FRUIT FROM THE LOOM

As a Cobham fan,I listened this album some times trying to understand it better ( or feel it better). Pity, it didn't help: I don't think that this album is one of his strong works.

Musicians team are impressive, including great Brian Auger ( and in some places you can hear his excellent keyboard sound), bassist Victor Bailey ( ex -Weather Report), big brass section and team of african drummers. Some Cobham old great compositions are included as well (Zanzeebar Dreams, Spectrum and Crosswinds). So, problem is not musicians or musical material, the problem is music itself.

During some last years Billy is living in Switzerland and extensively playing with few different teams of musicians. But main part of his music is world-fusion now, and this album is just an example. I have nothing against world music, but there we can hear it's bad version - world fusion with strong influence of pop-jazz and easy listening. So, even great old compositions sound there as music for supermarkets.

Separate music pieces are great like in good old times, but there are not too many of them, and they have no chance to build attractive sound or atmosphere of all album. Even Billy's drumming sounds are not as strong and explosive, as usual. I saw Cobham playing just a week ago live, and he showed perfect form and some great music ( with his another project - Billy Cobham Band). So, it means that the problem is not his physical form, just his musical vision for that moment.

Album could be still attractive for those loving more soft and melodic world fusion. But in general - very,very average work of great musician. Pity, but 2,5 only.