I got Spectrum for my 11th birthday and as a drum corps drummer I figured out his parts quickly. Then by age 15 I made it into the A corps and one day he came to our practice. I had a broken hand and he signed my cast. He seemed to like my informed questions about Mahavishnu and other things as the youngest member of the drum line.
I discovered Mr. Cobham when I was in high school 30 years ago. Buddy Rich was my first big influence, Bill Cobham changed the way I play. I still study him to this day. He has a mastery of rhythm along with monster chops. Listening to him talk makes me want to be a better musician.
This man is such an inspiration. I own "Birds of Fire" and "The Lost Trident Sessions" -watching videos of Mahavishnu Orchestra with him doing a solo or playing fully with the band are mindbending. Seriously dig this man.
1973, I just finished a gig with a C&W band in Great Falls, Montana and was driving back to L.A. I spent the night in Salt Lake city and while soaking in the bathtub, listening to the radio, Birds of Fire came on. I was stunned. I'd never heard playing like that. I sat there till it was over and didn't even notice that the water had turned cold. Billy Cobham!
Billy is a delightful human being; and his work is a wonderful reflection of that warm spirit that is human, strong without being egotistical. Such a great groove player whilst breaking molds all over the place! Loved him since I first heard Spectrum album back around 1977....
The internet is filled with videos of drummers playing amazing stuff that one can learn from and yet this was the most useful video I have seen in a while. Great series! Keep up the good work!
I was never really a huge Cobham fan, I always viewed him as just a guy that could play fast. Until now. :-) what a great interview. Now I have to go back and listen to the Mahavishnu Orchestra
So true. I am 60 now and never cared about Cobhams open hand play... until some years ago when i started again playing drums since 15 years from the last gig.
I always liked him as a drummer and composer (Spectrum, Crosswinds.... just wow!) but I also think he is such a lovely and cool person to hang around with! Great personality. Gonna see him live in a small venue in Switzerland. So excited.
Your the MAN Billy...Spoken like the drum genius you are...well put info for people who need to know how respectful and humble and brave and generous this music call for BLESS YOU BILLY!!!!
Amazing and really insightful interview. I especially paid close attention to where he was talking about ego's and competitiveness et cetera; that encompasses all styles of drumming - or musical instruments that 'aren't' supposed to be about that. One of my favs. Thanks. :)
Slight correction, Billy: Harvey Brooks didn’t play with Janis Joplin Big Brother Holding Company. He was bass player for Electric Flag back then. Big difference.
Thanks mate! Enjoy the wisdom and insight by all these great artists. Watch Chris Coleman's, Dave Weckl's and Simon Phillips' episodes as well. Packed with info.
WOW......honest.........call it like you see it................beautiful...........first time I saw him was early 72 in Chicago.............nearly everyone there was a musician to see Mahavishnu ...............the opening act was literally booed off the stage after 25 minutes.........some band from Boston..................Aerosmith.
Check out Fania All Stars - Mama Guela from the Latin-Soul-Rock album... Billy and Larry Harlow GET OFF during the last minute... it's truly something else... also check out Billy's Total Eclipse album... one of my favorite Vinyls
thanks David! my first encounter with him was in the 80's too -- Super Drumming it was back then he has a terrific performance in the first season, check it out if you haven't already cheers/phil
drumtalk - Cool, look forward to it :) Check out my channel, new website coming soon! Will recommend your channel to my friends. It's 6:30am state side, time for coffee and drum sticks ;), cheers for now, David.
Isaac Zaladar have you met EVERY black musician in the whole world? What’s his skin colour got to do with it? Maybe you could rephrase this and look at the words you have referred to; superior and arrogant as being a little too much like a possible self disclosure on your part! Let me explain this for you you Isaac you see if we say someone is “the most intelligent etc etc “ then it takes a level of all knowing arrogance and a feeling of superiority to make that linguistically raciest comment. Therefore it sounds like your self disclosing your own identity. Here’s how I suggest you rephrase your comment leave out skin colour, and your surprise that he isn’t arrogant or superior..then just be kind and gracious this gentleman Mr Cobham who has inspired so many of us that he speaks from his heart with love for his art. If you can’t get past his colour or the fact he isn’t arrogant or superior then my learned friend you have missed the whole talk by being in your head! Listen to hi. He is doing his best to guide musicians as in his gift to you, all you need to do is listen….don’t judge. I saw a bald man the other day I thought he was the most intelligent bald man I ever met! 😎❤️🇮🇪 Irish love the craic. Isaac if this triggers you to rephrase your statement please do so that new baby drummers aren’t judged by skin just on what they do.
