1974 was a prolific year for the famous jazz-rock fusion drummer BILLY COBHAM, with well-merited significant coverage in MARTIN C STRONG’s “GREAT ROCK BIBLE”. “Crosswinds” (given an 8/10 in the GRB) marked a major change in line-up from Billy’s first album (the classic “Spectrum”) with the Brecker brothers (Michael and Randy) coming in on brass, as well as George Duke on keys and British jazz guitarist John Abercrombie. The title track was a four-part conceptual piece and the band can be heard in full flow on ‘The Pleasant Pheasant’. There was even a single version of the title track, actually ‘Crosswind’. “Total Eclipse” (7.5/10) was a Moon landing themed opus, Milcho Leviev replacing Duke on keys. ‘Solarisation’ was a 5-parter while the title track with its funk jazz groove was extremely catchy. ‘Moon Germs/ Bandits’ were two impressive cuts from the LP that were released as singles. Billy is still beating the drum, and about to appear at the London Jazz Festival.
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