Drummer reacts to "Stratus" by Billy Cobham

[@kimmomaki]

Jeff Beck basically re-learned how to do music after he heard this track. Not forgetting that all those lightning-fast triplets Bolin plays are picked. No hammer-ons. The kid had heart.

[@L33Reacts]

Holy shit really? That's wild! He was on fire. I did Jeff's version as well! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIu6daiDrNWKfas

[@d.vincent6190]

​@@L33Reacts You should dig deep into Tommy Bolin, he was phenomenal, played with Zepher, the James gang and Deep purple, and two solo albums before his untimely death at only 25 years old.

[@Asymmatrix]

Ahh now you're talking. Quadrant 4 is the mind blower.

[@L33Reacts]

I saw that one too, I will do that next! 😊

[@papacarl2002]

Damn straight- been rockin’ this album lately for my teenage son that’s into Cowboy Bebop Anime soundtrack. 🤘🏼🎧 🤟🏼

[@alldayadventures5418]

Few Things: It is said he was born with sticks in his Hands, plays so loud, he beats them drums like they owe him money, and He actually plays with (4) sticks in some of his tunes. His album Total Eclipse is a travel into deep space...... IN YOUR MIND... PS: Quadrant 4... I made a mountain biking Music Video with that tune 10 years ago. That tune is off the hook front to back...

[@ericjurgens6976]

Tommy Bolin's story is so sad. He was an amazingly versatile guitarist and was becoming an excellent singer and songwriter when he succumbed to his addictions. Both of Bolin's solo albums. Teaser and Private Eyes are definitely worth your time.

[@adnilrummut105]

indeed!

[@Lightmane]

This album is just too good for words. Billy is a Beast on drums.

[@L33Reacts]

Dude he really is.... he was laying down some tasty shit here. I loved it.

[@alldayadventures5418]

Billy Cobham, the Drummers Drummer... One of his Best Albums is Total Eclipse, where he Totally Eclipses all other Drummers.

[@scottdavis1989]

You need to look into all things Tommy Bolin. Start with James Gang “Standing in the Rain”, then get to Tommy’s “Teaser” or “Homeward Strut”. Maybe even “Post Toastee”. And so much more!

[@58BURST]

The late, great Tommy Bolin!!🎸

[@captaincoconut8967]

Bolin was a hell of a guitarist I think his work on this album is what got the attention of the guys in Deep Purple

[@vibetone355]

Cobham a monster

[@owl-gd6ce]

Tommy Bolin is the Guitar player on this album..one of the best. unfortunately he died at age 26 or something. He was also the last guitarist in Deep Purple after Ritchie Blackmore split. Fusion music. Also one of the best Deep Purple albums is Come Taste The Band. Tommy is extraordinary. And he was in the James Gang when Joe Walsh split. Check it out...I hope your hand heals up nice. ✌💫

[@bobosbotanicals]

Tommy’s two solo albums are amazing. Great underrated guitarist died way too soon. Check out Post Toastie from his Private Eyes album.

[@rolfjamne8922]

The sound on this album is epic. The same goes for Visions of the Emerald beyond by Mahavisnu Orchestra. Check out Lilas dance from that album. Another great drummer Narada Michael Walden👌

[@glenndespres5317]

Yes! Emerald Beyond and Lila’s Dance! Finally someone besides me lobbying for this album and track! Lee?

[@petertrotman7708]

Jan spends years developing his synth to sound like a guitar. He mastered it so well that when people heard his Miami vice tv theme they were asking who the guitar player was. Absolute Genius. Bolin was probably 22 or 23 on this recording and died at 25. A sad loss.

[@anita.fringe]

When we were listening to 8 tracks and cassettes of this and other jazz rock fusion bands riding around in cars as teens in Nashville, we considered this acid jazz. Maybe it was just us. 😜

[@V7avalon]

you'd like Tommy Bolin and Jeff Beck The Jam (1976) also do Tommy Bolin Post Toastie 😂

[@oldmanghost219]

Jeff Beck ..Stratus From 2009 Ronnie Scotts. Jeff does his own version of manipulation of his guitar. Volume knob, the heel of his hand on the bridge, and the whammy bar. GREAT. It is my favorite and the interaction between him and Tal is priceless. At one point it looks like he gesturing to the table in front of Tal where they are rockin' out to the song and maybe Tal should IDK .... He thought it was a Joke when this young girl showed up at his door for an audition. He recognized the talent right away and signed her up for the 2007 tour that included Crossroads where I like that version of ... Big Block

[@L33Reacts]

I did it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIu6daiDrNWKfas I had no idea that was a cover off this until yall told me this morning 😂😂 he killed it!

