Derek Sherinian – Oceana

For those who don’t know, Derek Sherinian is an American keyboardist who has toured and recorded for Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen, Kiss, and Alice In Chains. He was also a member of Dream Theater (from 1994 to 1999) and is the founder of progressive metal / instrumental rock supergroup Planet X. Sherinian is also one of the founding members of Black Country Communion. His solo albums often feature a variety of prominent guest musicians, including guitarists Slash, Yngwie Malmsteen, Allan Holdsworth, Steve Lukather, Joe Bonamassa, Billy Sheehan, Zakk Wylde and Al Di Meola.

In this new solo album” Oceana“ which is the seventh studio album by Sherinian, he has once again teamed up with some outstanding musicians as Joe Bonamassa, Tony MacAlpine, Simon Phillips, Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, Doug Aldritch, Jimmy Johnson and Tony Franklin. Each musician who is featured on the album puts his own mark on it. From the first song we can see the elements of his album which is like a modern prog fusion style with many guitars and keys in all the length of the album.

His album is a master class in instrumental music. Each track is constructed beautifully, not with the focus on one instrument, while everything else provides the backdrop. ”Oceana” is an album that showcases Sherinian’s energetic prog-fusion music and ability to pick the right musicians to add their own special touch to each composition and should appeal to lovers of both fusion and heavy rock. Derek Sherinian is one of the finest musicians around, without a doubt. This album is a testament to that fact, and he’s also a great visionary, and very selfless, which are extremely good qualities to have. Listen to the music, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.