Derek Sherinian

Derek Sherinian - Inertia - 2001 - InsideOut

Keyboard virtuoso Derek Sherinian made a name for himself in the post-Dream Theater world of progressive metal both as a sideman and a solo artist in his own right. Sherinian grew up in California and studied at the Berklee School of Music, where he perfected his hard rock and fusion chops. He landed touring gigs with Alice Cooper and Kiss in the late '80s/early '90s, and became a full-time member of Dream Theater in September 1994. Sherinian was fired in January 1999, and shortly thereafter hooked up with the neo-prog outfit Platypus. Sherinian recorded his solo debut, Planet X, for release in 2000, and subsequently formed a band of the same name featuring drummer Virgil Donati and guitarist Tony MacAlpine. Sherinian issued his second solo album, Rhapsody in Black, in the spring of 2001. © Steve Huey © 2013 Rovi Corp | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/derek-sherinian-mn0000200709

It's no surprise that the hard-driving former Dream Theater and Platypus keyboardist uses electric violinist Jerry Goodman to bring wild, turbo-charged heavy rock instrumentals like the title track and "Astroglide" to life. Goodman was a key part of John McLaughlin's legendary '70s fusion outfit Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Sherinian seems intent on capturing the sort of bombastic, exciting, and improvisational electric energy that band was known for. Ironically, however, if someone listened to this disc and didn't know who got first billing, they'd think it was a guitarist's jam album. It's a blast hearing guitarist Zakk Wylde rip his distorted lines on the moody cover of "Frankenstein" and listening as Steve Lukather textures his slow-burning guitar and mystical sitar weirdness on "Mata Hari." Lukather and Wylde switch off from track to track, then jam together on the original ballad "What a Shame," which functions as an oasis of melodic and romantic normalcy in the midst of much rock fusion insanity. What is less apparent is Sherinian's role here, aside from co-producing with drummer Simon Phillips and acting as a subtle harmonic foil here and there. In that capacity, his moody Rhodes shimmer behind Lukather's thoughtful lines on Charles Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" is his defining moment. It's like he asked a bunch of guys over to jam and then for the most part, forgot to let listeners know who called the session. With a title like Inertia, was that the point? ©Jonathan Widran © 2013 Rovi Corp | All Rights Reserved

Keyboard whiz Derek Sherinian has made a living as a first call session ace, performing and recording with such disparate talent as Alice Cooper and “Kiss” along with his involvement with prog-metal bands, “Dream Theater”, “Platypus” and the high octane “Planet X”. However, Inertia might represent Sherinian’s finest recorded hour to date! Co-produced by the incomparable drummer Simon Phillips, who also lends his wares to every track, Sherinian also garners Herculean support from venerable guitarists Steve Lukather and Zakk Wylde, who appear in either in duo settings or respectively man the helm on individual tracks. Bassists Jimmy Johnson, Tony Franklin, Tom Kennedy, and electric violinist Jerry Goodman provide potent support on various works throughout this shrewdly envisioned production. Ultimately, Sherinian shines forth as an ardent composer, thrilling soloist, prominent leader and clever manipulator of digital samples, patches and MIDI technology. All told, the keyboardist demonstrates strong rhythmic sensibilities along with a flair for developing unusual or unorthodox sound textures from his equipment and studio EFX. Sherinian and Wylde got toe to toe on Edgar Winter’s hard rock classic, “Frankenstein” as the band dutifully conveys an ominous tone, bespeaking the horrific (albeit tongue-in-cheek) implications of the song’s title. With this piece, Phillips and bassist Tony Franklin add the required zest and punch! Otherwise, the various ensembles provide the obligatory ingredients to get your blood simmering, whereas part of the overall beauty lies within Sherinian’s multilayered treatments, bone crushing licks and noticeably melodic gifts. Steve Lukather injects an East Indian vibe with his electric sitar on “Mata Hari”, while the men cross genres with a jazzy yet hard driving rendition of Charles Mingus’ classic, “Goodbye Porkpie Hat”. Overall, there’s quite a bit to digest here, as Inertia looms as a must-have for the ardent progressive-rock lover. Basically, Derek Sherinian’s star has risen! Highly recommended. By & © GLENN ASTARITA, Published: May 1, 2001 © http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=7745

Terrific progressive rock/jazz fusion from the former Dream Theater keyboardist aided by Steve Lukather and Zakk Wylde on guitar, Tom Kennedy, Jimmy Johnson, and Tony Franklin on bass, Simon Phillips on drums, and Jerry Goodman on violin. HR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to Derek’s great “Molecular Heinosity” album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 86 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1. Inertia - Sherinian, Phillips 4:20
2. Frankenstein - Edgar Winter 3:31
3. Mata Hari - Sherinian, Phillips, Franklin 6:21
4. Evel Kneivel – Sherinian 3:17
5. La Pera Loca - Sherinian, Phillips 5:06
6. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Mingus 6:23
7. Astroglide - Sherinian, Phillips 4:35
8. What a Shame - Sherinian, Pitrelli 5:01
9. Rhapsody Intro - Sherinian, Donati 1:41
10. Rhapsody in Black - Sherinian, Donati 6:40

MUSICIANS

Steve Lukather – Guitar on tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8–10, Electric Sitar
Zakk Wylde – Guitar on tracks 2, 4, 8
Tom Kennedy – Bass on tracks 1, 6, 10: Jimmy Johnson - Bass on tracks 5, 7: Tony Franklin - Bass on tracks 2–4, 8
Derek Sherinian – Keyboards
Simon Phillips – Drums
Jerry Goodman – Electric Violin