I got Spectrum for my 11th birthday and as a drum corps drummer I figured out his parts quickly. Then by age 15 I made it into the A corps and one day he came to our practice. I had a broken hand and he signed my cast. He seemed to like my informed questions about Mahavishnu and other things as the youngest member of the drum line.
The internet is filled with videos of drummers playing amazing stuff that one can learn from and yet this was the most useful video I have seen in a while. Great series! Keep up the good work!
I discovered Mr. Cobham when I was in high school 30 years ago. Buddy Rich was my first big influence, Bill Cobham changed the way I play. I still study him to this day. He has a mastery of rhythm along with monster chops. Listening to him talk makes me want to be a better musician.
This man is such an inspiration. I own "Birds of Fire" and "The Lost Trident Sessions" -watching videos of Mahavishnu Orchestra with him doing a solo or playing fully with the band are mindbending. Seriously dig this man.
Billy is a delightful human being; and his work is a wonderful reflection of that warm spirit that is human, strong without being egotistical. Such a great groove player whilst breaking molds all over the place! Loved him since I first heard Spectrum album back around 1977....
1973, I just finished a gig with a C&W band in Great Falls, Montana and was driving back to L.A. I spent the night in Salt Lake city and while soaking in the bathtub, listening to the radio, Birds of Fire came on. I was stunned. I'd never heard playing like that. I sat there till it was over and didn't even notice that the water had turned cold. Billy Cobham!
I was never really a huge Cobham fan, I always viewed him as just a guy that could play fast. Until now. :-) what a great interview. Now I have to go back and listen to the Mahavishnu Orchestra
So true. I am 60 now and never cared about Cobhams open hand play... until some years ago when i started again playing drums since 15 years from the last gig.
I always liked him as a drummer and composer (Spectrum, Crosswinds.... just wow!) but I also think he is such a lovely and cool person to hang around with! Great personality. Gonna see him live in a small venue in Switzerland. So excited.
Your the MAN Billy...Spoken like the drum genius you are...well put info for people who need to know how respectful and humble and brave and generous this music call for BLESS YOU BILLY!!!!
Amazing and really insightful interview. I especially paid close attention to where he was talking about ego's and competitiveness et cetera; that encompasses all styles of drumming - or musical instruments that 'aren't' supposed to be about that. One of my favs. Thanks. :)
Thanks mate! Enjoy the wisdom and insight by all these great artists. Watch Chris Coleman's, Dave Weckl's and Simon Phillips' episodes as well. Packed with info.
Slight correction, Billy: Harvey Brooks didn’t play with Janis Joplin Big Brother Holding Company. He was bass player for Electric Flag back then. Big difference.
WOW......honest.........call it like you see it................beautiful...........first time I saw him was early 72 in Chicago.............nearly everyone there was a musician to see Mahavishnu ...............the opening act was literally booed off the stage after 25 minutes.........some band from Boston..................Aerosmith.
Check out Fania All Stars - Mama Guela from the Latin-Soul-Rock album... Billy and Larry Harlow GET OFF during the last minute... it's truly something else... also check out Billy's Total Eclipse album... one of my favorite Vinyls
thanks David! my first encounter with him was in the 80's too -- Super Drumming it was back then he has a terrific performance in the first season, check it out if you haven't already cheers/phil
drumtalk - Cool, look forward to it :) Check out my channel, new website coming soon! Will recommend your channel to my friends. It's 6:30am state side, time for coffee and drum sticks ;), cheers for now, David.
Isaac Zaladar have you met EVERY black musician in the whole world? What’s his skin colour got to do with it? Maybe you could rephrase this and look at the words you have referred to; superior and arrogant as being a little too much like a possible self disclosure on your part! Let me explain this for you you Isaac you see if we say someone is “the most intelligent etc etc “ then it takes a level of all knowing arrogance and a feeling of superiority to make that linguistically raciest comment. Therefore it sounds like your self disclosing your own identity. Here’s how I suggest you rephrase your comment leave out skin colour, and your surprise that he isn’t arrogant or superior..then just be kind and gracious this gentleman Mr Cobham who has inspired so many of us that he speaks from his heart with love for his art. If you can’t get past his colour or the fact he isn’t arrogant or superior then my learned friend you have missed the whole talk by being in your head! Listen to hi. He is doing his best to guide musicians as in his gift to you, all you need to do is listen….don’t judge. I saw a bald man the other day I thought he was the most intelligent bald man I ever met! 😎❤️🇮🇪 Irish love the craic. Isaac if this triggers you to rephrase your statement please do so that new baby drummers aren’t judged by skin just on what they do.
Jazz musicians are abstractly boring, boring to death. Soon, they will start to mention the quality of dust in the air as an obstacle or an inspiration for the mood of the piece and shit. I think enough is enough. These guys should stop taking H and Watch their mouth. Music is about feeling, not quantum physics.
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