Drumming News :
Album released June 5, 2026 via Phantom Recordings
For more than five decades, Simon Phillips has occupied a rare place in modern music. Equally at home in rock, jazz, fusion and progressive music, the legendary drummer has built a career defined by precision, intensity and musicality. Phillips recently returned with Protocol 6, the latest installment in his acclaimed fusion project, released on June 5, 2026, through Phantom Recordings.
Few musicians can match Phillips’ remarkable résumé. By his twenties, he had already performed and recorded with an extraordinary roster of artists including Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Pete Townshend, Al Di Meola, Jon Anderson, Jan Hammer, Stanley Clarke, Jon Lord, Mike Oldfield and Brian Eno. High-profile collaborations soon followed with Mick Jagger, Asia, The Who, Gary Moore, Joe Satriani and many others.
In 1992, following the tragic passing of Jeff Porcaro, Phillips joined Toto, beginning a 21-year tenure that included ten albums and extensive world touring. Throughout that period, he continued to contribute to projects led by Steve Lukather, Michael Schenker, Derek Sherinian and numerous other artists.
While Phillips’ reputation as one of the world’s premier drummers was firmly established, his vision as a composer truly emerged with the release of Protocol II in 2013. Five albums later, Protocol 6 finds the drummer, composer and bandleader continuing to expand the boundaries of modern fusion.
The album features a formidable lineup that has developed exceptional chemistry over years of performing together: bassist Ernest Tibbs, keyboardist Otmaro Ruiz, guitarist Alex Sill and saxophonist Phillip Whack.
“The material is actually quite different from Protocol V,” Phillips explains. “With the band now in its sixth year, I was able to write specifically for each player. My compositions are melody-based, and the format is more as though the songs were written for vocals. It’s my rock ’n’ roll side that dictates the form of each tune, even though the style is definitely jazz-rock. I like to call it ‘progressive jazz.’ Alex Sill also co-wrote three of the compositions.”
That description captures the essence of Protocol 6. While rooted in the jazz-rock fusion tradition, the album balances sophisticated arrangements with memorable melodies and dynamic ensemble interplay. The result is music that feels both technically masterful and emotionally engaging.
Phillips has long been regarded as one of fusion’s defining voices. Named the world’s No. 1 fusion drummer by Modern Drummer magazine and earning a Grammy nomination for Protocol 4, he continues to push forward creatively rather than rely on past accomplishments. Through Protocol, Phillips has established a distinctive musical identity that stands alongside his celebrated work with Toto, Jeff Beck, Hiromi and countless others.
On stage, the Protocol music takes on an even more adventurous life. The compositions become looser, more spontaneous and more explosive, giving each member of the band room to explore while maintaining the precision and intensity that have become Phillips’ trademark.
With Protocol 6, Simon Phillips once again demonstrates why he remains one of the most respected musicians in contemporary fusion. Progressive, melodic and fiercely performed, the album represents the latest evolution of an artist who continues to challenge himself and his audience alike.
Protocol 6 Lineup
Simon Phillips – drums
Ernest Tibbs – bass
Otmaro Ruiz – keyboards
Phillip Whack – saxophones
Alex Sill – guitar
