Interview with Billy Cobham
Way back in the mid-1970s, Billy Cobham released an album that altered the course of my life, The Album Crosswinds and the track Heather just took my musical mind in a different direction, I started to go to Jazz clubs to hear and see this music that set my mind on fire.
Through Billy's music, I was introduced to the Mahavishnu Orchestra, John McLaughlin, Al DE Meola, Chick Corea, Return To Forever, Weather Report and so much more, the floodgates to my musical mind were opened.
Fast forward many years, I jumped for joy when I had the opportunity to Promote Billy Cobham, the second time I promoted Billy we became on speaking terms
After the afternoon sound check we entered into a discussion about the dynamics of changing a band's lineup by adding or subtracting one or two members – then I told Billy that one of my favourite all-time tunes was a track called Heather from the album Crosswinds.
I thanked Billy for having a big influence on me in 1977. I then asked if I could interview him, Billy said ''no problem but we must have food''.
So as we had a chat over a takeaway curry and a beer in my office I record my first-ever interview with one of my favourite musicians talking about one of my favourite pieces of music of all time with an outstanding and very special sax solo from Michael Brecker, and to this day, to say I was in Heaven is an understatement.
In this mix, I would like to share with you 3 special pieces of music that significantly helped to change my musical direction. I've left out the big-name tunes and albums for obvious reasons as there are so many
- Billy Cobham – Heather – Crosswinds
- Yusef Lateef - Like it is - The Blue Yusef Lateef
- Al Di Meola – Flight Over Rio – Elegant Gypsy
The Interview starts with Billy asking me – So what happened in 1977