SDM: First of all, Thank You for taking the time for our interview! Can you tell us who some of your biggest influences are? Past and present…
Bill: Elvin Jones, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, Louis Bellson, Tony Williams, Papa Joe Jones, Buddy Rich.
SDM: You have played with many greats like: Miles Davis, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Santana, Stanley Clarke and almost countless others. Out of all the amazing talent you have collaberated with, which individual (or group) was able to bring out your most creative playing?
Bill: None in particular but all as a group. I learned much from every individual depending upon the performance situation and often times, the meeting off stage had more meaning than could be reflected on stage.
SDM: Along the same lines, which individual or group taught you the most about the music industry and how?
Bill: The lessons that I have learned have mostly been reflective of the many mistakes that I have made trying to negotiate the maze we call the music business. There are some who have been blessed with great management support. Believe me when I tell you, I have not been one of them. I think this is a reflection of my destiny so, I just hunker down and do the best I can according to what is laid out before me. Sometimes I win and other times not. The trick is to try and remember as many situations that relate to what is currently on your plate to deal with then try to find a way to use those past experiences as a basis to come up with a means to work out a solution. Sometimes it works and other times not……… So, there is no 'one individual or group' that I can point to more than others as things in this business of music are not so simple.
SDM: Prior to your time at New York's High School of Music and Art, did you study drumming with any other teachers?
Bill: I worked a little with Mr Specs Powell in New York and Mr Henry Adler. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep up the lessons because of lack of funds. they worked with me on discipline, something that was quite elusive to me at that time as I wanted to be the 'fastest', 'loudest', drummer that walked the planet and needed to accomplish those goals yesterday if at all possible. But, then that's the down side youth for you………… It was just as important to keep my eyes open and learn from the world around me (My father told me that once). Try to use the lessons offered me and compare them to what was going on in my immediate social environment. I continue to be a student with this basic concept today.
SDM: What kinds of gear were you playing on back then, and how does it compare to what's currently available?
Bill: Ludwig, Camco, Leedy and Slingerland. The drums were great for what little I understood about them back in those days. But the hardware could not come close to what is provided today. And, we STILL have a long way to go in the hardware category, as I write. Drum thrones, bass drum pedals, snare drum stands are still lacking.
SDM: How important do you feel schooling (reading/writing music) has been to your success and career longevity?
Bill: On a scale of 1 to 10: 10
SDM: How long do you typically get, to learn material for recording, or touring with different projects?
Bill: Not much time at all: maybe a couple of days on the average.
SDM: Were there ever any players you were nervous to play with? Due to their talents or reputations…
Bill: Miles Davis
SDM: Have you ever been exposed to modern extreme metal drumming? What do you think of some of the speeds and new techniques these guys are reaching & introducing?
Bill: I have not knowingly been exposed to extreme metal drumming so, I cannot comment.
SDM: What do you have in store for 2009, and where is the best place for people to buy your material?
Bill: I am hopeful that I will be able to release another cd in 2009. I am well on my way to accomplishing this but still need to record a few more 'bits' before I feel satisfied that I have what I need. The best place to find my recordings are on my web site, www.billycobham.com
SDM: In closing, what advice would you offer young drummers looking to make drumming a career?
Bill: "Have patience, this may take a while."
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