MYTHOLOGY

This is my first Derek Sherinian disc. I'm not a Dream Theater fan, so I don't have too many references to use as a backdrop. I do have an extensive collection of instrumental rock, jazz-rock, fusion and prog-jazz recordings.

Over all, this album has some great moments, like the Jeff Beck inspired A View from the Sky and Alpha Burst. Quirkiness in El Flamingo Suave (rather fun, in my opinion). Steve Stevens and Steve Lukather play some inspired and entertaining solos throughout. True masters of the craft. Tony Franklin lays down some tasty bass, too. I would have liked to hear him more out front in the mix.

We have Mahavishnu Redux with Jerry Goodman reprising his role as the perfect foil to Holdsworth, filling in for John McLaughlin. Rufus Philpot and Simon Phillips fill Laird and Cobham shoes admirably, but... Sherinian does Jan Hammer proud. Based on the way the solos come off, I assume this wasn't played live in the studio, solos are punched in. Too bad, the inter-play would have been grand in a live setting.

There are some horribly out of place moments, such as the River Song, a Zakk Wlyde tune that would have been better suited to his own release. I would have to say the same for God of War, a heavy handed spank-fest. It seems out of place among the more sophisticated and musical offering on the majority of tracks. A lot of squeals and superfast noodling that doesn't say anything that hasn't already been said on every Ozzy CD since 1985. Trojan Horse is another heavy for heavy-sake tune that runs in circles without saying anything, featuring guitarist Brain Tichy.

The most unrealistic moment occurs when mismatched guitar-slingers Zakk Wylde and his over the top, grind your teeth to nubs power-chording supports Allan Holdsworth's creative string work. The first solo arrives at around 3:40 as the music slows and a smooth undercurrent allows for a beautiful string skipping dance that swells and slithers for over a minute for the highlight of the tune, then it's back to bone jarring power- chords. Holdsworth skips along over the rough terrain before Wylde begins an onslaught of neck wrangled. Thankfully, Holdsworth gets to solo through the final minute like a beautiful bird trapped in hurricane.

A 5 to 4 split. Five good tunes that rate 3 to 3.5. Four tunes that would be better left to an Alice Cooper revival. I rated this album 2 stars, but in reality it should be 2.5. If you are a Sherinian, Stevens, Holdsworth or Lukather collector, get it. If not, buy your mother some flowers and give her a kiss on the cheek. She will appreciate that more than you would like this disc.