Key Lime Blues

The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky vibes of Key Lime Blues by Derek Sherinian from his 2022 album Vortex, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its infectious rhythm. This track stands out for its bluesy, funk-infused energy, featuring guitar legends Joe Bonamassa and Steve Lukather. Sherinian shared a vivid story on X, recalling the day Bonamassa and Lukather drove to Carbonite Sound in Ojai to record the track. He described watching these "two guitar masters play off each other" as a real treat, highlighting the electric chemistry captured in the song. The track’s funky clavinet work by Sherinian, paired with the guitarists’ shredding, evokes a smoky speakeasy vibe with a modern twist, as noted in a Tuonela Magazine review, which praised its rhythm-heavy, stylish execution.

Another layer of trivia comes from Sherinian’s X posts, where he expressed his excitement about having both Bonamassa and Lukather on Key Lime Blues. He teased the collaboration as "Joe B vs Luke," hinting at the playful rivalry and mutual respect between the guitarists. The song’s unique blend of blues and funk, with a nod to 1970s fusion, makes it a high point on Vortex, as reviewers like Metal Wani have noted, calling it a standout for its speakeasy atmosphere and high-intensity delivery. This track showcases Sherinian’s ability to bridge genres, pulling in progressive rock, jazz, and blues elements while letting his collaborators shine.

Derek Sherinian began his musical journey in Laguna Beach, California, born on August 25, 1966. His aggressive, guitaristic approach to keyboards, often compared to Eddie Van Halen, set him apart early on. Sherinian’s career kicked off in the late 1980s when he toured with Alice Cooper, laying the groundwork for his reputation as a versatile keyboardist. His big break came in 1994 when he joined progressive metal giants Dream Theater, contributing to albums like Awake and Falling Into Infinity until 1999. During this time, he honed his signature style, blending rock, jazz, and progressive elements, which AllMusic describes as virtuosic and progressive metal-driven.

After leaving Dream Theater, Sherinian founded Planet X in 1999, a project that allowed him to explore jazz fusion and progressive rock further. His solo career took off with albums like Planet X and Black Utopia, featuring collaborations with guitarists like Allan Holdsworth and Steve Vai. Sherinian’s work with bands like Black Country Communion and Sons of Apollo solidified his status as a go-to keyboardist, with InsideOutMusic praising his chameleonic sound. His collaborations extend to icons like Billy Idol and Yngwie Malmsteen, showcasing his ability to adapt across genres.

Fans can stay connected with Sherinian through his official website, where they can sign up for newsletters and updates. His social media presence is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares behind-the-scenes stories and album news. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities like the Planet X Fan Group on Facebook offer a space to discuss Sherinian’s work and connect with fellow enthusiasts. While no dedicated fan websites were found, Sherinian’s influence is evident in progressive rock and metal circles, with his music sparking discussions across platforms like ProgArchives.