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Spectrum

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Spectrum was the first solo album by the fusion drummer Billy Cobham. It was recorded at Electric Lady Studios, according to the bassist Leland Sklar in two or three days, almost always in the first or second take. Sklar and the pianist Jan Hammer remember that the music was recorded live and not touched up afterwards.

The guitarist Tommy Bolin, still little known at the time, plays on four tracks. In Taurian Matador he breaks a string during his solo and simply plays on. To the Women in My Life is a piece for solo piano, played by Hammer. Stratus later became the basis of a sample in Safe from Harm by Massive Attack. The first reviews were positive. Years later Scott Yanow called the album the drummer's best.

Listening

Listening tip. In Taurian Matador, listen to Tommy Bolin's guitar solo, around 1:45: can you hear what happens when his high E string breaks and he simply keeps playing?

Track list

  1. 1Quadrant 44:27Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Searching for the Right Door1:24Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Spectrum5:10Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Anxiety1:41Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Taurian Matador3:04Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Stratus9:50Apple Music ↗
  7. 7To the Women In My Life0:51Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Le Lis3:20Apple Music ↗
  9. 9Snoopy's Search1:04Apple Music ↗
  10. 10Red Baron6:37Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs