The Pace Report: "At The Crosswinds" The Billy Cobham Interview
In the early spring of 1974 drummer Billy Cobham was ending his long run with playing and touring with the infamous Mahavishnu Orchestra organized and lead by guitarist John McLaughin. This band also consisted of Jan Hammer on keyboards, Jerry Goodman on violin, Rick Laird on bass and would record their first two groundbreaking albums "The Inner Mounting Flame"(1971) and "Birds of Fire."(1973)
A year before this, Billy would also have the time to compose and record his epic debut album "Spectrum" released on Atlantic Records. "Spectrum" would dominate the jazz charts for the entire year.
Billy's second album would be even more expansive in his composition writing and the line-up of up and coming musicians on the NYC music scene took Billy to another level.
"Crosswinds" was released to critical acclaimed praises by both the critics and music fans alike and would also dominate jazz charts in 1974. This album featured the great George Duke on keyboards, John Abercrombie on guitar, Randy Brecker on trumpet, Michael Brecker on woodwinds, and Garnett Brown on trumpet.
This year Bill went on tour with the "Crosswinds Project" featuring Scott Tibbs on keys, Tim Landers on bass, Fareed Haque on guitar, and Paul Hanson on Bassoon and saxophones.
For more info on Billy's upcoming tour dates or to order his latest CD please visit him online at www.billycobham.com or facebook.com/officialbillycobham.
