SPECTRUM

Personnel: Billy Cobham (percussion); Joe Farrell (soprano & alto saxophone, flute); Jimmy Owens (flugelhorn, trumpet); Jan Hammer (piano, electric piano, Moog synthesizer); John Tropea, Tommy Bolin (guitar); Ron Carter (acoustic bass); Lee Sklar (electric bass); Ray Barretto (congas). Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York on May 14-16, 1973. Personnel: Billy Cobham (drums, percussion); John Tropea, Tommy Bolin (guitar); Joe Farrell (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Jimmy Owens (trumpet, flugelhorn, horns); Jan Hammer (piano, electric piano, keyboards, synthesizer, Moog synthesizer); Ray Barretto (congas, percussion). Audio Remixer: Ken Scott . Recording information: Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY (05/14/1973-05/16/1973). Drummer Billy Cobham was fresh from his success with the Mahavishnu Orchestra when he recorded his debut album, which is still his best. Most of the selections showcase Cobham in a quartet with keyboardist Jan Hammer, guitarist Tommy Bolin, and electric bassist Lee Sklar. Two other numbers include Joe Farrell on flute and soprano and trumpeter Jimmy Owens with guitarist John Tropea, Hammer, bassist Ron Carter, and Ray Barretto on congas. The generally high-quality compositions (which include "Red Baron") make this fusion set a standout, a strong mixture of rock-ish rhythms and jazz improvising. ~ Scott Yanow

• Genre: Jazz
• Format: CD
• Released: 02/25/1992