SPECTRUM

I admit, of all the fusion bands out there(and I consider myself a huge fusion fan), I've never been able to get into Mahavishnu Orchestra. I have, however, always appreciated the talents of Billy Cobham and Tommy Bolin. Billy Cobham's _Spectrum_ album is a match made in heaven. If you want great guitar work, look no further. I would consider this album the framework of all things _Jeff Beck_ in relation to Beck's fusion period(especially _Blow By Blow_ and _Wired_). If you like those Jeff Beck albums, then Bliiy Cobham's _Spectrum_ is a must have since they are similar. Highlights are Quadrant 4, Spectrum and Stratus(this track has been sampled by several hip/hop artists). I seriously don't know how Billy Cobham pulls off this drumming at breakneck speed. It's simply incredible. The other tracks are mellow jazz/fusion and 1 minute drum workouts(intros to many of the pieces). After this album, Tommy Bolin would eventually join Deep Purple on their album _Come Taste The Band_(not my favourite, but it has since grown on me...worth checking out). _Spectrum_ is an almost masterpiece of jazz/rock fusion, but definitely a classic. It should be in every prog.rock collection.