwards the Billboard 200 charts.

This is artist/billy-cobham-mn0000767741">Billy Cobham's 3rd solo recording nether his ain advert in addition to is a fine follow-up to Crosswinds. The mini-suite "Solarization" non exclusively showcases the band's technical abilities, but likewise artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham's rigid compositional skills. It likewise features a schizophrenic pianoforte solo ("Second Phase") from the underrated pianist artist/milcho-leviev-mn0000897581">Milcho Leviev, who sounds similar a mutation of artist/cecil-taylor-mn0000988386">Cecil Taylor in addition to artist/bill-evans-mn0000764702">Bill Evans. The funky "Moon Germs," on which artist/john-abercrombie-mn0000214546">John Abercrombie is pushed to inspiring novel heights, became a artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham classic. "The Luna Ain't Made of Green Cheese" is a beautiful flugelhorn solo past times artist/randy-brecker-mn0000332725">Randy Brecker backed past times artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham's debut on piano. The band stretches out on the lengthy "Sea of Tranquility," piece "Last Frontier" is a gratis drum solo. This recording is highly recommended equally artist/cobham-mn0000767741">Cobham yet sounds inspired. 

Considering that 1974's 'Total Eclipse' is Mr.Cobham's 3rd studio recording (and was already inwards pretty heady fellowship inwards his catalog fifty-fifty when it came out) this is a probable candidate for Cobham's best album in addition to trust me I bring heard around of them.Why?Because alongside the exception of the closing "Last Frontier" (a drum solo) this album is basically devoid of alot of flashy bombastic drumming on Cobham's part.Just bang-up purpose of sustained intensity on the wonderful "Solarization" suite.

The championship concepts for around of these tunes refer to diverse astronomical phenomenon.And inwards the example of the ultra funky "Lunarputians" only an excuse to purpose aliens equally an excuse to groove (a concept afterwards used alongside vocals past times a guy named George Clinton).Some elements of this album are really heavily jazzy such equally "Sea Of Tranquillity" in addition to the championship runway emphasizes i of the around of import parts of this albums appeal-the tunes hither are about of the all fourth dimension best compositions Cohbam has created.

It wasn't just a bad affair either that Billy had the help of 'The Billy Cohbam Players' equally they are credited.These players include John Abercrombie,the Brecker's, in addition to the magnificant Alex Blake on bass.And I nation that funnily inwards tribute to about community radio DJ's inwards my cervix of the woods playing acoustic jazz who dearest to listing EACH band fellow member followed past times the musical instrument they play.They likely would never play an album similar this on their shows but if I had a radio demo I certain would play this....okay MASTERPIECE in addition to proudly listing the musicians in addition to what they play because without Billy AND the usual collaberation of these bang-up artists this album would'nt endure just what it was.Integrity at it's finest!

When I get-go heard this album, the musicianship of Cobham in addition to Co. blew me away. This is about of the tightest, well-written fusion cloth always presented to the jazz-buying public. I bring been waiting for them to unloose this on CD since CDs were invented!
You cannot larn incorrect alongside this album if you lot are a fan of the fusion movement of the 70's. I would rank this in addition to about of the other Cobham albums higher upwards fifty-fifty McLaughlin in addition to Mahavishnu orchestra inwards price of ground-breaking musicianship in addition to technical perfection! 

Cobham is the best drummer in addition to on this album he shows his composing ability. Total Eclipse is past times far the best inwards the Cobham collection inwards my book. John Abercrombie's guitar function is bang-up in addition to the opening slice volition move out you lot on the border of your seat. There's a piddling funk in addition to a piddling jazz in addition to a whole lotta bang-up drumming throughout. GET THIS MUSIC IN YOUR HANDS!!!!

Tracks Listing:

1. Solarization: Solarization/Second Phase/Crescent Sun/Voyage/Solarization-Recapitulation (11:10)
2. Lunarputians (2:33)
3. Total Eclipse (5:59)
4. Bandits (2:30)
5. Luna Germs (4:54)
6. The Luna Ain't Made Of Green Cheese (0:58)
7. Sea Of Tranquility (10:44)
8. Last Frontier (5:22)

Total Time: 44:10

Personnel:

    John Abercrombie – electrical & ovation guitars
    Michael Brecker – flute, soprano & tenor saxes
    Randy Brecker – trumpet, flugelhorn
    Glenn Ferris – tenor & bass trombones
    Billy Cobham – traps, timpani, acoustic pianoforte on "The Luna Ain't Made Of Green Cheese & "The Last Frontier"
    Milcho Leviev – keyboards
    Alex Blake – electrical bass

Additional musicians

    David Earle Johnson – congas on "Solarization" & "Moon Germs"
    Sue Evan – marimba on "Solarization"
    Cornell Dupree – get-go guitar solo on "Moon Germs"

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

For Yous Billy Cobham - 1998 Magic & Simplicity Of Expression

This is a grapple priced CD reissue of ii of drummer Billy Cobham's harder to notice recordings from the after '70s. Of the two, Magic is far superior as well as is to a greater extent than ofttimes than non regarded every bit i of his nearly interesting recordings inwards his extensive discography. Magic lone is worth the upgrade to CD; however, the inclusion of Simplicity of Expression: Depth of Thought amounts to nada to a greater extent than than a throw in. Cobham recorded about embarrassing disco during the belatedly '70s as well as this is a prime number example. The ii for i is besides adept to hap upward as well as makes the CD highly recommended for fusion collectors.

