On his aptly titled 1973 solo debut, Spectrum, Billy Cobham revealed his interest and aptitude for the rock, jazz and funk genres. Cobham's impressive list of collaborators here include keyboardist Jan Hammer, guitarist Tommy Bolin, electric bassist Lee Sklar and Ray Barretto on congas. Cobham was fresh off his success with the Mahavishnu Orchestra when he recorded Spectrum.

The guitar licks from Bolin (Zephyr, James Gang, Deep Purple), who overdosed three years later, are particularly memorable and he merges beautifully with Cobham's Mahavishnu band mate Hammer. Spectrum reached No. 1 on the jazz charts around the world and became a crossover phenomenon, serving as a big influence on the burgeoning funk/jazz and fusion movements.