Jughead Ty Tabor Greggo Bisonette Derek Sherinian

Derek Sherinian and Simon Phillips relive their partnership on an album which shoots on all directions whilst remaining consistent and true to Derek’s style of composing and playing. Unashamedly organic and original, ‘The Phoenix” is a worthy addition to his catalogue, which will solidify his place in the highest echelons of keyboard players…

With a diverse discography that puts even the hardest working musician to shame, he has spent more than thirty years building a reputation as the go-to for those serious about the keys on their record, at the same time releasing a string of solo releases, each one more accomplished than the last. Starting with 1999’s Planet X, his most recent release was 2020’s The Phoenix, his first in nine years and re-establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the solo arena. In 2022 he returns with the mighty Vortex, eight tracks built on his signature chameleonic sound that blends rock with elements of funk, prog, and jazz, which he started writing even before The Phoenix was finished. “Vortex is a continuation of The Phoenix,” he states. “However I feel the composition is stronger on the new album, and I would describe it as a modern day 70s style fusion record, but with newer heavier tonality.”

Session and backup band keyboardist Derek Sherinian seems to understand that, when it comes to jazz-rock fusion music, the electric guitar is king, at least from the evidence of his solo album Oceana. Sherinian, who has backed such stars as Buddy Miles, Alice Cooper, and Kiss and been a member of groups including Dream Theater and, most recently, Black Country Communion, usually contents himself with co-writing the instrumental tunes on the album with drummer Simon Phillips, then joining Phillips and bassist Jimmy Johnson in providing musical support to one of a number of guest star guitarists…

Back with his fourth solo album in as many years, erstwhile Dream Theater keyboard player Derek Sherinian is once again pushing the prog metal/hard rock agenda with his ever intense, always impressive chops…

With a diverse discography that puts even the hardest working musician to shame, he has spent more than thirty years building a reputation as the go-to for those serious about the keys on their record, at the same time releasing a string of solo releases, each one more accomplished than the last. Starting with 1999's Planet X, his most recent release was 2020's The Phoenix, his first in nine years and reestablishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the solo arena. In 2022 he returns with the mighty Vortex, eight tracks built on his signature chameleonic sound that blends rock with elements of funk, prog, and jazz, which he started writing even before The Phoenix was finished. "Vortex is a continuation of The Phoenix," he states. "However I feel the composition is stronger on the new album, and I would describe it as a modern day 70s style fusion record, but with newer heavier?tonality."

Derek Sherinian is unquestionably one of the most significant keyboard players of the modern era. His far ranging talents have been much in evidence through the music of Alice Cooper, Dream Theater, Black Country Communion and current band Sons Of Apollo. Sherinian has also released a series of acclaimed solo albums over the last two decades. The latest of these is 'The Phoenix', his first since 2011's 'Oceana'. For this album, he once again works alongside collaborator and mentor Simon Phillips, who is a crucial part of the process. Also appearing on the album are Joe Bonamassa, Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Kiko Loureiro, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, Billy Sheehan, Tony Franklin, Jimmy Johnson…