Antipodes!
The "reversed" traditional grip of Billy Cobham isn't really reversed... well it is technically of course, but the reason is that he is left handed. What is different I think is the fact that Billy Cobham chose to play a right handed set-up, but with left handed traditional grip... that is just too cool... especially in 1968! The fact that he is just as strong with match grip, still on a right handed set-up, led to his mastery of the BIG KIT while with Mahavishnu and of course beyond. The guy is amazing! I have seen him LIVE at least 10 times over the years, with most of it happening in the mid to late 70's when he was THE MAN... and this is coming from a long time BR fan!
Drum_dad!
You are quite welcome! That is a great clip... equally great is Billy's playing with McCoy Tyner back in the day. Just as ferocious, and an excellent match for McCoy who is like the Billy Cobham of the piano. Just some great stuff in a pure jazz idiom!
Tommyp