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"With this excellent "Vortex", Derek Sherinian delivers a particularly inspired album of modern jazz fusion."
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4/5
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The recipe has been well-tried for more than 20 years. For "Vortex", his eighth solo album, Derek Sherinian hasn't changed a bit. He summoned his three-star rhythm section, Simon Phillips on drums and Tony Franklin on bass, and recruited several high-flying guitarists, some regulars, some not, from his huge address book to record a follow-up to "The Phoenix". And yet, even though the process has been unchanging for all these years, it is impossible not to succumb once again to the limitless creativity of one of the most influential keyboardists of his generation.
No need to dwell on the excellence of each musician, the case is heard well before having listened to the slightest note of "Vortex". On the other hand, the level of the compositions is really impressive, so much so that this new album largely outclasses its predecessor. In eight tracks for an ideal duration of 45 minutes, Derek Sherinian shows that jazz fusion, even inherited from the 70's, has its place in 2022, especially when it borrows without complex from metal and progressive music.
On the progressive side, it is the Dantesque 'Aurora Australis' that wins the prize for excellence. Ron Thal's guitar playing and phrasing are so incredible that the famous Bumblefoot would almost send the other guitarists on the album back to school. However, as usual, Derek Sherinian didn't hesitate to recruit new members and gives each one of them a chance to express themselves fully.
Acting as a real conductor, the keyboardist uses the strengths of each guitarist to put them at the service of his compositions: the heavy riffs for Steve Stevens ('The Vortex'), Michael Schenker and Zakk Wylde ('Die Kobra'), the jazz groove for Mike Stern ('Nomads Land'), the bluesy solos for Joe Bonamassa and Steve Lukather (the excellent jazz funk track 'Key Lime Blues') and of course the groovy funk metal for Nuno Bettencourt, always as impressive on 'Fire Horse'.
However, it's probably the track 'Scorpion' that strikes the most on this album and it's the only one without any guitar track. Supported by his remarkable rhythm section, Derek Sherinian, like a modern day Keith Jarrett, shows all his talent and his jazz feeling. Even if the main inspiration of the musician remains and will always remain from progressive metal, it would be really interesting to see him one day recording an entire album centered around his only instrument. In the meantime, this excellent "Vortex" is the ideal occasion to dive back into the discography of this exceptional musician. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. The Vortex
02. Fire Horse
 03. Scorpion
04. Seven Seas
05. Key Lime Blues
06. Die Kobra
07. Nomad’s Land
08. Aurora Australis
LINEUP:
Derek Sherinian: Claviers
Simon Phillips: Batterie
Tony Franklin: Basse
Joe Bonamassa: Guitares / Invité
Michael Schenker: Guitares / Invité
Mike Stern: Guitares / Invité
Nuno Bettencourt: Guitares / Invité
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal: Guitares / Invité
Steve Lukather: Guitares / Invité
Steve Stevens: Guitares / Invité
Zakk Wylde: Guitares / Invité
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READERS
-/5 (0 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH DEREK SHERINIAN
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT DEREK SHERINIAN
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