[@oldmanghost219]

@@L33Reacts OKAY I do miss things. I thought this comment I made about a new Tal interview may peak your interest . (I have questions about some of the interactions between Jeff and Tal. Questions like "What so funny" (at various times including the way Jeff ended Brush With the Blues at 2007 Crossroads) & "What was going on with that table at Ronnie Scott's during stratus? Was it just that they were groovin' or a pick up suggestion? That guy was cute and Tal's eyebrows did that quick up thing" IDK.)

[@oldmanghost219]

@@L33Reacts No need to react but If you are interested in that interview.---->...( Tal reflects on her 2007 Crossroads performance with @JeffBeck on the @lexfridman podcast) .. This is just part of the 2 hour interview. I just found it and haven't seen yet myself

[@grahamreed8774]

Billy- famous for his intricate and fast snare work. That snare is so tight. One of the best drum solos I've ever seen live, in 1973.

[@L33Reacts]

Sounded like a damn machine gun! It was tuned so tight that I was shifting in my seat from how good it sounded 😆😆

[@robinreiley1828]

Cobham was just as tight in 2013, when he did the "Spectrum 40th Anniversary Tour

[@-R.Gray-]

Cobham's big drum song with the Mahavishnu Orchestra was "One Word". There are some good videos of him with the group he had with George Duke. On the documentary "The Drummers of Frank Zappa" they talk about watching him nightly when they were on tour together with Mahavishnu.

[@steves2176]

Back in the early 70's Terry Bozzio once said that there's this drummer for Mahavishnu Orchestra, Billy Cobham, who's a beast and frankly quite intimidating because of his power and chops in the then new Fusion music genre that Mahavishnu Orchestra was known for being very instrumental in developing! Imagine Terry Bozzio feeling intimidated!

[@-R.Gray-]

@@steves2176 There's a good video of Cobham performing "Rush Hour" with George Duke.

[@andyshan]

It's a huge and timeless track. No coincidence that Massive Attack would sample that bass riff to create their track Safe From Harm released in 1991 on their debut album, bringing Billy Cobham to the attention of the trip hop fan base (another form of fusion for a different generation) If you haven't heard it it is well worth a reaction.

[@L33Reacts]

Dont know why the premiere didnt happen but here we are. Enjoy! This was fantastic, lol

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

Jan Hammer (theme song for Miami Vice) on keyboards and moog, and the legendary Leland Sklar on bass guitar…L33, you and your subscribers should go check out his channel if you already haven’t. Phenomenal bass player, great storyteller…he’s got many comical and interesting ‘industry insider’ tales to tell…

[@DonLaybourne]

One of my favorite recordings of all time. Fortunately saw Billy 3 times around this release. Once with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Carlos Santana/ John McLaughlin Band and Billies own band including the Brecker Brothers. Stratus still stuns me how wonderful it sounds today. Magic composition and excellent execution.

[@joeyblowey123456]

Possibly the best fusion rock album ever.

[@kurtkish6970]

Cobham is a FORCE OF NATURE. That’s all that needs to be said.😐

[@jimhardiman3836]

If you watch the Zappa drummers round table on the Drum Channel, you can see that they were terrified when they were sharing the bill with the Mahavishnu Orchestra by power precision and artistry of Billy Cobham. It's hard understand the effect Billy Cobham had on the drum world at the time.

[@markdrechsler5660]

The whole album is as good as the opening track. Widely hailed as a classic. The jazz is in the structure of the song. After a drum intro from the drummer band leader and composer, the group plays the main theme as an ensemble. Following that, several members take turns soloing, with the ensemble returning to repeat the main theme to close the song.

[@kevinlundgren1169]

Just wait until you check out Quadrant 4 !! Then you can hear this band jam !! And yes , it's pronounced ,Yan . Guess what ? Now you are getting into Tommy Bolin ! Get ready for this ride !

[@robinreiley1828]

Cobham did a 40th Anniversary Tour the Spectrum Album in 2013, outstanding! Mahavishnu Orchestra played with Carlos Santana, in support of the Love Devotion and Surrender album. Listening to McLaughlin and Santana trade licks for 2 hours was Mind Bending.Watching Cobham play is like watching a Great Athlete, he is Fast, Powerful and So Precise! Tommy Bolin had a World of Possibilities before we him when Spectrum came out, but like too many, he passed way too soon.