Contains Two Classic Fusion Albums on One CD ('Magic' (1977) as well as 'Depth of Thought' (1978) ). Featuring Sidemen Such every bit : Mark Soskin (Piano), Pete Maunu (Guitar), Randy Jackson (Bass) as well as Sheila E. (Percussion). Includes the Songs : 'On a Magic Carpet Ride', 'Ac/Dc', 'Magic', 'Bolinas', 'Pocket Change', 'Indigo' as well as 'Early Libra'.

Is at that topographic point i give-and-take which defines this double compilation CD from drummer extraordinaire Billy Cobham? Sure.....it's "ethereal". Here, Cobham transcends his contemporaries, such every bit Jack de Johnette as well as Omar Hakim to display non alone a surreal agreement of rhythm, but an "ethereal" display of melody, nuance as well as structure. Check out "Leaward Winds" from the "Magic" album, or "Bolinas" from "Simplicity of Expression, Depth of Thought". The championship vocal from the latter CD goes boldly where many a jazz drummer wishing to tread, but cannot successfully navigate. This applies to "La Guernica" from the same CD. No overstatement here....merely the weight of Cobham's drumming flowing effortlessly over an air tight melodic moving ridge of inventiveness as well as purpose. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 masterpiece.

Billy Cobham - 1977 "Magic" 

 Of all Billy Cobham's Columbia fusion sessions, fourth dimension has been the nearly unkind to Magic. Despite about inspired as well as at times awe-inspiring performances, the album is besides much a production of its era, suffering from sickly sugariness production, awkward vocal contributions, as well as ill-fitting clarinet contributions from an out of house Alvin Batiste. Strip away the sticky layers of gloss as well as indulgence, as well as Magic begins to alive upward to its title. Cobham's rhythmic interplay alongside bassist Randy Jackson as well as percussionists Pete Escovedo as well as Sheila E. is nada curt of astounding, every bit tearing as well as funky every bit anything inwards the drummer's catalog. But the songs are tepid as well as the arrangements overbaked, non to get upward that Pete Maunu's guitar wankery verging on the indicate of absurdity. All inwards all, besides much of a adept thing, yet soundless non enough.

Line-up / Musicians

- Billy Cobham / drums, hand-claps, vocals
- Joachim Kuhn / electrical piano, acoustic piano, Mini Moog synthesizer
- Mark Soskin / acoustic piano, acoustic tack piano, electrical piano, Oberheim synthesizer
- Pete Maunu / guitars
- Randy Jackson / bass
- Alvin Baptiste / clarinet
- Pete Escovedo / timbales, vocals
- Sheila Escovedo / congas
- Kathleen Kaan / vocals
- Hojo / hand-claps
- Dennis / hand-claps


Billy Cobham - 1978 "Simplicity of Expression"

 Along alongside the picayune known B.C., this is Billy Cobham's nearly disappointing recordings of the '70s. Like immature human being fusion/drumming legends Alphonse Mouzon as well as Lenny White, Cobham gradually migrated toward disco/funk. His construct of this music sounds worse than nearly because he continues the propulsive drum style, making for an unbalanced approach. "Bolinas" as well as "Pocket Change" are embarrassing, but all is non lost every bit "La Guernica" is a burner. As the so-called decease of fusion was fast approaching, Cobham was at a crossroads inwards his career.

Line-up / Musicians

- Billy Cobham / drums, percussion, background vocals (3,5)
- Randy Jackson / bass, background vocals (3,5)
- Mark Soskin / keyboards (1-3,5)
- Joachim Kühn / Moog (4), keyboards (6)
- Mike Mainieri / vibraphone (4)
- Ray Mouton / guitar (1,2,5)
- Charles Singleton / guitar (1,2,5), atomic number 82 vocals (3,5), background vocals (3,5)
- Steve Khan / acoustic 12-string & 6-string guitar (2)
- Pete Mannu / guitar (4)
- Alvin Batiste / clarinet (2), woodwinds (3,5)
- Eddie Daniels / woodwinds (3,5), tenor sax (1)
- Kamal / atomic number 82 vocals (1,6)
- Marvin Stamm / trumpet (1,2,6), flugelhorn (1,2,6)
- Mike Lawrence / trumpet (1,2,6), flugelhorn (1,2,6)
- Wayne Andre / trombone (1,2,6)
- Alan Ralph / trombone (1,2,6)
- George Quinn / trombone (1,2,6)
- Brooks Tillotson / french horn (1,2,6)
- Don Corrado / fench horn (1,2,6)
- David Nadien / concert psyche of the string department (1,2,6)
- Matthew Raimondi / string department (1,2,6)
- Richard Hendrickson / string department (1,2,6)
- Alfred V.Brown / string department (1,2,6)
- Peter Dimitriades / string department (1,2,6)
- Anahid Aiemian / string department (1,2,6)
- Louis Shulman / string department (1,2,6)
- Jonathan Abramowitz / string department (1,2,6)

Track Listings

  1. On Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Magic Carpet Ride
  2. AC/DC
  3. Leaward Winds
  4. Puffnstugg
  5. "anteres" The Star
  6. Magic
  7. Reflections In The Coulds
  8. Magic-Recapitulation
  9. Bolinas
  10. La Guernica
  11. Pocket Change
  12. Indigo
  13. Opelousas
  14. Early Libra

Saturday, 30 December 2017

For Y'all Billy Cobham - 2001 Rudiments - The Billy Cobham Anthology

"Rudiments" connotes that this is essential for drummers-and the 24 tracks of straight-ahead, funked-up together with rock-infused jazz arrive a existent process for the balance of us, too! The tracks are from viii 1973-78 Atlantic LPs together with the supporting players include January Hammer, John Scofield, Randy together with Michael Brecker together with more; includes Stratus; Castilian Moss; Flash Flood; Luna Germs; 29; Shabazz , together with more. Nearly 2 together with a one-half hours of awe-inspiring performances!

