Album of the Day

The nondescript cover of this 1979 compilation gets the point across quickly: this is a drummer’s drummer. With a dexterous, powerful style owing to swing and bebop, Billy Cobham was a sought-after percussionist for such artists as Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra before launching his solo career with Atlantic Records in 1973. THE BEST OF BILLY COBHAM focuses on his work for that label, with highlights from Jazz Chart-topper SPECTRUM, CROSSWINDS, TOTAL ECLIPSE and A FUNKY THIDE OF SINGS (plus a live collaboration with George Duke). An excellent introduction to this master of fusion, THE BEST OF BILLY COBHAM shows why Phil Collins, Yes’ Bill Bruford and Tool’s Danny Carey number among his many fans.