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. by Robert Taylor
Tracklist
1 Inner Conflicts 10:49
Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Billy Cobham, John Bowen
Synthesizer, Drums, Percussion – Billy Cobham
2 The Muffin Talks Back 9:52
Bass – Alfonso Johnson
Congas, Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Sheila Escovedo
Drums – Billy Cobham
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Jose Najeira
Timbales, Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Pete Escovedo
3 Nickels And Dimes 7:21Bass – John Williams
Drums – Billy Cobham
Guitar – John Scofield
Keyboards – Dawilli Gonga
Trombone – Julian Priester
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jimmy Owens
Woodwind – Ernie Watts, Michael Brecker
Xylophone, Marimba – Ruth Underwood
4 El Barrio 6:30
Bass – Alfonso Johnson
Congas, Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Sheila Escovedo
Drums – Billy Cobham
Guitar – Steve Kahn
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Jose Najeira
Timbales, Percussion [Latin Percussion] – Pete Escovedo
Trombone – Julian Priester
5 Arroyo 4:15
Bass – John Williams
Drums – Billy Cobham
Guitar – John Scofield
Keyboards – Dawilli Gonga
