Billy Cobham - Inner Conflicts (1978)

A solid effort that has been dismissed based upon its associations with two Cobham lemons, Simplicity of Expression: Depth of Thought and B.C., all recorded around the same time. This recording finds Cobham continuing to explore the funk genre; however, the overall mood here is quite darker and more introspective, similar to Crosswinds. Inner Conflicts is a haunting song that includes Cobham's experimentation with electronic percussion and synthesizer. Nickles and Dimes is a page out of Cobham's early work, while El Barrio is heavily influenced by African rhythms. Of note, Prince's former sidekick Sheila E. performs here with her father Pete. The closer, Arroyo, is another of Cobham's memorable compositions that he continues to perform.

– Robert Taylor, All Music Guide

Tracklist:

1. Inner Conflicts (10:49)
2. The Muffin Talks Back (9:52)
3. Nickels And Dimes (7:21)
4. El Barrio (6:30)
5. Arroyo (4:15)

Musicians:

Billy Cobham: drums, percussion, synthesizers, synthesizer programing
John Bowen: synthesizer programing
Steve Kahn: guitar
John Scofield: guitar
Don Grolnick: keyboards
Dawilli Gonga (George Duke): keyboards
Alfonso Johnson: bass
John Williams: electric bass, acoustic bass
Ernie Watts: woddwinds
Michael Brecker: woodwinds
Julian Priester: trombone
Jimmy Owens: trumpet, flugelhorn
Randy Brecker: trumpet
Ruth Underwood: xylophone, marimba
Pete Escovedo: timbales, latin percussion
Sheila Escovedo: latin percussion
Jose Najeira: latin percussion

All the selections by Billy Cobham
Produced by Billy Cobham for Bilham Cobly Productions
Recorded at CBS Studios, San Francisco