Philip Sayce: Ruby Electric

photo: William Hames

Philip Sayce is a Welsh guitarist who grew up in Canada and played in the band of Melissa Etheridge. He was a valued member of the Jeff Healey Band an scored a US No.1 with Drift Away with his band Uncle Kracker.

He became a solo artist artist in 2009 and quickly released two studio albums that sounded good albeit it a bit too smooth for the kind of blues rock he is into. Sayce is a guitar player who comes alive and his new album Ruby Electric showcases his talent with a tight band. One half of the album was recorded live on the road in France, Germany and The Netherlands. The other half consists of demos, alternate takes, another live song and a duet with Melissa Etheridge, the album's opener Let The Love In.

Sayce has captured the right vibe this time. Vol.. 1 was recorded at Sunset Sound and Lion's Share, Hollywood, in a live set-up, with Dave Cobb acting as producer and Mark Rains in charge of the mixing. Legendary engineer Eddie Kramer proves that he still has great ears when mixed the live stuff of Vol. 2. Tracks like One Foot In The Grave and Take You Away pack a punch. Oddly enough the coupling of Cinnamon Girl/I Want You (She's So Heavy), regular covers during his live set, is a bit of disappointment. It's OK when a Neil Young song sounds a bit muddy, but the vocals lack power, and The Beatles' I Want You repetitive guitar work-out only scratches the surface and is too short too make a lasting impression.

Musicians (Vol. 1) Philip Sayce: vocals, bass, guitar James Sayce: vocals, guitar Kenny Aronoff: drums Dave Cob: bass Roger Bueno: bass Melissa Etheridge: vocals Fred Mandel: piano, organ Joey K.: drums

Musicians (Vol. 2) Philip Sayce: vocals, guitar Joel Gottschalk: bass, vocals Fritz Lewak: drums, vocals

Ruby Electric is released on Provogue Records, an imprint of the Macot Label Group. Release date: July 11th. Powerful Thing is offered as a free download.

Tracks: Vol. 1 (Studio)

1. Let The Love In
2. Set Us Free
3. Daydream Tonight (Live at Lion’s Share)
4. King Of New Mexico
5. Were You There
6. Ruby Electric

Vol. 2 (Live)

1. Helios
2. One Foot In The Grave
3. Powerful Thing
4. Slipaway
5. Alchemy
6. Take You Away
7. Angels Live Inside
8. Cinnamon Girl /I Want You (She's So Heavy)

Live dates:

• 08/07/11 Leverkusen, Germany @ Topos
• 10/07/11 Weert, The Netherlands @ Bospop Festival
• 11/07/11 Celle, Germany @ Herzog Ernst
• 12/07/11 Bremen, Germany @ Meisenfrei
• 14/07/11 Velden, Austria @ Bluesiana
• 16/07/11 Dresden, Germany @ Tante ju
• 17/07/11 Reichenbach, Germany @ Bergkeller
• 19/07/11 Erfurt, Germany @ Stadtgarten
• 20/07/11 Munich, Germany @ Backstage werk
• 23/07/11 Pommern, Germany @ Uferock Festival
• 24/07/11 Antwerpen, Belgium @ Rhythm & Blues Festival
• 25/07/11 London, UK @ Borderline
• 27/07/11 Bristol, UK @ The Tunnels
• 28/07/11 Holmfirth, UK @ Picturedrome
• 29/07/11 Manchester, UK @ Band on a Wall
• 30/07/11 Maryport, UK @ Maryport Blues Festival

» philipsayce.com