Sabian - Because Sound Matters

Billy Cobham at Ronnie Scotts in London

Mar 09, 2008

Billy Cobham continues to journey through many genres with his unique sense of fusion expression. Whether its through the sensitivity of modern jazz, Afro-Cuban or fusion he continues collaborate with jazz masters on live and studio recordings worldwide - Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, George Duke, Ron Carter, McCoy Tyner, Horace Silver and many more including Peter Gabriel on the film soundtrack of 'Passion'.

His solo albums put him right at the heart of 1970s jazz-fusion and continue to influence many not only drummers from every genre but to many musicians and fans of jazz/fusion.

His ambidextrous skills continue to dazzle audiences as he generates his brand of fast, furious and explosive drumming. It is obvious that his rhythmic approach is very musical; whether in a trio or big band Billy continues to express his virtuosity.

His performance with this quintet at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club included British bass player Mike Mondesir and Junior Gill, a steel pan player performing an impressive jazz accompaniment to this tight band. Billy performed a memorable repertoire from his solo project wowing this well attended audience in the heart of London's Soho. 

Billy's cymbal choice is musically appealing: 22" HHX Legacy Heavy Ride with its dark overtones and ambience delivers sensitivity whether applied with stick or brushes. His crash choice is a combination of Hand Hammered and HHX - 20" HH Medium Crash, 18" HHX Studio Crash and 16" HHX Stage Crash totally complimenting their blending with their tones and particularly impressive with its explosion of tone when accented. His 14" AAX Stage Hats deliver a bright definitive sticking quality with a sharp hi-hat 'chick' and finally his 20" HH Chinese with a statement like 'pang' working well with those choice accents.

Cymbal set-up:
22" HHX Legacy Heavy Ride
14" AAX Stage Hats
20" HH Medium Crash
18" HHX Studio Crash
16" HHX Stage Crash
20" HH Chinese

For more information: www.billycobham.com/

 

Report & Photography: Jerome Marcus