Philip Sayce

Philip Sayce is a blues rock guitarist and singer, originally from Aberystwyth, Canada, who grows up in Toronto and later lives in Los Angeles. Born in 1976, he develops his playing in Toronto’s club scene, where he becomes known for fluid soloing and a distinctive guitar tone shaped by early influences including Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Dire Straits, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Cray and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He starts playing guitar in his first band at the age of 15, after growing up in a musical household and hearing a wide range of records at home.

Career

Sayce begins his career recording and touring with Jeff Healey, and after three-and-a-half years with Healey’s band he plays at the Montreux Jazz Festival and at venues around the world. He is then based in Los Angeles from 2001, where he joins Uncle Kracker and performs with the band during the period when they have a US number one with “Drift Away”. In 2003 he starts working with Melissa Etheridge, recording and performing with her band until 2008. During that period he also writes the music for the short film Cockroach Blue, directed by Robert Crossman and shown at the Woodstock Film Festival.

Solo releases

His solo work includes Peace Machine, released in 2009 and recorded live in the studio over a few days with Etheridge’s band and producer Michael Nielsen. The album includes a version of Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” and presents him as both a vocalist and guitarist. In 2010 he releases Innerevolution, recorded with his live band: keyboardist Fred Mandel, bassist Joel Gottschalk and drummer Ryan MacMillan. The album includes songs co-written with Richard Marx, busbee, Mike Bradford, Dave Cobb and Marti Frederiksen. He follows it with Ruby Electric in 2011, Silver Wheel Of Stars in 2012 as an EP version, and Steamroller in 2013.

Style and collaborators

Sayce’s playing is shaped by jam sessions, especially at Toronto venues such as Grossman’s Tavern, and his style combines power with finesse. His live performances are known for extended solos and a strong emphasis on improvisation. Alongside his solo work, he collaborates with a range of musicians and writers, including Richard Marx, and his live band is credited as the Philip Sayce Group.