If e'er anybody deserved a two-disc anthology of his offerings equally a solo creative mortal it's fusion drummer Billy Cobham. After making his stellar debut alongside John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra, Cobham made viii records for Atlantic from 1973-1978. To varying degrees, these recordings were truthful statements on the the world of jazz-rock fusion. Many blame Cobham for beingness a fellow member of the technical-expertise-is-everything school, together with to a grade it may live true. But the tracks collected hither past times Barry Benson together with Nick Sahakian render prove of something else entirely: that along alongside technical expertise inwards spades, Cobham had soul, groove, together with a grip on how powerful stone & coil could contribute to jazz improvisation if harnessed inwards the correct way. And every unmarried runway on these 2 discs does just that together with more. For starters there's the bulk of Cobham's classic debut, Spectrum, that featured contributions from guitarists Tommy Bolin (speaking of stone & roll), John Scofield (as he has never been heard since), together with John Tropea equally good equally January Hammer from the Mahavishnu band. Spectrum's 2 finest tracks, "Quadrant 4" together with "Stratus," are screaming jazz-rock alongside but the correct hints of funk together with groove that would larn the hallmarks of Cobham's records afterwards that. Also on "Stratus" it's interesting to regime annotation that Cobham together with Frank Zappa were going for the same keyboard sounds simultaneously, together with non but sonics, but phrasing. The sounds were perchance derived from the 2 using the same session players including George Duke, the Brecker Brothers, together with Alfonso Johnson amidst others. All of disc i is pure gold; there's non a weak minute on it. And for that matter, disc 2 is solid equally well; it's but that past times the fourth dimension these sets were recorded, Cobham's musical focus had shifted from jazz-rock to jazz-funk. The same tom-tom rolls are there, the constant rim shifts, together with shaking, thunderous bass drum blasts together with pops. Because of the exhilaration on disc i what comes across clearer on the minute prepare is but how intricate together with compelling Cobham is equally a composer. These are scripted roles, alongside plenty of room for improvisation inwards the middle together with oftentimes at the start together with end; they are wonders of musical sophistication together with raw gritty funky soul. In add-on to almost 3 hours of crushingly innovative music, the liner notes are chock total of an extensive bio, critical, together with session notes, a few outtakes together with unreleased cuts together with a cool clear plastic slipcase. This prepare is a document from a classic fourth dimension inwards the development of both stone together with jazz, together with should live regarded equally an essential buy past times fans non only of Cobham's but Bolin's, Scofield's, Miles Davis' electrical era, the Breckers', together with of course of report Mahavishnu's. Zappa fans from the era would also appreciate much of the cloth here.

Cobham was i of the edifice blocks of jazz-rock fusion. By the fourth dimension he started his recording career inwards 1976, he had been business office of 3 of the most of import bands of the '70s, Miles Davis's groups, Dreams, together with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. H5N1 favorite of guitar players together with fans because of the way he drives the string players, his debut album, Spectrum, is pure jazz-rock (featuring the belatedly stone guitarist, Tommy Bolin, from the James Gang together with Deep Purple). Bolin's tracks are at the start of this 24-track, two-CD retrospective together with a really immature John Scofield, is featured on guitar at the cease of the CD. Back inwards the days earlier he joined Miles Davis, Scofield was business office of Cobham's band that he co-led alongside George Duke, together with of course, that band's funk classic, "Do What You Wanna" is included. In betwixt those bookends are stunning examples of what it agency to live a powerful drummer together with to drive a band. There are liberal samplings of Cobham's solos, equally good equally tracks alongside his grouping that featured his partners from Dreams, the Brecker Brothers. Fusion lovers can't buy the farm incorrect here, spell smooth-jazz folks could gain a amend appreciation of the roots of that genre.

The Good Book of fusion drumming, culled from a half-dozen years inwards the life of Billy Cobham. After serving inwards drum corps, the High School of Music together with Arts, together with the Army band, equally good equally gigging together with recording alongside Kenny Burrell, George Benson together with Junior Mance, Panamanian native Cobham was finally recommended past times Jack DeJohnette to Miles Davis inwards 1969. Things took off similar a bullet from there, together with presently plenty Cobham was firmly established equally the Hot New Thing inwards jazz-rock drumming. He was also noted equally a talented composer at the time.
Rudiments picks upward next his tenures alongside Miles, Dreams together with Mahavishnu Orchestra. Cobham debuted on Atlantic inwards 1973 alongside Spectrum together with a band that included Mahavishnu keyboardist January Hammer, session bassist Lee Sklar, together with immature guitar magician Tommy Bolin (who replaced Joe Walsh inwards the James Gang together with Ritchie Blackmore inwards Deep Purple). The foremost 5 tracks on Disc 1 are drawn from those sessions, together with they illustrate but what all the fuss over Cobham was about. His job of dual or triple bass drums presaged Alex Van Halen past times years; inwards fact, Cobham is an acknowledged influence on most 70s together with 80s hard-rock drummers. The hell-on-wheels “Quadrant 4” sets the footstep for much of this anthology. Bolin is to a greater extent than honestly blues-oriented than John McLaughlin was, together with this runway sets the blues caravan rolling downhill without brakes. The long, tense synth together with drums intro of “Stratus” collapses into a soulful, Zappa-ish guitar theme. The adjacent 3 tunes are of similar temperament.

