Billy Cobham’s SPECTRUM: The Birth of a Fusion Masterpiece in (Quadio) (Blu-ray Audio)

I’ve been head-over-heels in love with Billy Cobham’s SPECTRUM ever since I first heard it back in the early ’80s. Now, I’ll be the first to admit—I was never really a “jazz guy.” My musical roots were planted firmly in rock soil, especially the heavy-hitting sounds of Deep Purple. But SPECTRUM? That album hit me like a bolt of lightning. It had the groove, the fire, the freedom—and most importantly, it had Tommy Bolin.

When I found out that Bolin—the late, great guitar virtuoso who briefly lit up Deep Purple’s lineup—played on this album, everything clicked. His blistering solos, melodic phrasing, and raw emotion were unmistakable, and hearing him in a jazz fusion context just opened up a whole new world for me. SPECTRUM was the perfect bridge between the rock I loved and the jazz I didn’t know I needed. It was my gateway into a genre I had always kept at arm’s length.

To this day, SPECTRUM holds a permanent place in my collection—not just as a beloved album, but as a personal milestone in my musical journey. It’s far more than a jazz fusion record; it’s a genre-defying masterpiece that inspired the rocker in me while gently pulling me into uncharted sonic territory. It shattered any preconceived notions I had about jazz and opened my ears to the boundless possibilities that arise when musical worlds collide.

Now, decades later, this iconic album is getting the royal treatment it truly deserves with a Quadio Blu-ray Audio release from Rhino. This high-fidelity format brings out the depth, clarity, and spatial nuance of each track, offering an immersive listening experience that’s bound to thrill audiophiles and longtime fans alike. For those who have only ever heard SPECTRUM through headphones or standard speakers, this release promises a whole new appreciation of the album’s rich textures and dynamic performances—from the thunderous pulse of “Stratus” to the laid-back funk of “Red Baron.”

It’s a celebration not just of Billy Cobham’s visionary drumming, but of a record that continues to bridge generations, genres, and tastes—proof that truly great music never fades, it just gets better with time.

Before stepping into the spotlight with his solo work, Billy Cobham had already carved out an enviable reputation. A percussive trailblazer, he cut his teeth with Miles Davis during the revolutionary electric jazz era—appearing on landmark albums like Bitches Brew—and was a founding force behind the Mahavishnu Orchestra, where jazz collided with rock in thrilling new ways. But in 1973, Cobham dropped a sonic bombshell with his debut solo album, SPECTRUM, and changed the jazz fusion landscape forever.

Recorded at the legendary Electric Lady Studios in New York City—originally built for Jimi Hendrix—SPECTRUM was a lightning-in-a-bottle moment. The album crackled with energy, spontaneity, and fearless experimentation. Tracks like the atmospheric “Stratus,” the infectious “Le Lis,” and the silky funk of “Red Baron” were laid down in just one or two takes. The result? A raw, electric fusion of jazz improvisation with rock’s edge and funk’s irresistible groove.

Backing Cobham was a dream team of collaborators:

• Tommy Bolin, the guitar prodigy whose searing solos on SPECTRUM caught the attention of Deep Purple, who recruited him soon after.
• John Tropea is a studio guitar savant with a versatile sound and effortless touch.
• Jan Hammer, a Mahavishnu Orchestra mate and future creator of the iconic Miami Vice theme, brought a space-age feel with his pioneering synth work.
• Leland Sklar, the legendary session bassist with a jaw-dropping résumé that includes James Taylor, Phil Collins, and Jackson Browne.

Spotlight on “Red Baron”

“Red Baron” stands out as a masterclass in laid-back funk with razor-sharp precision. Anchored by Sklar’s deep, steady bassline and Cobham’s crisp, in-the-pocket drumming, the track glides effortlessly while showcasing the brilliant interplay between the musicians. Bolin’s guitar solo is smooth and soulful, showing restraint and taste over sheer flash, while Hammer’s keys add rich texture. It’s a groove you can sink into, and one of the most sampled and celebrated tracks in Cobham’s catalog.

“Red Baron” has gone on to influence artists across genres and remains a go-to track for drum enthusiasts and groove seekers alike.

Even jazz piano legend Vince Guaraldi, best known for his work on the Peanuts soundtracks, was wowed by the album. Upon hearing SPECTRUM, Guaraldi reportedly called it “a bold leap forward in jazz—something wild, smart, and alive.” He praised Cobham’s drumming as “orchestral” and admired the album’s fearless blending of styles, calling it “a new voice for a new generation.”