Billy Cobham: Drum 'n' Voice 3 (2009)

Chaka Khan and Gino Vannelli are amongst the super guests of the long awaited album "Drum'n'Voice Volume 3" by world-class jazz/fusion drummer Billy Cobham. Produced between Milan and legendary Capitol Studios in Los Angeles by Nicolosi Productions, (also known as the breakthru group "Novecento"), this new album contains stunning performances from legendary artists such as George Duke, Alex Acuna, John Scofield, Brian Auger, Bob Mintzer and Novecento itself. Once more Cobham delivers an amazing creativity and listening experience that unveils its unique style in playing drums and percussions. at the beginning of 2010 "Drum'n'Voice Live Tour" will see the light with part of the artists performing. The album will be available soon for digital downloads across all the main online retailers.

Tracklist:
01 - Electric Man (Feat. Brian Auger)
02 - Alive (Feat. Chaka Khan)
03 - Roller (George Duke, Bob Mintzer)
04 - We The People (Feat. Gino Vannelli, Alex Acuna)
05 - Destiny (John Scofield, Brian Auger, Alex Acuma)
06 - I'd Like To Change (Feat. Novecento)
07 - Dreamer (Feat. Bob Mintzer)
08 - Route (Feat. Novecento)
09 - Stratus (Feat. Bob Mintzer, Novecento)
Drum n Voice vol. 3
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 (RS)

Deodato: 2 (1973)

Deodato's debut for CTI, Prelude, earned him a genuine reputation for funky fusion with its groove-tight cover of "Thus Spake Zarathustra," the theme from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. The rest of the album isn't quite as memorable, but it fit the bill and got nice reviews for its innovative read of Borodin and Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun." On 2, the Brazilian composer and arranger dips into the funked-up fusion formula tank once again, and comes out with a more consistent disc than its predecessor. Arranged, conducted, and keyboarded by Deodato himself instead of CTI house arrangers Don Sebesky or Bob James, the maestro enlisted a fusion who's who of sidemen including drummer Billy Cobham, bassist Stanley Clarke, and flutist Hubert Laws, as well as rockers like John Tropea on guitar. The larger ensemble that provides brass, woodwind, and string support includes trumpeter Jon Faddis and Jim Buffington. "Super Strut" kicks it off. Deep-grooved lines of accented angular riffing and rim-shot syncopation by Cobham turn this simply notated four-stepper into a burning ball of greasy rock and souled-out jazz. This is followed by a wildly campy but nonetheless wondrous read of "Rhapsody in Blue" done Stevie Wonder-style. Deodato's keyboard work never lets the groove drop; he pulls the rhythm section down around him and hunkers his phrasing to punch up the long, sweeping horns and string lines. Less successful is a read of "Nights in White Satin," with its overwrought strings, and a "Pavane for a Dead Princess" that's a snore. The album officially closes with "Skyscrapers," another jazz-rock rave-up that blasts holes in the sonic sky with its dueling keyboard and guitar lines. [The remastered version of the CD includes three bonus tracks that include a steamy little bossa nova number, "Latin Flute," with Laws tearing up the solo spot, and a lounge lizard's dream of a cover version in Steely Dan's "Do It Again," with flutes and keys trading the melody lines and Tropea's wah-wah guitars chunking up the backbeat. Why this wasn't on the original album or a follow-up is a mystery.]

Deodato 2
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Billy Cobham: Drum N Voice - All That Groove (2001)

This 2001 Cobham effort was recorded in Milan with a bunch of fine musicians: Michael and Randy Brecker, Eddie Gomez and several famous Italian jazz players (Rossana Nicolosi - bass, Marco Fada - percussion, Lino Nicolosi - guitar, Fabrizio Bosso - trumpet, flugelhorn and others). Contains classics as Red Baron and I Want You Back (Ken Gold/Micky Denne) along with new material which sounds absolutely sensational and groovy.

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Drum N Voice (RS) / Drum N Voice (DF) @ 320K

Billy Cobham: The Best of Billy Cobham (1988)

Drummer Billy Cobham became a star during his tenure with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. His output during the '70s was inconsistent, but he did record two fusion classics, Spectrum and Crosswinds, which are both well represented here. There are also good selections from Total Eclipse, A Funky Thide of Sings and Live on Tour in Europe. Recommended for the casual listener, but fans seeking a deeper understanding of this drumming genius are encouraged to explore Cobham's expansive discography.

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