The remaining 7 tracks of Disc 1 characteristic larger ensembles that include the Brecker Brothers together with guitarist John Abercrombie. Randy together with Mike Brecker poured to a greater extent than fuel on the Cobham fire, abetted past times trombonist Glenn Ferris together with keyboardists Milcho Leviev together with George Duke alternately. “Spanish Moss” together with “Flash Flood” are 2 sections of a tone poesy form powered past times Latin percussion together with urgent electrical piano. The “Solarization” suite, “Lunarputians”, “Moon Germs” together with “Solar Eclipse” (note Cobham’s preoccupation alongside things cosmic together with atmospheric) maintain the grand development of his pumped-up soul-funk-rock-jazz hybrid. The lastly runway is perchance the most dated of the bunch, rather similar a Rocky soundtrack edit.

Disc 2 continues the odyssey alongside similar personnel together with vibe. “Shabazz”, inspired non past times Malcolm X but a chain of bakeries, begins alongside some other thunderous drum solo together with ends upward inwards the same variety of groove equally much of the prior disc. Things took a heavier plough alongside H5N1 Funky Thide of Sings, his crossover striking of ’75 that ushered inwards John Scofield. The Breckers’ “Some Skunk Funk” upped the ante of ability fusion alongside its outstanding horn arrangement. “A Funky Thide...” has its roots inwards martial music equally much equally the funk. The next year, the horns were gone together with Cobham was dorsum to a quartet format. Scofield, bassist Doug Rauch together with keyboardist George Duke (under the pseudonym “Dawilli Gonga”) recorded Life & Times, from which tracks 6-8 are drawn. As hot equally the horn department was, the personnel reduction brings welcome breathing room for everyone to stretch out. Organist Allan Zavod makes an evocative invitee spot on the championship track, together with Scofield’s ain personality begins to emerge to a greater extent than fully.

Next are 3 tracks past times the Cobham/Duke Band, including Scofield over again together with bassist Alphonso Johnson. Duke’s personal aesthetic, filtered through his sense alongside Zappa, dominates these tracks but Cobham is non to live denied, peculiarly his double-bass peril on “Juicy”. The terminal track, “Arroyo”, marked the cease of Cobham’s Atlantic contract inwards 1978. It’s dorsum to the quartet again, alongside John Williams inwards house of Doug Rauch, together with the melancholy vibe of the runway indicates the closing of doors together with moving on.

/search?q=Billy+Cobham

Tracks Listing:

Disc 1:
01. Quadrant iv (4:32)
02. Stratus (9:52)
03. Anxiety/Taurian Matador (4:49)
04. Snoopy's Search/Red Baron (7:44)
05. All iv One [Outtake]* (4:16)
06. The Pleasant Pheasant (5:23)
07. Castilian Moss (4:10)
08. Flash Flood (5:12)
09. Solarization: (11:11)
  a) Solarization
  b) Second Phase
  c) Crescent Sun
  d) Voyage
  e) Solarization Recapitulation
10. Lunarputians (2:33)
11. Luna Germs (4:57)
12. Total Eclipse (5:58)

Total Time 1:10:30 (70.5 mins)

Disc 2:
01. Shabazz (13:49)
02. Some Skunk Funk (5:11)
03. H5N1 Funky Thide Of Sings (3:41)
04. Panhandler (4:07)
05. Neu Rock N' Roll [Outtake]* (6:28)
06. Life & Times (7:01)
07. 29 (2:35)
08. Earthlings (5:07)
09. Hip Pockets - The Billy Cobham/George Duke Band (7:10)
10. Juicy - The Billy Cobham/George Duke Band (6:53)
11. Do What Cha Wanna - The Billy Cobham/George Duke Band (5:00)
12. Arroyo (4:13)

Total Time 1:11:11 (71 mins)

*Indicates previously unreleased tracks

Personnel:

- Billy Cobham / percussion
- January Hammer / keyboards (Disc 1 Tracks 1-5)
- Tommy Bolin / guitar (Disc 1 Tracks 1-5)
- Lee Sklar / bass (Disc 1 Tracks 1-5)
- George Duke / keyboards (Disc 1 Tracks 6-8, Disc 2 Tracks 9-11)
- John Abercrombie / guitar (Disc 1 Tracks 6-12)
- John Williams / bass (Disc 1 Tracks 6-8, Disc 2 Track 12)
- Lee Pastora / latin percussion (Disc 1 Tracks 6-8)
- Milcho Leviev / keyboards (Disc 1 Tracks 9-12 & Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- Alex Blake / bass (Disc 1 Tracks 9-12, Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- Randy Brecker / trumpet (Disc 1 Tracks 6-12, Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- Garnett Brown / trombone (Disc 1 Tracks 6-8)
- Michael Brecker / woodwinds & saxes (Disc 1 Tracks 6-12, Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- Glenn Ferris / trombones (Disc 1 Tracks 9-12, Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- John Scofield / guitar (Disc 2 Tracks 2-12)
- Dawilli Gonga / keyboards (Disc 2 Tracks 6-8 & 12)
- Alfonso Johnson / bass (Disc 2 Tracks 9-11)

...and countless additional musicians (who contributed to a lesser grade together with are unfortunately besides many to list)

Friday, 28 July 2017

Learn Billy Cobham - 2001 Rudiments - The Billy Cobham Anthology

"Rudiments" connotes that this is essential for drummers-and the 24 tracks of straight-ahead, funked-up in addition to rock-infused jazz larn inward a existent process for the balance of us, too! The tracks are from viii 1973-78 Atlantic LPs in addition to the supporting players include January Hammer, John Scofield, Randy in addition to Michael Brecker in addition to more; includes Stratus; Castilian Moss; Flash Flood; Luna Germs; 29; Shabazz , in addition to more. Nearly 2 in addition to a one-half hours of awe-inspiring performances!