[@Asymmatrix]

Leland playing along on the original bass and talking about the recording session etc: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWK9ZaiuZt5kmJo He also posted some rare stuff from the reunion

[@MJM1309]

The locomotive Billy C

[@edgarsnake2857]

I saw Billy numerous times with various groups and, trust me, his recordings do not do justice to his amazing power drumming. But I'm glad you are giving some love to one of the sometimes overlooked GOATS.

[@AlesPickar]

As a countryman of Jan Hammer I can attest that your pronounciation was spot on. :-)

[@L33Reacts]

Good to hear I didn't butcher it! I always Do. 😂😂

[@AlesPickar]

You kinda got confused again at the end. :) But it is as you did the first way round: like "Yann", and short on the "a" to sound nicely Czech. :) @@L33Reacts

[@penelopefloor2935]

I don't know how it was that I first heard this album in the mid-seventies, but it's been a favorite ever since.

[@LeOhio817]

Billy Cobham. Drummer extraordinaire. Definitely one of the G.O.A.T.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Lee, the term you are looking for is "Fusion Jazz", not Prog or Art Rock. The bass line is fairly Funk-oriented but the soloing and Billy's outtro insanity is definitely fusion-free blowing! OMG, Cobham is a MOUNTAIN of a drummer! You should check out the Mahavishnu Orchestra track called "Dream" from the "Between Nothingness and Eternity" Live album! The song is 21:24 minutes long and it is an epic journey! "Dream" will change your life!

[@metalhos]

on their 1991 debut, Massive Attack sampled the bassline of Stratus for the track "Safe from Harm". different vibe, but as great.

[@bobcorbin3294]

The late grear Tommy Bolin on Guitar. I was supposed to have seen him open for Jeff Beck in December of 1976 but he O.D.d in Miami three days before

[@jeandevine4811]

try School Days by Stanley Clarke

[@wendellwiggins2900]

Jan (Han) Hammer established what became the signature synth sound of 70s Fusion. I saw Billy on tour then as well, and from a mezzanine above him, I watched the most fast and precise yet still incredibly melodically inventive drummer ever.

[@diverdown631]

DEEP DIVE!!! Nobody worked the snare like Billy

[@mikedemike5393]

out of the fire of the inner mountain and out of the light of spectrum jazz fusion was born.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

Great Classic Prog-Fusion by the former "Maha" Drummer, so great and there must be 20+ Live Videos of this over 40 yrs with Billy playing this changing it up with many different Drum kits over the years Lee !! 👍🥁🎶

[@L33Reacts]

I saw the live version of "you know, you know" but that's it of the live stuff. He was on FIRE that performance. Thanks for watching Ronnie!

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

@@L33Reacts Billy is really a "Koool" guy also I seen him in concert twice and the one a small club in Boston called "Nightstage" years ago in the 1990s and my friends and I we were there 3 hrs early and were having Dinner and Billy walk in with a roadie putting Cymbals on his Kit and we wave to him after a bit and he came over to us three guys and we talked music for around 20 minutes it was very nice of him !! 👍🎶

[@NondescriptMammal]

As a big fan of guitar, Quadrant 4 was my favorite from this album, Tommy Bolin's work on it is phenomenal

[@runtt01]

You need to listen to "Quadrant 4". You will also hear where a certain drummer from a famous rock band got the beat to one of their biggest hit songs.

[@frederickpando9444]

Tommy Bolin of the James Gang and then the replacement guitarist for Richie Blackmore in 1975 in Deep Purple.

[@jonathondennis]

Spectrum was one of the first digitally recorded albums. Teaser is Tommy Bolin's album -- you should check it out!

[@rk41gator]

Leland played with all the greats. From Billy and Phil Collins to Sweet Baby James and Santana. Zappa meets Mahavishnu Orchestra is so right. Cobham is SO fast.....insanity. This is FUSION!

[@duledule1127]

In my opinion, stratos is the most important composition after Stravinsky's celebration of spring - the first real groove - only after that everything else was created. Tomy Bolin on guitar created one of the best solos on guitar! And Tomy Bolin on guitar created one of the best guitar solos - forget Satriani and co.

[@hugeroastpotato]

I saw Billy Cobham at the Rainbow, back in 1974.

[@srj108]

Wow. Never heard this before. It's great!

[@L33Reacts]

Yeah this was nuts lol what a group of musicians. They all played so well off each other.

