Billy Cobham Warning

Billy Cobham - Warning (1985) {Eagle Records}  Music

Posted by tiburon at May 2, 2017
Billy Cobham - Warning (1985) {Eagle Records}

Billy Cobham - Warning (1985) {Eagle Records}
EAC 0.99pb4 | FLAC tracks level 8 | Cue+Log+M3u | Full Scans 600dpi | 271 MB + 5% Recovery
Genre: Fusion

This was one of the earliest entries in the GRP catalog. It's a keyboard-dominated session, and definitely has a commercial sound to it. There are, however, enough drumming calisthenics to satisfy the intended audience. Cobham's band is not as exciting or as distinguishable as those from his days in the '70s, but the personnel are certainly adequate for the music being played. In particular, "Slow Body Poppin'" contains a fine Larry Carlton-influenced solo by Dean Brown. The remake of "Stratus" was interesting, but does not do the original justice. This is recommended mostly for the Cobham faithful.

Billy Cobham - Many Years BC (2001)  Music

Posted by gribovar at Oct. 2, 2022
Billy Cobham - Many Years BC (2001)

Billy Cobham - Many Years BC (2001)
EAC Rip | FLAC (tracks+.cue+log) - 857 MB | MP3 CBR 320 kbps (LAME 3.93) - 341 MB | Covers - 12 MB
Genre: Jazz, Fusion | RAR 3% Rec. | Label: Snapper Music (SMDCD369)

This 2CD set illustrates fairly well Mr. Cobham's evolution through samples from 2 decades, extracting material from 6 albums, and presents it chronologically: Disc 1 begins with 3 tracks from 1985's "Warning", opening with a "re-vamped" version of "Stratus", a track originally released on his first solo album "Spectrum". Unfortunately missing on this compilation is "Mozaik", perhaps the most creative track on "Warning".
The next 5 tracks come from 1986's "PowerPlay", including all 6 parts of the "Summit Afrique" suite (only 4 parts were on the vinyl), demonstrating quite clearly the versatility of this creative drummer.
Disc 1 closes with 3 tracks from the "Picture This" album, released in 1987. Perhaps the weakest of his 3 albums for the GRP label, there's still some amazing performances included here…

Billy Cobham - Powerplay (1986) {Eagle Records}  Music

Posted by tiburon at May 2, 2017
Billy Cobham - Powerplay (1986) {Eagle Records}

Billy Cobham - Powerplay (1986) {Eagle Records}
EAC 0.99pb4 | FLAC tracks level 8 | Cue+Log+M3u | Full Scans 600dpi | 308 MB + 5% Recovery
Genre: Fusion

The follow-up to "Warning'' was performed with much of the same band. The energy level seems to have dipped a bit, and the songs are not as memorable. The "Summit Afrique" suite is the best moment, but even that doesn't leave a lasting impression. A rather forgettable effort that was obviously aimed at the commercial jazz audience.