If always anybody deserved a two-disc anthology of his offerings equally a solo artist it's fusion drummer Billy Cobham. After making his stellar debut amongst John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra, Cobham made viii records for Atlantic from 1973-1978. To varying degrees, these recordings were truthful statements on the solid soil of jazz-rock fusion. Many blame Cobham for beingness a fellow member of the technical-expertise-is-everything school, in addition to to a grade it may live true. But the tracks collected hither past times Barry Benson in addition to Nick Sahakian render evidence of something else entirely: that along amongst technical expertise inward spades, Cobham had soul, groove, in addition to a handgrip on how powerful stone & curl could contribute to jazz improvisation if harnessed inward the correct way. And every unmarried rails on these 2 discs does just that in addition to more. For starters there's the bulk of Cobham's classic debut, Spectrum, that featured contributions from guitarists Tommy Bolin (speaking of stone & roll), John Scofield (as he has never been heard since), in addition to John Tropea equally good equally January Hammer from the Mahavishnu band. Spectrum's 2 finest tracks, "Quadrant 4" in addition to "Stratus," are screaming jazz-rock amongst but the correct hints of funk in addition to groove that would conk the hallmarks of Cobham's records afterwards that. Also on "Stratus" it's interesting to banker's complaint that Cobham in addition to Frank Zappa were going for the same keyboard sounds simultaneously, in addition to non but sonics, but phrasing. The sounds were mayhap derived from the 2 using the same session players including George Duke, the Brecker Brothers, in addition to Alfonso Johnson amid others. All of disc ane is pure gold; there's non a weak minute on it. And for that matter, disc 2 is solid equally well; it's but that past times the fourth dimension these sets were recorded, Cobham's musical focus had shifted from jazz-rock to jazz-funk. The same tom-tom rolls are there, the constant rim shifts, in addition to shaking, thunderous bass drum blasts in addition to pops. Because of the exhilaration on disc ane what comes across clearer on the minute prepare is but how intricate in addition to compelling Cobham is equally a composer. These are scripted roles, amongst plenty of room for improvisation inward the middle in addition to frequently at the get-go in addition to end; they are wonders of musical sophistication in addition to raw gritty funky soul. In improver to almost 3 hours of crushingly innovative music, the liner notes are chock total of an extensive bio, critical, in addition to session notes, a few outtakes in addition to unreleased cuts in addition to a cool clear plastic slipcase. This prepare is a document from a classic fourth dimension inward the development of both stone in addition to jazz, in addition to should live regarded equally an essential buy past times fans non only of Cobham's but Bolin's, Scofield's, Miles Davis' electrical era, the Breckers', in addition to of course of pedagogy Mahavishnu's. Zappa fans from the era would also appreciate much of the fabric here.

Cobham was ane of the edifice blocks of jazz-rock fusion. By the fourth dimension he started his recording career inward 1976, he had been part of 3 of the most of import bands of the '70s, Miles Davis's groups, Dreams, in addition to the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 favorite of guitar players in addition to fans because of the way he drives the string players, his debut album, Spectrum, is pure jazz-rock (featuring the slowly stone guitarist, Tommy Bolin, from the James Gang in addition to Deep Purple). Bolin's tracks are at the get-go of this 24-track, two-CD retrospective in addition to a rattling immature John Scofield, is featured on guitar at the cease of the CD. Back inward the days earlier he joined Miles Davis, Scofield was part of Cobham's band that he co-led amongst George Duke, in addition to of course, that band's funk classic, "Do What You Wanna" is included. In betwixt those bookends are stunning examples of what it way to live a powerful drummer in addition to to drive a band. There are liberal samplings of Cobham's solos, equally good equally tracks amongst his grouping that featured his partners from Dreams, the Brecker Brothers. Fusion lovers can't conk incorrect here, spell smooth-jazz folks could gain a improve appreciation of the roots of that genre.

The Good Book of fusion drumming, culled from a half-dozen years inward the life of Billy Cobham. After serving inward drum corps, the High School of Music in addition to Arts, in addition to the Army band, equally good equally gigging in addition to recording amongst Kenny Burrell, George Benson in addition to Junior Mance, Panamanian native Cobham was finally recommended past times Jack DeJohnette to Miles Davis inward 1969. Things took off similar a bullet from there, in addition to shortly plenty Cobham was firmly established equally the Hot New Thing inward jazz-rock drumming. He was also noted equally a talented composer at the time.
Rudiments picks upward next his tenures amongst Miles, Dreams in addition to Mahavishnu Orchestra. Cobham debuted on Atlantic inward 1973 amongst Spectrum in addition to a band that included Mahavishnu keyboardist January Hammer, session bassist Lee Sklar, in addition to immature guitar sorcerer Tommy Bolin (who replaced Joe Walsh inward the James Gang in addition to Ritchie Blackmore inward Deep Purple). The firstly 5 tracks on Disc 1 are drawn from those sessions, in addition to they illustrate but what all the fuss over Cobham was about. His work of dual or triple bass drums presaged Alex Van Halen past times years; inward fact, Cobham is an acknowledged influence on most 70s in addition to 80s hard-rock drummers. The hell-on-wheels “Quadrant 4” sets the measuring for much of this anthology. Bolin is to a greater extent than honestly blues-oriented than John McLaughlin was, in addition to this rails sets the blues caravan rolling downhill without brakes. The long, tense synth in addition to drums intro of “Stratus” collapses into a soulful, Zappa-ish guitar theme. The side past times side 3 tunes are of similar temperament.

