‘Crosswinds’ dates from 1974 and is Billy Cobham’s second solo album. It features the Brecker Brothers in the horn section, keyboard legend George Duke and guitarist John Abercrombie. It is a Jazz Funk gem that features four tracks. The first ‘Spanish Moss – A Sound Portrait’ comprises the whole of side one of the vinyl and is divided, like a symphony, into four segments, two of which are superb – the foreboding yet serene ‘Quiet Before The Storm’ and the fast ‘Flash Flood’. The classic Jazz Funk of ‘Pleasant Pheasant’ starts side two in rapid and vibrant form. The lovely ‘Heather’ is one of the most beautiful, atmospheric tracks from its era and style. Not surprisingly this track has been sampled many times. ‘Crosswinds’ is most probably Cobham’s greatest work and his drum work illustrates why many believed him to be the greatest drummer in the world at the time – check the solo drum ‘The Storm’ from the ‘Spanish Moss’ as proof in point. ‘Crosswinds’ is one of the Jazz Funk albums not to be missed. Classic.
Track listings:
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01 Spanish Moss by Billy Cobham
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02 Savannah The Serene by Billy Cobham
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03 Storm by Billy Cobham
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04 Flash Flood by Billy Cobham
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05 The Pleasant Pheasant by Billy Cobham
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06 Heather by Billy Cobham
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07 Crosswind by Billy Cobham
Steve Hicks –
One of my favourite records of all-time. Great from beginning to end from the strident opening suite to the beautiful “Heather”.