Thursday, June 23, 2011

LEGENDS OF JAZZ DRUMMING - BILLY COBHAM

I am going to end the jazz drumming series with Billy Cobham. Although there are still many many more great jazz drummers before and after Billy Cobham, I don't want to burn this blog out on drumming (maybe I'll revisit it later :-).

How to sum up Billy Cobham? Technical wonder/genius. Although some may argue (me too sometimes) that he doesn't always lay down a great groove, what can be said is that he has laid down some mind-blowing technicality in his time. He took the technical prowess of drummers like Elvin Jones and Tony Williams to an even higher level.

More evidence that Miles Davis has worked with almost everyone: Cobham started out with Miles Davis also in the 60s and 70s. Cobham is possibly more widely known for his fusion drumming with groups like Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Cobham is also one of the first drummers to play open handed lead: a drummer that plays on a right-handed set but leads with his left hand on the hi-hat instead of crossing over with his left (and also has his ride cymbal on the left side, instead of the traditional right). He typically plays with multiple toms and double bass drums and was well known in the 70's for his large drum kits.

Let's hear and see some of Billy's amazing drumming...hold onto your seat:


Tim Kurteff-Schatz

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