Jazz musicians are abstractly boring, boring to death. Soon, they will start to mention the quality of dust in the air as an obstacle or an inspiration for the mood of the piece and shit. I think enough is enough. These guys should stop taking H and Watch their mouth. Music is about feeling, not quantum physics.
![Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) - drumtalk [episode 22]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Afu57XX0iDc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) - drumtalk [episode 22]](/img/tr.png)
![Simon Phillips (Protocol) - drumtalk [episode 20]](/img/n.gif)
He is critical and yet respectful about Gad and the other drummers he mentions. I like hearing masters speak about other masters.
I got Spectrum for my 11th birthday and as a drum corps drummer I figured out his parts quickly. Then by age 15 I made it into the A corps and one day he came to our practice. I had a broken hand and he signed my cast. He seemed to like my informed questions about Mahavishnu and other things as the youngest member of the drum line.
I discovered Mr. Cobham when I was in high school 30 years ago. Buddy Rich was my first big influence, Bill Cobham changed the way I play. I still study him to this day. He has a mastery of rhythm along with monster chops. Listening to him talk makes me want to be a better musician.
"I'm Billy Cobham. What do I do? I play drums, more often than not"
Damn I didn't expect the interview to be so funny
we giggled many times on that day! this was really a fun shooting
Meaning, He's NOT A Percussionist.
This man is such an inspiration. I own "Birds of Fire" and "The Lost Trident Sessions" -watching videos of Mahavishnu Orchestra with him doing a solo or playing fully with the band are mindbending. Seriously dig this man.
BILLY COBHAM = JACK JOHNSON + BEN JOHNSON ! ! WE LOVE YOU BILLY THANKS A LOT FOR ALL UR MUSIC PASSION LIFE !!
1973, I just finished a gig with a C&W band in Great Falls, Montana and was driving back to L.A. I spent the night in Salt Lake city and while soaking in the bathtub, listening to the radio, Birds of Fire came on. I was stunned. I'd never heard playing like that. I sat there till it was over and didn't even notice that the water had turned cold. Billy Cobham!
Billy is a delightful human being; and his work is a wonderful reflection of that warm spirit that is human, strong without being egotistical. Such a great groove player whilst breaking molds all over the place! Loved him since I first heard Spectrum album back around 1977....
The internet is filled with videos of drummers playing amazing stuff that one can learn from and yet this was the most useful video I have seen in a while. Great series! Keep up the good work!
thanks mate! really nice comment there!
That great old man is still light years in front of many drummers brainwise .
That's Sooooo Disrespectful. Seriously.
@@moneyfindersllc6236 Truth hurts
Great interview, I've always liked him as a drummer, now I know a bit more why.
I was never really a huge Cobham fan, I always viewed him as just a guy that could play fast. Until now. :-) what a great interview. Now I have to go back and listen to the Mahavishnu Orchestra
So true. I am 60 now and never cared about Cobhams open hand play... until some years ago when i started again playing drums since 15 years from the last gig.
still young...
One of the best drummers to ever do it. Much respect to Mr. Cobham.
I always liked him as a drummer and composer (Spectrum, Crosswinds.... just wow!) but I also think he is such a lovely and cool person to hang around with! Great personality. Gonna see him live in a small venue in Switzerland. So excited.
Hello Billy :) :)
Great Musician, Great Drummer, Great Human been.
Many compliments for this nice, helpful channel :)
Your the MAN Billy...Spoken like the drum genius you are...well put info for people who need to know how respectful and humble and brave and generous this music call for BLESS YOU BILLY!!!!
Just discovered these intriguing interviews. Thank you so much. They are without a doubt invaluable. Cheers!
great personality and one of the best drumer ever ..
And he is coming to Russia in a week. Damn, I'm so excited! Have got tickets already and all. That's going to be awesome!
Amazing and really insightful interview. I especially paid close attention to where he was talking about ego's and competitiveness et cetera; that encompasses all styles of drumming - or musical instruments that 'aren't' supposed to be about that. One of my favs. Thanks. :)
Its always great and good thing when Billy talking about DRUMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slight correction, Billy:
Harvey Brooks didn’t play with Janis Joplin Big Brother Holding Company.
He was bass player for Electric Flag back then.
Big difference.
Wow. Thank you for all this incredible content. So much wisdom that you’ve given voice to. Thank you
Thanks mate! Enjoy the wisdom and insight by all these great artists. Watch Chris Coleman's, Dave Weckl's and Simon Phillips' episodes as well. Packed with info.
