The Phoenix Derek Sherinian

• 1 The Phoenix 05:24
• 2 Empyrean Sky 03:56
• 3 Clouds of Ganymede 06:02
• 4 Dragonfly 03:46
• 5 Temple of Helios 06:01
• 6 Them Changes 05:28
• 7 Octopus Pedigree 05:04
• 8 Pesadelo 06:55
• Total Runtime 42:36

Info for The Phoenix

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.

Sherinian is very proud of what 'The Phoenix' represents, especially in its joyous sense of diversity. “'The Phoenix' once again represents my ability to not only be a musical chameleon, but my ability to blend my signature style with the top guitarists in the world, of many genres.

"True to their vision, Derek and Simon achieved what is seemingly impossible for an album with so many guests: a unified sound and a clear direction. Perhaps inadvertently, they created THE guitar album of 2020, even though keyboards and drums are the main driving force throughout the compositions. Any touring plan nowadays is a distant utopia, but I wonder if this is the album which would warrant a run of shows where Derek finally unveils the vast material he has previously put out as a solo artist on a live setting. One can dream…" (sonicperspectives.com)

Derek Sherinian, keyboards
Simon Phillips, drums
Ernest Tibbs, bass
Guest musicians:
Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, guitars
Joe Bonamassa, guitars
Zakk Wylde, guitars
Kiko Loureiro, guitars
Steve Vai, guitars
Tony Franklin, bass
Jimmy Johnson, bass
Billy Sheehan, bass

Derek Sherinian
Former member of Joe Bonamassa's touring band, Black Country Communion and Dream Theater, Derek Sheririnian is joined by Steve Stevens, Steve Lukather, Tony MacAlpine, Simon Phillips and more on his solo album Oceana.

Recognized by many as the premiere rock keyboardist of his generation, Sherinian has performed for millions via the vehicles of Black Country Communion (of which he was a current member alongside Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, Joe Bonamassa), Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Buddy Miles, and as an off-stage performer accompanying KISS. He also enjoyed tenures with Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen and many others. Favoring a guitar heavy rock based approach to fusion ala one of his musical heroes Jeff Beck, Oceana once again displays the power and energy Sherinian creates in the studio, setting him apart from most jazz fusion ensembles in the process.

He displays the rare combination of being a musical chameleon, while maintaining his signature style in no matter what genre he is playing in. With Oceana, the stage is set for Sherinian’s inspiration to be propelled in to the mainstream.Sherinian has carved out a niche for himself in the progressive metal scene.

He has attracted the best players on Earth to his solo album sessions, some of whom include luminaries Al DiMeola, Steve Lukather, Yngwie Malmsteen, Slash, John Petrucci, John Sykes and Zakk Wylde.

With Oceana, again an assemblage of some of the most talented players to ever strap on a guitar join Sherinian in the studio. Steve Lukather once again collaborated with the keyboardist for the tracks “Mulholland,” “Euphoria,” and “Seven Sins.” Former Planet X guitarist and fusion legend Tony MacAlpine laid down performances for “Five Elements,” and “Mercury 7.” The one and only Steve Stevens is featured on “Ghost Runner,” and the title track “Oceana.” Black Country Communion band mate Joe Bonamassa makes an appearance as well on “I Heard That,” while Doug Aldrich performs on “El Camino Diablo.” Simon Phillips performs all drums on Oceana, while Jimmy Johnson laid down the bass on all tracks outside of “Ghost Runner” and the title track which features Tony Franklin.

The 1970s saw the creation of keyboard legends, when titans including Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord were superstars. It was a time when talent on the keys was not only appreciated, but celebrated in popular music. With Oceana, perhaps a rebirth is upon the precipice of change for the Santa Cruz-raised, Berklee School of Music educated Sherinian to witness a new dawn where keyboardists once again are heroes.

Inevitably, it is only a matter of time before Sherinian is recognized as the premiere rock keyboardist of this generation.

This album contains no booklet.