[@Michael-Philip]

🎵🥁 Billy Cobham 🥁🎵

[@L33Reacts]

He always lays down the tastiest stuff. I love "you know, you know" so much because of his drumming. And Jan. And John. Damn.

[@hogwash1462]

Loved this album since it came out - stunning and sampled so often. Mega on headphones.

[@lassekristoffersen5906]

There are many BEST drummers. Cobham is one of them. And this melody... check out Jeff Beck's version. Is even better.

[@L33Reacts]

I've done it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIu6daiDrNWKfas

[@glynnborders762]

Try The Red Baron on this album. I saw Billy in concert twice. Amazing.

[@scotto.4832]

Cobham might be the best drummer North America ever produced. Also, Tommy Bolin on guitar was a magnificent choice. L. Sklar on bass & Jan Hammer on keys rounds out this monster group.

[@phonebone81]

Thanks for sharing and thanks to “Jan” for this great music suggestion. I was able to see Billy Cobham in a small club. It was the "Jubilee Concert" by Wolfgang Schmid (probably the best bass player in Germany). I particularly liked Billy Cobham's "warm up", which I was able to listen to when there was no audience in the club - what a cool sound. Best wishes @all from Hamburg (Germany)

[@4tuneagent]

Great reaction! This album cooks! Another album by a Jazz/Fusion drummer that Tommy Bolin plays guitar on, is by Alphonse Mouzon, called Mind Transplant. Try the tune, "Nitroglycerin ".

[@martinduner1844]

One for the ages!

[@L33Reacts]

Absolutely!! This is An amazing track. Billy is amazing. He is in the groove 24/7 it's beautiful lol

[@gsdrummerlit]

Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scott’s does a version of Stratus. Very nice

[@michaelbriefs9764]

oooooo...Cobham!! Wow....

[@jimmoore8951]

He had me with that first solo... from a simple warmup to the speed that Billy was known for. Lee Sklar and Jan (pronounced Yawn) Hammer make sure you don't fall asleep after til the guitar hits you in the face. One thing you knew you were going to get from any Billy Cobham band was sheer speed so be prepared to keep up or be left in the dust. I would have loved to see this live so I would know that Billy only has 2 hands

[@gerrydupuis9897]

I had mentioned this,album way back...glad ur checking it out. Bad ass.

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

Dang, Young'un! (70 yr. old here) You sure o have a knack for making me revisit my youth. I hadn't reached for that vinyl in years. Thanks.

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

Love the name he chose for his own production co. BILLHAM COBLEY PRODUCTIONS…😂 besides being a killer drummer, he’s also got a great sense of humor…

[@L33Reacts]

That's hilarious 😂 gotta love drummers we're usually funny 😁

[@MrJoakingdel]

Bundles soft machine also...

[@stephenvarty191]

You must try the Love Devotion Surrender album!

[@bobk9572]

Great album! Try Tony Williams Lifetime band "Fred"

[@davidcandelaria4411]

Tommy Bolin was so underrated as a guitarist

[@mellotronin54]

I know this is heralded as a landmark album in the fusion genre but I did not get it in the 70's and it still leaves me cold now. My bad I know. It still seems like a jam over one chord I want a tune.

[@jowsmith1904]

another drumming LEGEND.

[@jeandevine4811]

Now you're going the right way.....Listen to Hot Rats from start to finish, as it should be heard. BTW I saw him in '72 in London. First time I saw a cordless guitar!

[@L33Reacts]

I've done Willie the pimp and it was great! One of my most replayed zappa songs:)

[@jeandevine4811]

great, but it's still not the first track@@L33Reacts

[@L33Reacts]

I know

[@vibetone355]

Like the Jeff Beck version also ✌️✌️✌️

[@Humb7757]

Ahh this Magnificent Album..I had on vinyl, now on Cd and DVDAudio!!! This is a masterpiece A 💎! Magnificent Musicians ❤

[@ignatzmuskrat3000]

You remind me of the argument between Zappa and Gabriel synthesist pioneer, Larry Fast, that he can make you believe a synth waveform can sound like a guitar. That was an actual bicker in the late 70's. Lol.

[@olias056]

you did the Jeff Beck version of this song with what I requested last month.

[@L33Reacts]

Yeah I linked it in one of the comments down below. I didn't realize it till someone mentioned it. That's how well Jeff covered it, he completely changed it almost LOL

[@michael_hh]

i love him

[@andremartin5446]

Frank Friday you should do The Black Page 1 and 2!! Just a suggestion, since you mentionned him in this video ❤

[@chrismartin6370]

Tommy Bolin on guitar. 🔥🔥

[@kurtkish6970]

Cobham’s snare and toms remind me of Bruford’s. I’ll probably have drummers jumping down my throat with that comment!🤣

[@Stormbringer75]

Bruford amongst many others was influenced hugely by Cobham.

