Billy Cobham: Snoopy's Search/Red Baron
Musicians:
Billy Cobham (percussion), Tommy Bolin (guitar), Jan Hammer (keyboards), Lee Sklar (bass).
Recorded: Electric Lady Studios, New York City. May 14,15, 1973.
Rating: 89/100 (learn more)
Fusion music has often been accused of being overly serious, of being more concerned with athletic displays of chops than the craft of composition. Don't tell that to Billy Cobham. Though he remains one of the kings of the fusion movement (electric Miles, Mahavishnu Orchestra), his Spectrum ensemble had enough of a sense of humor to funk out on this classic recording. Following the bizarre “Snoopy's Search,” essentially a Jan Hammer synthesizer freakout, the band sets out on a low groove (thank you Lee Sklar) and just burns. The great Tommy Bollin is the star here, alternating between a soulful rhythm chop and a bluesy lead squall. All of this is held down by Cobham, who sits solidly in the pocket.
Reviewer: Mark Saleski
Tags: fusion
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