Look for a few more pics in a day or so everyone... I did manage to get one in performance band shot. They're really strict there about picture taking so my hands were tied. I recorded the entire show on my Roland digital recorder and it came out awesome! If Billy allows it, I will put up a couple of tunes.
These five very talented artists were simply mind blowing. I knew Patrice was bad, but I didn't know she was THAT bad. She ripped the place apart! After one of her solos during a tune, even Billy stooped playing, stood up behind his kit and gave her a standing ovation. It was a mesmerizing series of performances. Donald Harrison, Essiet Okon Essiet and Lou Soloff (a real character) were just phenomenal!
I must say that the Spectrum tour was great, but I honestly enjoyed this series considerably more. This particular unit really jelled as a band and the chemistry between the five of them was one of those magical unions.
Sitting here trying to describe the show to you is really just a big waste of everyone's time. Quite simply, it's something you have to see and hear for yourself. I will say this much, Billy Cobham has been and is an inspiration to me. I want you all to know that he has reaffirmed that position with me during this most recent bay area stint. Billy was simply on fire! He played the hell out of that brand new Yamaha, maple custom absolutes, Billy Cobham, signature series drum set! You can really tell when Billy's having a good time. He starts laughing and joking with everyone on stage as well as with those in the audience. He looked so happy up there sharing his music. It was wild! It nearly brought me to tears. They did this version of Hip pockets that was so, well, hip! It's one of the tunes I'd like to post for you if Billy says it's okay.
Funny thing, this was not really a Jazz show perse. It was really an acoustic fusion show in my estimation. The only electrical or solid state instrument was the motif keyboard Patrice used along side the Steinway full grand. The music was very powerful, dynamic and hard hitting. A unique sound for sure. And when they did swing, it was no nonsense! They swung it hard!
After the show, autograph and cd sales session, everyone met in the dressing room where we all had a grand time. Some of Billy's family and friends were there as well as those of other band members. Audrey brought a cake so about 25 people were back there sharing musical war stories, telling jokes and ribbing one another. Essiet is a real cut, he had a million of em. Telling one joke after another. He had Billy laughing so hard that he had to get up and leave the room. Everyone was just having a wild fun time. This went on for at least a full hour! All the band members was so nice. Patrice autographed the Motiff keyboard that my friend and bass player Jay Goudeau supplied for her. She was so down to earth and so sweet... everyone was.
Billy makes it so easy for everyone. We ribbed each other nearly the whole time we were setting up the drums for the band rehearsal. And his wife, Faina is nothing less than a sweetheart. It was a bit sad watching everyone disperse on to their next adventures. But that's the way it's supposed to be. I also want to give a quick shout and props to Jim and Eli for supplying such great audio... You guys are awesome!
Thank you, Billy, Faina, Patrice, Lou, Essiet, Donald, Jim and Eli for what will forever be an extraordinary event and time in my and Audrey's life.
God willing, may there be a next time.
Much love,
Don
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Thanks for the pics, Don!
