I’m not normally much of a fan of instrumental albums – though when I heard that keyboard maestro Derek Sherinian had put together such a phenomenal range of guitarists to play on Vortex – and also include master drummer Simon Philips and fretless bassist Tony Franklin I hit the pre-order button immediately. And I am most certainly not disappointed with that click….
Vortex is quite simply a remarkable album of outright keyboard virtuosity allied with the Steve Stevens, Nuno Bettencourt, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Michael Schenker, Zakk Wylde, Mike Stern and Ron Thal adding their own stunning playing to the tracks they appear on.
The Votex kicks things off in spectacular style. A big, driving monster with the keys trading off against Stevens’ guitar including a jaw-dropping solo. Have a listen:
Nuno Bettencourt funks it up a bit on Firehouse with the Hammond organ giving the cut a bit of a retro-1970s feel.
Scorpion brings more variety with it being a quieter affair mainly around Derek’s soulful piano and Tony Franklin’s moody bass.
Key Lime Blues brings in Joe Bonamassa and Steve Lukather for another big production rocking it up with some noteable drumming from Philips.
Die Kobra takes it up a notch for me. That sitar/Eastern influenced intro gives way to a hard-edged keyboard riffing and sort of jazzy influenced as Michael Schenker and Zakk Wylde let rip on guitar. This one goes up to eleven and then some. Stunning stuff.
On Nomad’s Land Derek goes wild and Mike Stern aids and abets in some style.
The closer – Aurora Australis – is the big ten or so minute epic with so many different styles, changes of direction and flourishes from Derek throughout it’s crazy. Add to that Ron Thal shredding all over it and it’s as spectacular as it comes.
Vortex is a stunning from start to finish. Derek’s keyboard skills show what a master of his art he is. With Tony Franklin and Simon Phillips backing him up and that line-up of guest guitarists fitting in so well it all merges together in to a special album.
>> DEREK SHERINIAN THE VORTEX ON AMAZON <<