The remaining 7 tracks of Disc 1 characteristic larger ensembles that include the Brecker Brothers in addition to guitarist John Abercrombie. Randy in addition to Mike Brecker poured to a greater extent than fuel on the Cobham fire, abetted past times trombonist Glenn Ferris in addition to keyboardists Milcho Leviev in addition to George Duke alternately. “Spanish Moss” in addition to “Flash Flood” are 2 sections of a tone poetry form powered past times Latin percussion in addition to urgent electrical piano. The “Solarization” suite, “Lunarputians”, “Moon Germs” in addition to “Solar Eclipse” (note Cobham’s preoccupation amongst things cosmic in addition to atmospheric) proceed the grand development of his pumped-up soul-funk-rock-jazz hybrid. The finally rails is mayhap the most dated of the bunch, rather similar a Rocky soundtrack edit.

Disc 2 continues the odyssey amongst similar personnel in addition to vibe. “Shabazz”, inspired non past times Malcolm X but a chain of bakeries, begins amongst some other thunderous drum solo in addition to ends upward inward the same sort of groove equally much of the prior disc. Things took a heavier plough amongst Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Funky Thide of Sings, his crossover hitting of ’75 that ushered inward John Scofield. The Breckers’ “Some Skunk Funk” upped the ante of ability fusion amongst its outstanding horn arrangement. “A Funky Thide...” has its roots inward martial music equally much equally the funk. The next year, the horns were gone in addition to Cobham was dorsum to a quartet format. Scofield, bassist Doug Rauch in addition to keyboardist George Duke (under the pseudonym “Dawilli Gonga”) recorded Life & Times, from which tracks 6-8 are drawn. As hot equally the horn department was, the personnel reduction brings welcome breathing room for everyone to stretch out. Organist Allan Zavod makes an evocative invitee spot on the championship track, in addition to Scofield’s ain personality begins to emerge to a greater extent than fully.

Next are 3 tracks past times the Cobham/Duke Band, including Scofield ane time again in addition to bassist Alphonso Johnson. Duke’s personal aesthetic, filtered through his sense amongst Zappa, dominates these tracks but Cobham is non to live denied, particularly his double-bass direct chances on “Juicy”. The terminal track, “Arroyo”, marked the cease of Cobham’s Atlantic contract inward 1978. It’s dorsum to the quartet again, amongst John Williams inward house of Doug Rauch, in addition to the melancholy vibe of the rails indicates the closing of doors in addition to moving on.

/search?q=Billy+Cobham

Tracks Listing:

Disc 1:
01. Quadrant iv (4:32)
02. Stratus (9:52)
03. Anxiety/Taurian Matador (4:49)
04. Snoopy's Search/Red Baron (7:44)
05. All iv One [Outtake]* (4:16)
06. The Pleasant Pheasant (5:23)
07. Castilian Moss (4:10)
08. Flash Flood (5:12)
09. Solarization: (11:11)
  a) Solarization
  b) Second Phase
  c) Crescent Sun
  d) Voyage
  e) Solarization Recapitulation
10. Lunarputians (2:33)
11. Luna Germs (4:57)
12. Total Eclipse (5:58)

Total Time 1:10:30 (70.5 mins)

Disc 2:
01. Shabazz (13:49)
02. Some Skunk Funk (5:11)
03. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Funky Thide Of Sings (3:41)
04. Panhandler (4:07)
05. Neu Rock N' Roll [Outtake]* (6:28)
06. Life & Times (7:01)
07. 29 (2:35)
08. Earthlings (5:07)
09. Hip Pockets - The Billy Cobham/George Duke Band (7:10)
10. Juicy - The Billy Cobham/George Duke Band (6:53)
11. Do What Cha Wanna - The Billy Cobham/George Duke Band (5:00)
12. Arroyo (4:13)

Total Time 1:11:11 (71 mins)

*Indicates previously unreleased tracks

Personnel:

- Billy Cobham / percussion
- January Hammer / keyboards (Disc 1 Tracks 1-5)
- Tommy Bolin / guitar (Disc 1 Tracks 1-5)
- Lee Sklar / bass (Disc 1 Tracks 1-5)
- George Duke / keyboards (Disc 1 Tracks 6-8, Disc 2 Tracks 9-11)
- John Abercrombie / guitar (Disc 1 Tracks 6-12)
- John Williams / bass (Disc 1 Tracks 6-8, Disc 2 Track 12)
- Lee Pastora / latin percussion (Disc 1 Tracks 6-8)
- Milcho Leviev / keyboards (Disc 1 Tracks 9-12 & Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- Alex Blake / bass (Disc 1 Tracks 9-12, Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- Randy Brecker / trumpet (Disc 1 Tracks 6-12, Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- Garnett Brown / trombone (Disc 1 Tracks 6-8)
- Michael Brecker / woodwinds & saxes (Disc 1 Tracks 6-12, Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- Glenn Ferris / trombones (Disc 1 Tracks 9-12, Disc 2 Tracks 1-5)
- John Scofield / guitar (Disc 2 Tracks 2-12)
- Dawilli Gonga / keyboards (Disc 2 Tracks 6-8 & 12)
- Alfonso Johnson / bass (Disc 2 Tracks 9-11)

