34. Billy Cobham / Stratus

[lelandsklar]

There was no click in those days. Was only used in film. Billy did a press roll, a downbeat and we were off. Took a couple of beats to lock in for we had no count off.

[BillyJoeJimBob]

All I can say is Thank You for being a part of something so special!!!
The album "Spectrum" and especially hearing the tune "Stratus" in 1973 for the first time changed my life forever and that's no exaggeration, no lie.
I believe "Stratus" to be one of the most incredible recordings to have ever been put on vinyl for mere mortals to hear. It is an immortal recording that at 50 years old will still be significant and relevant for decades to come.
Well done, Sir!!!

[peterbland]

One of my favorite albums growing up in South Pasadena in the early 1970s. We saw him live at the Roxy, I think in 74 or 75. Great show!

[bluegtr]

Zen and the art of the groove... Seriously, try to play a groove for 6 min without a fill. Thank you Mr. Sklar for showing how its done

[garykay]

Leland, it was sept 1976 and you were on SNL with James Taylor. so my 2 best buddies were at an Indian restaurant having dinner before the show, and i was in the studio audience. my buddies spied you having dinner there. so they approach you to say hi, and you kindly invited them to dine with you. what a great guy you must be. thank you for being you, on and off stage.

[gordonabbott]

I can't believe how much I look forward to these every day.

[GaryHusbandKeyboardsandDrums]

Was such a great experience and pleasure to tour the Spectrum 30 with you! What a pleasure to hear this interview and to get to see “that” bass! Iconic! Stay well dear maestro Lee!

[RizalhanafiYusof]

Stratus is the song I always listened to if I needed a kick on inspiration. Been a life long fan of the late Tommy Bolin.

[TheFeverSick]

Massive Attack are still thanking for this amazing groove!

[anabasis]

Thank you thank you thank you a thousand times THANK YOU

[jamesk]

Thank you for your kind words for Tommy. He lives on in our hearts, and by your wonderful thoughts. He was lucky to have such a solid rock to fly from on this amazing album.

[carlosclaptrix]

Bassline looks easy but is quite hard stay on that path of 16th.
This attitude of not overplaying but serving the song as a whole is just so great and humble. We need that attitude in this world! The spirit of Dumbledore, I mean Lee Sklar! 😊

[slick]

Wow...a trip down memory lane. I saw Zephyr on TV (Dick Clark maybe), and followed Tommy Bolin's career through the James Gang, Deep Purple, this album, his solo albums, and I had tickets to see him the day he died. He played his last gig in Miami, opening for Jeff Beck, playing in Tampa the next night. I had tickets for the Tampa show, but he OD'd. I truly appreciate the memories.

[deaspacesys]

Spectrum opened so many minds!.. Thank you.

[daveyelverton]

Had to pull out my copy of Spectrum and dive in. Such creativity! Man, Tommy Bolin was a master. Super playing by everybody of course, and Ron Carter fit so well. Thanks for the reminder of this great record.

[markspooner]

When I played this record in the bar I worked at in the 70's I couldn't have dreamed that all these years later I would see Mr. Sklar playing this on a video. I'm absolutely made up with this, thank you very much sir, you are a wonder!

[tonyhackett]

I bought "Spectrum" when it was first released, what an album. I'm 65 now, and I have played both the album and especially "Stratus" countless times. It always takes me back to when I first bought it, and it still encourages my inner youth to come out to play. Like all great music, it never grows old. That bass line is the best driver of any tune I have heard.
Many Thanks, Leland. Wonderful.

[alessandrocastagna]

Thank you Mr. Sklar! It was a great emotion to be able to see this song played live with the original Fender Jazz of the 1973 recording! I was born in 1979 and I tell you the love story with Stratus. As a child my father made me listen to this song, always saying to me: "listen, hear well, hear the bass, concentrate on that". So I grew up with that stubborn bass line always in the head, and with the groove of Billy and Tommy and Jan's solos. Now seeing this again thanks to you was really exciting, a great gift! Thanks again! I admire you very much, a great Master! 🙏🏻

[mathieumoreau]

Just watched Immediate Family for the second time...wonderful documentary. Fans should all check it out.

[rolablox]

That was absolutely outstanding Mr.Sklar. My condolences to your fingertips.