Billy Cobham - Spectrum

Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!

No. 1 jazz charting release worldwide!

Hybrid Stereo SACD

On his aptly titled 1973 solo debut, Spectrum, Billy Cobham revealed his interest and aptitude for the rock, jazz and funk genres. Cobham's impressive list of collaborators here include keyboardist Jan Hammer, guitarist Tommy Bolin, electric bassist Lee Sklar and Ray Barretto on congas. Cobham was fresh off his success with the Mahavishnu Orchestra when he recorded Spectrum.

The guitar licks from Bolin (Zephyr, James Gang, Deep Purple), who overdosed three years later, are particularly memorable and he merges beautifully with Cobham's Mahavishnu band mate Hammer. Spectrum reached No. 1 on the jazz charts around the world and became a crossover phenomenon, serving as a big influence on the burgeoning funk/jazz and fusion movements.

 

1. Quadrant 4

2. Searching For The Right Door

3. Spectrum

4. Anxiety

5. Taurian Matador

6. Stratus

7. To The Women In My Life

8. Le Lis

9. Snoopy's Search

10. Red Baron

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 2 person(s) rated this product.

Spectrum sounds amazing! posted on 08/10/2026 5 Stars Reviewer: Timothy I have heard Spectrum so many times since I first heard it in the early 1980s. I must say that this SACD release has totally renewed my appreciation of the Spectrum album. All of the drum interludes, Searching for the Right Door, Anxiety, the Stratus intro, are expressed perfectly in this new remaster. You feel like you are right there next to Billy (at any volume that suits you!) Compared to other releases, I am hearing Spectrum has plenty of punch and depth without any harshness. Taurian Matador has better separation and width. Le Lis is silky smooth but very dynamic. Ken Scott recorded the drums on this recording exceptionally well and this remaster really allows them to stand out, not overbearing but prominent, full, and crisp. Lots of dynamics! The mastering of Spectrum is a total success, Analogue Productions. I beg you to please remaster and release Billy Cobham's Crosswinds album next!

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