...and countless additional musicians (who contributed to a lesser grade in addition to are unfortunately also many to list)

Tuesday, 27 August 2019

For You Lot Billy Cobham - 1974 [2000] Crosswinds

Crosswinds is the 2nd album of fusion drummer Billy Cobham. The album was released inward 1974. It comprises 4 songs, all composed past times Billy Cobham. It was used every bit the footing for the Souls of Mischief's hitting vocal "93 'til Infinity". Wiki

Billy Cobham's 2nd appointment every bit a leader was i of his amend sessions. Four songs (all originals past times the leader/drummer) contain "Spanish Moss -- H5N1 Sound Portrait," and, inward addition, Cobham contributed 3 other pieces. The selections squad him amongst guitarist John Abercrombie, both of the Brecker Brothers, trombonist Garnett Brown, keyboardist George Duke, bassist John Williams, together with Latin percussionist Lee Pastora. In general, the melodies together with the vamps are reasonably memorable. Cobham too takes an unaccompanied drum solo on "Storm." Worth searching for past times fusion collectors.  All Music

Billy Cobham made this album at a pivotal point. The original Mahavishnu Orchestra had disbanded, John McLaughlin was wallowing, together with jazz purists were offset to complain most the stone influence. Billy helped present a novel direction. Crosswinds opening suite has lush together with sophisticated horn arrangments, soothing a subtly intense rhythm. The number is similar night, tropical breezes, only every bit he wants to convey. You tin post away almost need heed the ocean, the music of the wild Caribbean Area (no steel drums of course, only cool). The repose of the album alternates betwixt hot together with cool, amongst unopen to funky fusion together with a beautiful extended piece, Heathers, close the end, featuring a trombone solo that sounds similar the soundtrack to a loving together with relaxing dream. The album is inspired, Billy at his creative best, showing the jazz the world a novel dimension that fusion had non shown before. At 35 minutes it is a petty short, but nosotros get got lineament here, non quantity. This album belongs inward whatever jazz or fusion collection. By D. M. Paine

"Crosswinds" has been inward my vinyl collection since 1974, when I foremost picked upwards a re-create at King Karol Records on 42nd Street inward Manhattan. Well, I late became reacquainted amongst this recording later on picking upwards a CD re-create at a "oh thus trendy" tape shop inward Haight-Ashburry, San Francisco. As I did then, I played the novel CD over together with over again, completely enraptured past times Cobham's "Ripley's Believe or Not" staccatto drumming together with Lee Pastora's smoking Latin percussion. Joined past times the Brecker Brothers, George Duke, John Abercrombie, Alex Blake, John Williams, Garnett Brown together with other non bad luminaries of early on jazz fusion, Cobham together with his willing partners crunch together with sort a veritable masterpiece. Drive along Big Sur together with accept inward the vast together with dramatic California skies together with scarred bluffs together with you'll start out to undertand what hues of emotions this exquisite recording conjures. Crosswinds alternates betwixt adrenaline musical rushes together with absolute sublime chill, creating a perfectly balanced sinuous flow of sound. Simply exquisite!  By Hector Reyes-erazo.

I got this album every bit a gift inward 1974 when I was nineteen years old. My unsuspecting sis had heard the get upwards Billy Cobham, but did non realize what a masterpiece she had placed inward my hands. Although a virtuoso drummer amongst monstrous chops, Billy doesn't allow his virtuosity run away amongst him. Although those looking for impressive drumming volition non survive disapointed. His role of fourth dimension on the the Crosswinds suite, his climactic "Storm" solo the driving terminate drive volition satisfy drummers, air-drummers together with percussion fans. This album exhibits Billy Cobham, composer together with arranger. With a black hues on his palette together with a broad brush, Billy paints us quite a seascape. The "Pleasant Pheasant",one of my favorites, is energetic, driving, exciting together with only a petty fighting funky. This features an special together with rhythmic drum solo. "Heather", what tin post away I country most "Heather", hypnotic, seductive, good paced. It starts every bit a whisper of a siren's vocal together with builds to what to appointment mightiness survive i of Michael Breckers most beautiful together with haunting solos. This i is for the headphones, folks. "Heather" is worth the toll of this recording alone. H5N1 stellar cast of musicians on this album function inward concert together with inward symbiosis to create i of the underated recordings inward the "fusion" era. No pyrothechnics for it's ain sake here. Impressive solo's abound inside the context of the pieces. John Abercrombie, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Garnett Brown, Lee Pastora ...etc., a dream squad of musicians. This album should never get got been gone this long from the CD shelves/racks/bins of music outlets. Few of Billy's recording mensurate upwards to this i inward my opinion. By ND.NY 

Tracks Listing

Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait":
1. a. Castilian Moss (4:11)
2. b. Savannah the Serene (5:14)
3. c. Storm (2:52)
4. d. Flash Flood (5:08)
5. Pleasant Pheasant (5:21)
6. Heather (8:40)
7. Crosswind (3:42)

Total Running Time: (35:08)

