Author: Jernej Vene
Artist: Sayce, Philip
Label: Provogue Records
Release: 2014
Duration: 54:10
Rating: 4.5/5
Philip Sayce is a standard-bearer of the new generation of blues rock guitarists, soaking up all kinds of musical influences and handling them with so much imagination that they keep pushing the limits of what’s possible in rock music. You’ll most likely remember the Canadian, born in Wales, as Melissa Etheridge’s touring guitarist, but he’s been walking his own path for a decade now. With its mix of ballads, blues rock and outrageous virtuosity, the new album Influence also speaks to the listener about what we’re all chasing: enjoying life. Blues is a pretty thankless field in itself, since it often leaves little room for bigger explorations, at least when it comes to song structure. Guitarists get to show what they’ve got in the solo spots. Despite plenty of heart and soul, the technique itself is geared toward insane speed and the hunt for a sound of your own. Yeah, the last decade is full of guitarists who want to be recognized and who’d love to claim the throne once held by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Joe Bonamassa has certainly been near the top in recent years, but Eric Gales, Ryan McGarvey, Aynsley Lister, Davy Knowles, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Derek Trucks, Jonny Lang, Gary Clark Jr. and, of course, Philip Sayce are hot on his heels.
The sixth album, Influence, points to its musical common thread right in the title. It’s a collection of songs that shaped Sayce during the years his musical personality was forming. He’s added original tracks to the covers, and they’re seriously interesting. Growing up on records by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix (he pays tribute with his own Out Of My Mind) and Dire Straits, it was only a short step to discovering the blues treasure trove. He honed his craft as a sideman for the late blind Canadian guitarist Jeff Healey and singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge.
On Influence, Philip Sayce mostly pours himself into it with a ridiculously energetic approach to his musical ideas, his legacy and the guitar as the central instrument. Helping him shape the sound were bassist Dave Cobb, who has also worked with up-and-coming rockers Rival Sons and Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, and sound engineer Vance Powell, who has looked after heavyweights like Jack White and Kings Of Leon. A song by Ed Lewis and The Prisoners sets a dark mood on Tom Devil, the ballad Fade Into You is gloomy and full of disillusionment with the vultures of the music industry, he really stretches out on the instrumental Triumph, and the epic Peace In The Valley features Joe Savage, the grand old man of Nashville singers.
On Influence, Philip Sayce dazzles with guitar playing that can send a jolt through the brains of anyone who loves good music. He pulls the listener down a road where music is a true celebration, and that’s where he feels most at home. He doesn’t draw a line between playing his own songs and covers. What matters most to him is feeling the essence of each piece of music and imprinting his own vision on the listener’s subconscious. Yeah, if Lenny Kravitz were a guitar hero, he’d be Philip Sayce, since their voices have a remarkably similar tone. With guys like Sayce around, there’s no danger of the blues dying out. Influence is a gleaming piece of work from a great musician of our time, where every note is in exactly the right place.
Line-up
Philip Sayce – vocals, electric and acoustic guitar
Dave Cobb – bass guitar, acoustic guitar, percussion
Chris Powell – drums, percussion
Fred Mandel : piano, organ, keyboards
Reese Wynans-: organ (tracks 5 and 13 )
Kristen Rogers – vocals (tracks 3, 7, 9, 10 )
Miles Miller – drums (track 2)
Mike Webb – piano and organ (tracks 7 and 8)
Ed Lewis and The Prisoners – vocals (track 1)
Joe Savage – vocals (track 13)
Production
Dave Cobb
Track list
1. Tom Devil
2. Out Of My Mind
3. Sailin’ Shoes
4. I’m Going Home
5. Fade Into You
6. Blues Ain’t Nothin’ But A Good Woman On Your Mind
7. Green Power
8. Better Days
9. Easy On The Eyes
10. Evil Woman
11. Triumph
12. Light Em Up
13. Peace In The Valley
