Spectrum is Billy Cobham's 1973 debut solo album. Cobham is a renowned jazz fusion drummer who was highly influenced by the work of his collaborator Miles Davis. The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York and mixed at Trident Studios in London. This audiophile reissue was cut all analog by Kevin Gray from the Original Master Tapes!

• Limited Edition
• Crystal Clear 180 Gram Vinyl
• Atlantic 75 Anniversary Series
• All Analog Mastering
• Cut from the Original Master Tapes
• Cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
• Pressed at Optimal Media in Germany
• Gatefold Cover

Billboard chart No. 1 jazz album!

Billy Cobham's debut masterpiece featuring Tommy Bolin, Jan Hammer and Leland Sklar

One of the most important jazz rock fusion albums of all time!

Billy Cobham is one of the greatest jazz-fusion drummers from the last decades. Shortly after he left the band Mahavishnu Orchestra he released his debut solo album Spectrum. Influenced by the music of Miles Davis he combines elements from jazz with rock and psychedelia. From the subtle parts to the more aggressive moments, it's an album in which Cobham shows his identity to the public. The music quartet recorded some lengthy pieces, out of which "Stratus" is the absolute masterpiece. The funky grooves and effective guitar melodies blend together very well and the jazz comes alive in the outstanding drum play by Cobham. "Quadrant 4" is another great track in which the music erupts and the synergy between the musicians can be felt.

"Drummer Billy Cobham was fresh from his success with the Mahavishnu Orchestra when he recorded his debut album, which is still his best. Most of the selections showcase Cobham in a quartet with keyboardist Jan Hammer, guitarist Tommy Bolin, and electric bassist Lee Sklar. Two other numbers include Joe Farrell on flute and soprano and trumpeter Jimmy Owens with guitarist John Tropea, Hammer, bassist Ron Carter, and Ray Barretto on congas. The generally high-quality compositions (which include 'Red Baron') make this fusion set a standout, a strong mixture of rock-ish rhythms and jazz improvising." - AllMusic

Often considered one of the first and finest jazz rock fusion albums ever recorded, legendary drummer Billy Cobham's masterpiece Spectrum continues to enthrall both old and new fans alike. Featuring the core quartet of Billy Cobham, the late great Tommy Bolin (lead guitars), Leland Sklar (bass) and Jan Hammer (keyboards), Spectrum was a powerful explosion of sound and vibrations that has never been duplicated.

Starting things off with the flying blues masterwork "Quadrant 4," which highlights the stellar lead guitar of Tommy Bolin, you know your musical journey is going to be a fantastic one indeed.Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in 1973 during the same time Tommy Bolin was in The James Gang, Billy Cobham (Miles Davis/Mahavishnu Orchestra) had known the late genius during his tenure with Zephyr, and along with kingpins like Leland Sklar on his powerful bass guitar, and fellow Mahavishnu Orchestra keyboard pioneer Jan Hammer, the stage is truly set for even more greatness.

Spectrum contains possibly one of the most important fusion tracks of all time with "Stratus." The song continues to have a major shelf life as its been sampled over the years by artists like Massive Attack, as well as being a featured song for the gamers in "Grand Theft Auto 4." The driving beat of Cobham's drums are second to none, as the interplay between Hammer and Bolin trading licks in revolutionary, while Leland's bass carries the groove, it is truly one of the genres finest hours. More greatness continues with heavy duty musicianship with tracks such as "Taurian Matador" and "Red Baron" as well as the stunning self titled "Spectrum.

Musicians:

Billy Cobham, drums, percussion
Jan Hammer, piano, keyboards, Moog synthesizer
Tommy Bolin, guitar
Lee Sklar, electric bass
Joe Farrell, saxophone, flute
Jimmy Owens, flugelhorn, trumpet
John Tropea, guitar on "Le Lis"
Ron Carter, acoustic bass
Ray Barretto, congas

Track Listing:

01. Quadrant 4
02. Searching For The Right Door
03. Spectrum
04. Anxiety
05. Taurian Matador
06. Stratus
07. To The Women In My Life
08. Le Lis
09. Snoopy's Search
10. Red Baron

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