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CD/DVD Releases: Derek Sherinian Releases New Solo Album ''Oceana''

Posted on Saturday, July 23 @ 14:15:00 UTC by nightowl

Derek Sherinian's new solo album Oceana is released Monday, September 5th by the Music Theories Recordings label via the Mascot Label Group.

If this were the 1970's, the heyday of such keyboard titans as Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord, Sherinian would be among that elite circle of players who were superstars back in the day when such talent was not only appreciated, but celebrated in popular music. This is, however, 2011, and in this age, Derek Sherinian is the premiere rock keyboardist of his generation, a member of the supergroup Black Country Communion, a former member of Dream Theater, and a solo artist in his own right.

Derek has played with a diverse range of artists including Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen and KISS. In addition to being a part of Dream Theater, Derek was also a member of the prog rock band Platypus, and the founder of the progressive fusion/metal band Planet X.

Oceana is mixed by the legendary drummer Simon Phillips (whose drumming credentials include Toto, The Who, Jeff Beck, 10CC, Roxy Music, Mick Jagger, Mike Oldfield).

The new album features contributions from Joe Bonamassa (BCC), Tony MacAlpine (Planet X), Simon Phillips (Toto), Steve Lukather (Toto), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Jimmy Johnson and Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder).

Sherinian has carved out a niche for himself within the progressive metal scene. His solo albums have featured the best technically proficient and creative musicians, including luminaries as diverse as Al DiMeola, Steve Lukather, Yngwie Malmsteen, Slash, John Petrucci, John Sykes and Zakk Wylde.

With Oceana, the album is yet again an assemblage featuring some of the most talented players to ever strap on a guitar, all of whom have joined Sherinian in the studio.

Steve Lukather once again collaborated with the keyboardist on the tracks "Mulholland," "Euphoria" and "Seven Sins," and former Planet X guitarist and fusion legend Tony MacAlpine performed on "Five Elements" and "Mercury 7." Acclaimed session musician Steve Stevens is featured on "Ghost Runner" and the title track "Oceana," while BCC band-mate Joe Bonamassa makes an appearance on "I Heard That." Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) performs on "El Camino Diablo," and Jimmy Johnson plays the bass on all tracks with the exception of "Ghost Runner" and "Oceana," which both feature Tony Franklin. Toto's Simon Phillips performs drums across the whole album.

Favouring a guitar heavy rock based approach to fusion ala Jeff Beck, Sherinian's music creates a certain energy that comes through the recordings, setting him apart from other jazz fusion artists. His music also appeals to fans of technical heavy metal.

Thanks to his relentless touring schedule with a wide range of well-known artists, Sherinian easily adapts to ever changing musical genres, while always maintaining his signature style.

Earlier this year record producer Kevin Shirley opened the door for the keyboardist to join Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Joe Bonamassa in the rock supergroup BCC.

BCC's two acclaimed album releases have set the stage for Oceana to reach a more mainstream audience, a move which will surely continue to cement Derek's legacy as one of the premiere rock keyboardists of the 21st century.

To promote the release of Oceana, Derek will embark on a solo tour in early 2012.

Tracklistin:

Five Elements
Mercury 7
Mulholland
Euphoria
Ghost Runner
El Camino Diablo
I Heard That
Seven Sins
Oceana

BCC are scheduled for the High Voltage Festival this weekend, playing the Sunday slot just ahead of Dream Theater.

[Source: Noble PR]

Posted in Album Release News