Billy Cobham is a great drummer. Yet from the further end of the jazz rock spectrum known as fusion. He became famous for his extremely powerful bursts of energy, his very large drum set, and his ambidextrous abilities to play equally with both left and right limbs. He played fusion with Miles Davis, Chick Corea and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and rock fusion as well
In 1978, I had the chance to see a weekend drum event (see below) that featured a number of greats. Billy Cobham was matched together with legendary drummer, Louis Bellson! Students got the chance to see the rehearsal of the concert, the concert itself, then also a clinic. We met the drummers, and even got to pick up a broken drumstick for a souvenir.
Cobham's playing is special. Unique. Very powerful. The drumstick I have (Promark 808 Billy Cobham signature) has cuts in it from the impact he made on the cymbals. The cymbals slice into the wood. 
Cobham plays equally with all limbs, so he may emphasize accents with the right hand first, then switch to the left and lead with the left. All the while, keeping the groove.
To see Cobham switch solos with Louis Bellson, was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I think. Bellson (my favorite jazz drummer) was "melodic" on his drum solos, meaning he was more musical, in a sense. Cobham was more rhythmic in his solos - yet he was able to blow your socks off with his quick bursts of energy and power. Read more about Cobham here.
This video shows Billy's outstanding power, energy and speed.
Here's a 1968 drum solo of Billy Cobham. Check it out.
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