Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Despite not necessarily being a household name, jazz fusion drummer Billy Cobham’s level of respect amongst fellow musicians stretches across more than five decades and at least that many genres. The world first caught wind of the Panamanian-American’s progressive playing with none other than Miles Davis, followed by the Mahavishnu Orchestra with admirers ranging from King Crimson’s Bill Bruford to Tool’s Danny Carey, plus Prince (who covered his “Stratus” selection in concert) and Genesis beat keeper turned solo superstar Phil Collins (a self-professed super fan).

As the ever-evolving “Red Baron” closed the curtain, Billy Cobham dug deeper into his revolutionary bag of tricks and hinted without saying a word there are endless possibilities up his sleeve on the path of constantly forging forward.

All of that attention filled the charming and sonically pristine City Winery with extremely discerning listeners for a pair of the Billy Cobham Crosswinds Project’s “75th Birthday Celebration” shows. Along with guitarist Fareed Haque, bassist Tim Landers, bassoon/saxophone player Paul Hanson, keyboardist Osam Elelwy and special guest trumpeter Randy Brecker (Brecker Brothers and sideman extraordinaire), the headliner sought to not only reflect on the past, but project into the future.

“Crosswind” and “On The Move” jumpstarted the glorious grooves with the fusion aspect at full tilt and Cobham in particular demonstrating tremendous dexterity with both hands and feet that hasn’t diminished a morsel with age. If anything, the milestone occasion added spice to the slow and sweet marinade of “Spanish Moss,” which gave room for each musician to solo and eventually exploded with every percussion bell and whistle imaginable.

The title track to Cobham’s current collection, “Time Lapse Photos,” benefited from both his masterful way around the kit and the refined band of world-class musicians with a shout-out to the even more prolific Brecker, who was easily the night’s secret weapon. As the ever-evolving “Red Baron” closed the curtain, the leader dug deeper into his revolutionary bag of tricks and hinted without saying a word there are endless possibilities up his sleeve on the path of constantly forging forward.

Click here for more photos of Billy Cobham Crosswinds Project at City Winery.

For additional information on Billy Cobham Crosswinds Project, visit Facebook.com/OfficialBillyCobham.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Toronzo Cannon (Sep. 30); Radney Foster & Kim Richey (Oct. 2); Chicago Farmer (Oct. 3); Lee Ann Womack (Oct. 4-5); Amy Black’s Heart & Soul (Oct. 6); Paula Cole (Oct. 6); Eric Hutchinson Uncorked (Oct. 7); Kevin Griffin (Oct. 8-9); Vivian Green (Oct. 11); Bilal (Oct. 13); Hiromi (Oct. 14-15); Tyrone Wells (Oct. 16); Teedra Moses (Oct. 17); Robbie Fulks (Oct. 18); Jon McLaughlin (Oct. 20); Justin Townes Earle (Oct. 21); Madeleine Peyroux (Oct. 22-23); Rhiannon Giddens (Oct. 26-27); Chicago Philharmonic Fall Series (Oct. 27) and John Hiatt (Oct. 30-Nov. 1). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

Related Articles

Billy Cobham Crosswinds Project: “75th Birthday Celebration” Tour at City Winery Poland’s Basia brings global fusion to late night City Winery sell out Taj Mahal Trio: “An International Treasure” Tour at City Winery Soft Machine, FM, Dinosaur Exhibit featuring Jerry Goodman keep Progtoberfest engaged Phenomenal musicianship and “Electric Fusion” in standing room only Jean Luc Ponty set Basia: “Butterflies” Tour at City Winery A standing room only City Winery savors Taj Mahal Trio’s flavorful shots of the blues New York’s TAUK packs Progtoberfest with progressive rock, jazz fusion and jams