Line-up / Musicians

-Billy Cobham/ drums, percussion.
- John Williams/ guitar (acoustic), bass (acoustic), bass (electric).
- Randy Brecker/ trumpet.
- Garnett Brown/ trombone.
- John Abercrombie/ guitars.
- George Duke/ keyboards, vocals.
- Lee Pastora / percussions 
 

Tuesday, 29 January 2019

For You Lot Billy Cobham - 1974 [2014] Crosswinds

Crosswinds is the 2nd album of fusion drummer Billy Cobham. The album was released inwards 1974. It comprises 4 songs, all composed past times Billy Cobham. It was used every bit the terra firma for the Souls of Mischief's hitting vocal "93 'til Infinity". Wiki

Billy Cobham's 2nd appointment every bit a leader was ane of his improve sessions. Four songs (all originals past times the leader/drummer) contain "Spanish Moss -- Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Sound Portrait," and, inwards addition, Cobham contributed iii other pieces. The selections squad him amongst guitarist John Abercrombie, both of the Brecker Brothers, trombonist Garnett Brown, keyboardist George Duke, bassist John Williams, together with Latin percussionist Lee Pastora. In general, the melodies together with the vamps are reasonably memorable. Cobham also takes an unaccompanied drum solo on "Storm." Worth searching for past times fusion collectors.  All Music

Billy Cobham made this album at a pivotal point. The original Mahavishnu Orchestra had disbanded, John McLaughlin was wallowing, together with jazz purists were showtime to complain well-nigh the stone influence. Billy helped demo a novel direction. Crosswinds opening suite has lush together with sophisticated horn arrangments, soothing a subtly intense rhythm. The final result is similar night, tropical breezes, only every bit he wants to convey. You tin almost require heed the ocean, the music of the wild Caribbean Area (no steel drums of course, only cool). The repose of the album alternates betwixt hot together with cool, amongst unopen to funky fusion together with a beautiful extended piece, Heathers, close the end, featuring a trombone solo that sounds similar the soundtrack to a loving together with relaxing dream. The album is inspired, Billy at his creative best, showing the jazz globe a novel dimension that fusion had non shown before. At 35 minutes it is a footling short, but nosotros create got lineament here, non quantity. This album belongs inwards whatever jazz or fusion collection. By D. M. Paine

"Crosswinds" has been inwards my vinyl collection since 1974, when I foremost picked upward a re-create at King Karol Records on 42nd Street inwards Manhattan. Well, I of late became reacquainted amongst this recording afterward picking upward a CD re-create at a "oh thus trendy" tape shop inwards Haight-Ashburry, San Francisco. As I did then, I played the novel CD over together with over again, completely enraptured past times Cobham's "Ripley's Believe or Not" staccatto drumming together with Lee Pastora's smoking Latin percussion. Joined past times the Brecker Brothers, George Duke, John Abercrombie, Alex Blake, John Williams, Garnett Brown together with other bully luminaries of early on jazz fusion, Cobham together with his willing partners shell together with cast a veritable masterpiece. Drive along Big Sur together with accept inwards the vast together with dramatic California skies together with scarred bluffs together with you'll commence to undertand what hues of emotions this exquisite recording conjures. Crosswinds alternates betwixt adrenaline musical rushes together with absolute sublime chill, creating a perfectly balanced sinuous flow of sound. Simply exquisite!  By Hector Reyes-erazo.

I got this album every bit a gift inwards 1974 when I was nineteen years old. My unsuspecting sis had heard the cite Billy Cobham, but did non realize what a masterpiece she had placed inwards my hands. Although a virtuoso drummer amongst monstrous chops, Billy doesn't allow his virtuosity run away amongst him. Although those looking for impressive drumming volition non live on disapointed. His role of fourth dimension on the the Crosswinds suite, his climactic "Storm" solo the driving halt crusade volition satisfy drummers, air-drummers together with percussion fans. This album exhibits Billy Cobham, composer together with arranger. With a black hues on his palette together with a broad brush, Billy paints us quite a seascape. The "Pleasant Pheasant",one of my favorites, is energetic, driving, exciting together with only a footling flake funky. This features an particular together with rhythmic drum solo. "Heather", what tin I tell well-nigh "Heather", hypnotic, seductive, good paced. It starts every bit a whisper of a siren's vocal together with builds to what to appointment mightiness live on ane of Michael Breckers most beautiful together with haunting solos. This ane is for the headphones, folks. "Heather" is worth the cost of this recording alone. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 stellar cast of musicians on this album move inwards concert together with inwards symbiosis to reach ane of the underated recordings inwards the "fusion" era. No pyrothechnics for it's ain sake here. Impressive solo's abound inside the context of the pieces. John Abercrombie, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Garnett Brown, Lee Pastora ...etc., a dream squad of musicians. This album should never create got been gone this long from the CD shelves/racks/bins of music outlets. Few of Billy's recording stair out upward to this ane inwards my opinion. By ND.NY 

Tracks Listing:

Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait":
1. a. Castilian Moss (4:11)
2. b. Savannah the Serene (5:14)
3. c. Storm (2:52)
4. d. Flash Flood (5:08)
5. Pleasant Pheasant (5:21)
6. Heather (8:40)
7. Crosswind (3:42)

Total Running Time: (35:08)

Line-up / Musicians

- Billy Cobham/ drums, percussion.
- John Williams/ guitar (acoustic), bass (acoustic), bass (electric).
- Randy Brecker/ trumpet.
- Garnett Brown/ trombone.
- John Abercrombie/ guitars.
- George Duke/ keyboards, vocals.
- Lee Pastora / percussions