One of the best drummers in the business (and considered jazz fusion’s greatest drummer), Billy Cobham released his first solo album, Spectrum, in October, 1973, just after leaving the Mahavishnu Orchestra. This album is a wonderful example of fast-paced jazz fusion, which fits well within the large common ground areas of the rock & jazz tents.
Cobham is a prolific player, having recorded with many different artists, including Miles Davie in the early ’70’s. Here’s a link to his wiki page.
There are some exemplary musicians on this album, including Jan Hammer & Tommy Bolin. Cobham plays drums and percussion on all tracks, in addition to Jan Hammer on keyboards and synthesizer. For tracks 1, 4, 5, 6, 9 & 10, Tommy Bolin plays a mean guitar and Les Sklar plays bass. For tracks 2, 3, 7 & 8, Joe Farrell plays saxophones, Jimmy Owens plays flugelhorn & trumpet, John Tropea plays guitar, Ron Carter plays acoustic bass, and Ray Barretto plays congas.
If you’re looking for something really good, with tempo, but a bit different from your standard rock fare, this one’s for you. It also sets the stage for future fusion-like work from Jeff Beck (Blow by Blow and Wired) and Jan Hammer. I’ve included Wired here as an additional treat. Jan Hammer plays synthesizer on that album.
Oh yeah, great album. I was deep into this stuff once upon a time. Saw Cobham and his band at a small club about six years ago. (Had to look that one up as I couldn’t remember when it was. ) I missed his compadre John McLaughlin when he last breezed through town. Pissed me off as I didn’t even know he was coming and I’m usually tapped in. McLaughlin’s retiring from touring so that’s that.
You lucky dog! A small club would be the perfect venue.