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Billy Cobham

Musician
Forjazz-fusion fans, prog/rock listeners curious about jazz-rock, drummers and rhythm-section nerds, audiophiles seeking dynamic recordings.
7 Reviews 5 Definitions 20 Charts

The Profile

Panamanian-American drummer and composer born in 1944, original drummer for John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra. His debut Spectrum (1973) is a landmark of jazz fusion. He has collaborated with Miles Davis, the Brecker Brothers, George Benson, Jan Hammer and many others, remaining an influential and active bandleader.

Born May 16, 1944 in Colón, Panama. Original drummer of the Mahavishnu Orchestra (early 1970s). Seminal solo debut Spectrum (1973). Collaborations include Miles Davis, the Brecker Brothers, George Benson, Jan Hammer. Active from the 1960s to the present.

DeBaser’s reviews paint Billy Cobham as a towering jazz-fusion drummer with landmark albums. Spectrum (1973) gets near-unanimous acclaim for its virtuosity and impact. Crosswinds is hailed as essential; Alivemutherforya showcases a tight, dynamic live band. Live in Japan 2003 is celebrated as unmissable, while Drum 'N' Voice 2 is solid but short on originality. Collaborations (Jan Hammer, Brecker Brothers, Tommy Bolin, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron) are a recurring highlight.

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