Billy Cobham

From AAL2014 06/28/2020 17:44 | #254672

I can point to an episode of The Old Grey Whistle Test from I believe 74 or 75 and tell you, Billy Cobham is the best drummer on Earth in this moment. A terrific set highlighted by a drum solo that boasts dynamics ranging anywhere from spine-tingling to back breaking. Acrobatic, powerful, melodic, musical, interesting, impossible to copy or compare.

Out of all the post classic-era led-by-drummer jazz projects, Bill's discography is absolutely one of the best and most consistently interesting. Not everything he's done grips me like albums such as Spectrum, Crosswinds, or Total Eclipse (a very underrated record with some jaw-dropping drumming), however his musical direction is never to be questioned. A varied artist and one of the most brilliant and musical drummers ever.

From thirstyDog 11/16/2019 20:21 | #244934

Not only one of the greatest jazz fusion bandleaders, but also probably the greatest drummer of all time. Listen to that goddam drum solo in Sea of Tranquility. Such oomph! And urgh!

From Fischman 07/24/2018 19:15 | #218736

Billy Cobham may well be the most musical drummer ever. So much more than just a human metronome, he evokes entire soundscapes out of his drum kit and uses it to provide a foundation for other exceptional musicians to build and elaborate upon. He also knows how to build and lead a band. A true all-around musical master, which is more than we can usually say about even great drummers.