TOTAL ECLIPSE

My favourite Cobham record is the debut "Spectrum" and it's not close as he brought in Tommy Bolin on guitar giving us a fiery Jazz/Fusion album. The followup "Crosswinds" saw Billy returning more to his Jazz roots I guess you could say as he brought in John Abercrombie on guitar, along with the Brecker brothers, as horns become more of the focus. And there's more of that on this the followup "Total Eclipse" with Abercrombie back along with the Brecker brothers. This was released in 1974 and it feels like the further we get from "Spectrum" the less I'm liking his music.

How about that 11 minute opener though "Sourization" with five distinct movements, you can call this Prog. It doesn't all work but I'm impressed. Some funk on "Lunarputians" as well as early on "Moon Germs". Some energy in that title track with Cobham showing why he is at the top of the drum food chain. "Bandits" is punchy with the bass and drums as guitar plays over top. Lastly "Sea Of Tranquility" which is one of my favourites just trips along with musicians coming and going and atmosphere too. That's two 11 minute tunes on here.

Like "Crosswinds" this is a low 4 stars but I feel there's enough on both to warrant the rating. Just get "Spectrum" if you like your music to sizzle.