Billy Cobham | Live at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley

Billy Cobham still carries thunder in his drumsticks. The 78-year-old legend of the jazz fusion era brought his Crosswinds Project to Seattle's Jazz Alley, honoring the drummer's landmark 1974 album Crosswinds. In an exclusive session for KNKX Cobham showed he can command a storm and also romance with a sweet breeze.

Leading a quartet with guitarist Mark Whitfield, bassist Tim Landers and keyboard player Scott Tibbs through three of his classic compositions, the veteran drummer lit a rhythmic fire under his bandmates. Landers' steady hand and expressive playing from Whitfield and Tibbs were thrilling, but each song found Cobham's drumming never far from the spotlight.

Cobham was generous with his time, spending nearly a half hour talking with KNKX jazz host Abe Beeson about his long and impressive career. He spoke fondly of his youth in New York City and his time playing jazz in the military in the late '60s. Cobham shared his surprise at first learning his debut album Spectrum has gone to #1 on the charts in 1973 and spoke about the development of hard-rocking jazz fusion drums.

There's humility there, too. When asked if he felt like a big influence on drummers from jazz to progressive rock, Cobham referred to himself as a "student of the art that shares ideas." KNKX is proud to share some fascinating ideas from his Crosswinds Project at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley.

Songs:
00:00 Crosswinds
06:55 The Pleasant Pheasant
10:41 On the Move


Musicians:
Billy Cobham - drummer
Mark Whitfield - guitar
Tim Landers - bass
Scott Tibbs - keyboards

Audio:
Brian Moynihan

Video:
Parker Miles Blohm

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