Simon Phillips is by far one of the world’s most renowned and respected drummers, whose style reflects not only his technical talent but also his distinct musical sensibility. Whether rock, fusion or jazz, Simon Phillips always plays with the same precision and intensity, never without emotion or feeling.

Now the legendary drummer, composer and producer Simon Phillips is releasing his third album with his band Protocol.

The eight tracks on Protocol III, composed by Simon Phillips and partly with the support of the other band members, represent the wide spectrum of influences on the musicians. Simon Phillips says that Protocol III was composed more in advance than Protocol II.

The band naturally worked out a certain amount of fine-tuning in the studio to give the album the sound that Protocol has. This is actually a very natural way for the band to play together. It is what Simon Phillips hears in his head when he thinks of instrumental music: strong melodic lines with deep harmonies and good grooves. But it is also challenging to play this music like this. It just became his own sound.

Simon Phillips, Drums
Andy Timmons, Guitar
Steve Weingart, Keyboards
Ernest Tibbs, Bass