Personnel: Billy Cobham (synthesizer, percussion); Michael Brecker, Larry Schneider (saxophone); Randy Brecker, Walt Fowler (trumpet); Tom Malone (trombone, piccolo); Glenn Ferris (trombone); Milcho Leviev (keyboards); John Scofield (guitar); Alex Blake (bass); "Rebop" Kwaku Baah (congas).

Producers: Billy Cobham, Mark Meyerson.

Reissue producers: Donald Elfman, Naomi Yoshii.

Principally recorded at Columbia Records Studio, San Francisco, California. Originally released on Atlantic (18149).

All tracks have been digitally remastered using HDCD technology.

Personnel: Billy Cobham (synthesizer, drums, percussion); John Scofield (guitar); Tom "Bones" Malone (piccolo, trombone); Michael Brecker (saxophone, tenor saxophone, horns); Larry Schneider (saxophone); Randy Brecker (trumpet, horns); Walt Fowler (trumpet); Glenn Ferris, Alex Blake (trombone); Milcho Leviev (keyboards).

Recording information: Columbia Records Studio, San Fr; Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelph.

Photographers: Jim Marshall ; Billy Cobham.

Arrangers: Alex Blake; Milcho Leviev; Randy Brecker; Billy Cobham.

After a string of successful solo efforts, Billy Cobham began to slip into mediocrity beginning with this recording, originally released in 1975. While elements of funk were always a part of his band's sound, it was now the primary focus. "Panhandler" stands out as the session's most memorable composition, while Milcho Leviev contributes nicely on "Moody Modes." Cobham fans will want to seek this out for the extended drum solo "A Funky Kind of Thing," which stands as one of the most original drum solos he ever recorded. Of particular interest here is the presence of John Scofield, who had replaced John Abercrombie. Not up to the standards of its predecessors, but a worthy purchase, especially with the reissue on CD. ~ Robert Taylor

Genre:

• Jazz