Philip Sayce
Ruby Electric
Produced by Dave Cobb and Eddie Kramer
Provogue
Released July 18, 2011 (UK) CD | MP3

Recently blues rock has seen a resurgence in quality in new, young musicians. Far from imitating their parents’ record collection, the devil’s new breed is creating blues rock that is entirely their own. Wah-wahing his way to the front of the pack is Philip Sayce with his debut album Ruby Electric. But unlike blues godfather Robert Johnson, I’m pretty sure Sayce did not consort with His Unholiness to unleash his devilish talent.

Welsh-born, Canadian-raised Sayce is a very talented guitarist with some imaginative solos. His guitar licks are a mixture of Jimmy Page and John Frusciante; lots of choppy blues funk but can pull out a rocking tune like the no-messin’ “Take You Away.” For me the very best of the young blues players is Joe Bonamassa, and Sayce has the serious talent to wail on that fretboard alongside him.