After listening to much of the CTI box set a few times I'm still marveling at the versatility of Billy Cobham's drumming, sounding right at home in a variety of styles. That got me thinking about his great Spectrum CD, so I naturally had to drop that onto my iPod's playlist for this week.
Cobham assembled a terrific band for this 1973 release. On keyboards is fellow Mahavishnu Orchestra member Jan Hammer, who in addition to some signature synth work provides stellar work on he Fender Rhodes. On guitar is the late Tommy Bolin (the track "Le Lis" features John Tropea on guitar). Bolin's playing is excellent throughout, with great tone and a fiery intensity when appropriate. Rounding things out is Lee Sklar on bass, who lays down a solid foundation. There are also guest appearances by Joe Farrell (soprano & alto saxophone, flute), Jimmy Owens (flugelhorn, trumpet), and Ron Carter (acoustic bass).
My personal favorite track is Stratus, the main riff is one of those things that I have trouble getting out of my head - in this case it's a good ear worm. But there really are no weak tracks here, which is good as the disc clocks in at only 37 minutes. And while Cobham is a tad more restrained here than he was with Mahavishnu Orchestra, he still cranks out some intense percussion. This is a must have for fusion fans.
1. Quadrant 4 — 4:20
2. a. Searching for the Right Door — 1:24
b. Spectrum — 5:09
3. a. Anxiety — 1:41
b. Taurian Matador — 3:03
4. Stratus — 9:50
5. a. To the Women in My Life — 0:51
b. Le Lis — 3:20
6. a. Snoopy's Search — 1:02
b. Red Baron — 6:37
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