Billy Cobham/George Duke Band – Live on Tour In Europe [1976]

The Billy Cobham/George Duke band playing together live on on this album
is perhaps one of the finest moments in jazz-fusion history, and is also one of the greatest unknowns. It’s an unknown because only real enthusiasts would ever manage to dig it up, so it has never had much exposure amongst casual listeners. The concert and the band was a one time thing; the band recorded this one album and then went their separate ways. What you are about to witness with your ears is a tour de force which sees four of the greatest musicians in the jazz-rock world playing it cool and staying in the pocket; yes it’s jazz funk!

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Let’s start off with John Scofield, you’ve probably heard of the guy, if not then you have been under a rock too long. Scofield is one of the jazz-fusion guitar greats, burned into the ranks with John Mclaughlin, Allan Holdsworth and Pat Metheny to name a few. This live recording is possibly the earliest example of his playing that can be seen and heard; he plays with much more fire than he does in his later work which turns the dial down to cleaner jazz playing (check out his hilarious guitar faces throughout his solo!) If you want to hear an example of how to construct a legendary and somewhat unpredictable guitar solo, just check out Scofield’s bag of tricks at 1:46 – 4:07, he manages to hold the groove amidst three black musicians with rhythm coursing through their veins! Also note the tone he is forcing out of his Les Paul Junior!

Next we have Billy Cobham, arguably one of the greatest jazz-fusion drummers to have ever lived. Known for his work with the Mahavishnu Orcherstra, he has carved a reputation for having a hugely influential style that incorporates explosive rock drumming with precise jazz technique and sometimes crazy time signatures. This guy never looses the beat and he always brings out the absolute best with whatever musician he works with; he is the canvas that holds the painting together.

Considering the band is called the Billy Cobham/George Duke band, it goes without saying that George Duke is also in this band. George Duke is most known for playing with Frank Zappa, and is an extremely talented keyboardist with a huge capacity to play funky lines. He uses his synth to create almost guitar like sounds and also has a good sense of humour! To witness both these feats check out the track ‘Space Lady!’

Last, but definitely not least is the bassist. Yes, that bad ass black dude who looks so deep in the pocket that he’s probably lost in there next to some spare change. The man has a name and it is Alphonso Johnson, he is known for his playing with the jazz-fusion band Weather Report from 1974-1976 and for altering the band’s direction from dark free form jazz-fusion to funk jazz-fusion. This bassist has amazing skills, he is one of my favourites.