Amazing interview of a legend. Thanks Phil, you are the best!
hey Freddy! you're very welcome! so awesome to see you guys digging it
WOW......honest.........call it like you see it................beautiful...........first time I saw him was early 72 in Chicago.............nearly everyone there was a musician to see Mahavishnu ...............the opening act was literally booed off the stage after 25 minutes.........some band from Boston..................Aerosmith.
NOW BILLY JUST TAUGHT MUSIC SCHOOL LIKE A MATER SHOULD TEACH MUSIC SCHOOL.GREAT GREAT VIDEO TO WATCH AND LEARN.
I couldn't help but notice what's written above his left shoulder at 3:47
And his right at 1 :57 hahaha
Left sorry .
The same thing
Very Inspiring and Insightful!
I saw Him 4 times,in my Life in Hungary
Check out Fania All Stars - Mama Guela from the Latin-Soul-Rock album... Billy and Larry Harlow GET OFF during the last minute... it's truly something else... also check out Billy's Total Eclipse album... one of my favorite Vinyls
Anything we do we win. COBHAM
Woaw, wonderful, thank you so much drumtalk!!!
pleased to hear that!
Sunflower Great Billy!!!
What a great video. Thank you for this.
Billy is the man
:-)
Amen!
5:47 WORDS OF WISDOM!!!
Legend
A true master.
LEGEND ... mahavishnu is the 🐐
Great interview! Been listening to Billy since the 80's. Love his playing, all the best,
David Curtis
thanks David! my first encounter with him was in the 80's too -- Super Drumming it was back then
he has a terrific performance in the first season, check it out if you haven't already
cheers/phil
drumtalk - cool, will check it out. Keep in the groove :) DC
drumtalk - PS - Great drum channel! Enjoy watching! All the best, David Curtis
next season will be up soon with some real gems....I promise ;-)
drumtalk - Cool, look forward to it :) Check out my channel, new website coming soon! Will recommend your channel to my friends. It's 6:30am state side, time for coffee and drum sticks ;), cheers for now, David.
Klasse Interview! :-) LG, Jürgen.
Excellent Interview and great content :)
thanks Rick, I'm really flattered
merci pour la traduction en Français....y a pas de batteur en France????
An Idol
absolutely!!!
legend
what's my motivation!
6:53 CAN SOMEBODY TELL ME THE NAME OF THIS TUNE
A *lot* of the neurons in my head are arranged the way they are because of internalizing this man's playing.
what aspritual individual&drummer
🙏
knowledge.
that is my Mentor, im little Cob-ham Jr...
That poster behind him is funny.
Steve Grossman
HaHa ... (1 of) #TheGOATS #WoW
hey buddy! thanks for stopping by and checking out the mighty Billy :-)
Billy Cobham is the best drummer period! Dennis Chambers and Lenny White are next in either order. Not opinion, fact!!
the most itelligent black musician...he isnt arrogant or feel"superior"just friendly and sutile amazing talk!!!
... who is your most intelligent 'white' musician?
Isaac....really? WTF?
Isaac Zaladar have you met EVERY black musician in the whole world? What’s his skin colour got to do with it? Maybe you could rephrase this and look at the words you have referred to; superior and arrogant as being a little too much like a possible self disclosure on your part! Let me explain this for you you Isaac you see if we say someone is “the most intelligent etc etc “ then it takes a level of all knowing arrogance and a feeling of superiority to make that linguistically raciest comment. Therefore it sounds like your self disclosing your own identity.
Here’s how I suggest you rephrase your comment leave out skin colour, and your surprise that he isn’t arrogant or superior..then just be kind and gracious this gentleman Mr Cobham who has inspired so many of us that he speaks from his heart with love for his art. If you can’t get past his colour or the fact he isn’t arrogant or superior then my learned friend you have missed the whole talk by being in your head! Listen to hi. He is doing his best to guide musicians as in his gift to you, all you need to do is listen….don’t judge. I saw a bald man the other day I thought he was the most intelligent bald man I ever met! 😎❤️🇮🇪 Irish love the craic. Isaac if this triggers you to rephrase your statement please do so that new baby drummers aren’t judged by skin just on what they do.
Dear Mr.Cobham why do you deny your Moorish roots ? Or Panamanian ! if you like.
he was a little confused obviously :-)
Its was the panino 😆
Serious drummer. No respect for this audience. When your mouth is full, shut up and wait.
I really liked it when he was chewing his pretzel -- really funny bit and no disrespect towards me or anyone else imho.
Jazz musicians are abstractly boring, boring to death. Soon, they will start to mention the quality of dust in the air as an obstacle or an inspiration for the mood of the piece and shit. I think enough is enough. These guys should stop taking H and Watch their mouth. Music is about feeling, not quantum physics.
A true musician !