[@pongosnodgrass7014]

Jeff Beck "considered" giving up guitar and switching to keys , bcoz of Jan Hammer and Moog 😮 True.

[@Asymmatrix]

Jeff is on record saying this album is the reason he decided to keep his career going.

[@sonicart1808]

Great album from the 70s, with an all-star lineup too including jazz legends Ron Carter and Joe Farrell.... a great reaction from you as always sir! This track smells a bit like ants though at the beginning, but I love it, Billy's such a massive crab.......

[@martyk656]

If I had to play one song for the rest of my life, this would be it. :)

[@L33Reacts]

I see why 🙃 this was fantastic.

[@kevinlundgren1169]

And you do know that it is Tommy Bolin on the guitar , right ??

[@Mtns14000]

Yes Jan Hammer pronounces his first name "Yan". Jan is playing a moog synthesizer.

[@donaldjackson1490]

Billy’s Crosswinds album is just as tasty….try Heather for a more sublime mood

[@L33Reacts]

I'll add it to the list, Don! Thank you so much! 😁

[@scotto.4832]

@@L33Reacts YES YES please cover any track from Crosswinds (The Pleasant Pheasant, Heather, & the title track are magnificent!)

[@bodhibick2378]

Excellent album! Jan (pronounced Yawn)

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

Hi L33 Just a head's up for possible Wednesday reaction: Jan 10th is David Bowie's birthday. Would be 77 on Wednesday.

[@MrKeychange]

Do you have an ETA on Helter Skelter? I'm dying to see that one. 😜🤘

[@L33Reacts]

Tomorrow ;)

[@MrKeychange]

@@L33Reacts Hell yeah

[@briangilbert230]

I saw Billy Cobham over 40 years ago. This is much better this isn't as cluttered sounding, maybe because a college hall doesn't really have the acoustics for that many excellent people playing at once.

[@cymbaldrum]

Its called a single stroke roll!!!!

[@glenndespres5317]

Lee. What the hell happened to your finger? Ok, you sliced it. Whaaat? Hope it’s ok, man. That said….Cobham makes me happy.😊. FYI , I think it’s ‘Yawn’ Hammer. If I’m wrong I’ll deny I ever said it. Seems to work for politicians. 😉 Don’t know who suggested this song but my hat is OFF to them! Killer stuff.

[@oldmanghost219]

LMAO I don't know what happened but after I clicked on that link you left me your response disappeared and i see I did too many comments already. Peace out and may the New Year bring you joy in your life.

[@Stretchgood366]

Quandrant 4 and more Tommy Bolin-Post Toastie, People People.

[@majorharper4087]

I Double guitar dare you to go down the Tommy Bolin rabbit hole. Amazing guitar portfolio from a short career .

[@stevesosman3577]

Billy would have been the perfect drummer for Zappa

[@blitztim6416]

Yes it’s Jan, like yawn. He played with Jeff Beck also. Pretty much anything he’s involved with is good.

[@mikedemike5393]

yan hammer...billy is a drummer you should check out

[@ignatzmuskrat3000]

I always suspected Reaction Videos are bloodsport. 🖖

[@L33Reacts]

It's dangerous out here bro!! You never know when you just might drop. 🙃

[@louisgreen3915]

The whole of this album is as good as this track.

[@jamesw.5855]

Brother, you need to check out Quadrant 4 from this album. IMHO better than Stratus.

[@damonhines8187]

Had this album, also bought Deep Purple's 'Come Taste the Band', with Tommy Bolin replacing Blackmore for the one record. Great player, sadly ODed while on tour with Jeff Beck, age 25, iirc.😢💔 Saw Jan with Beck for what I thought would be the 'Wired' tour, great keyboardist, was much more interested in Jeff, truthfully. 3rd and last time I saw him. Saw Billy with John McLaughlin and Carlos Santana touring their album 'Love Devotion Surrender'. Billy is unquestionably phenomenal, but the show belonged entirely to McLaughlin, whose performance the Globe and Mail newspaper characterized as possessing 'a sense of nobility in his playing'. Most spot-on concert review I've ever read. Cool sh!t, fer sher, man. Take care of your fingers, bro. Your hands wouldn't be the same without 'em. 😊🤙🏼🎶❤️✨️🕊