Simon Phillips - Protocol V (Jazz Fusion)

Hard to believe it’s been five years since the last Protocol studio album. Phillips released an excellent box set that covered his Protocol output and rarities a year or two ago, but the band itself has been dormant. At the same time, Phillips engaged in production duties such as the grand Darwin albums, among others. Protocol V is a continuation of Phillips’ jazz-fusion ambitions with another fine lineup. This time, guitarist Alex Sill, saxophonist Jacob Scesney and keyboardist Otmaro Ruiz join Phillips and long-time bassist Ernest Tibbs in furthering the legend of the Protocol band. Sill follows a line of brilliant players, demonstrating his chops on “The Long Way Home,” yet Phillips’ expertly arranged songs find space for Scesney during moments like “Isosceles.” Check out Ruiz on “When the Cat’s Away” to hear how Simon Phillips is able to combine the best from each of these soloists, along with Tibbs’ infectious groove. There is plenty here to keep the die hard drum fanatic happy (in particular on “Undeviginti”), but this album isn’t just a solo work but a true band collaboration. It all comes together to create a welcome return of true musical maverick.