Guitarist Philip Sayce Talks To Stereoboard About New UK Tour & New Album (Interview)
Friday, 05 November 2010
Written by Jon Stickler
Philip Sayce, former guitarist with Melissa Etheridge and Jeff Healey, will embark on a nationwide UK tour this Sunday. Starting at Manchester's Academy 3 on Sunday 7th November, the emotive singer and exceptionally skilled guitarist will hit the road with UK blues rock guitarist Marcus Bonfanti as a special guest on the tour. Having just released his second album 'Innerevolution', fans can expect a high-energy performance made up of the new material as well as songs from Sayce's first abum 'Peace Machine'.
With just a few days to go before the first show of the tour, Stereoboard had a quick chat with Philip Sayce to talk about the UK tour and new album 'Innerevolution'.
Hi Philip, first up, congratulations of the new album 'INNEREVOLUTION'. How did the production go?
We went into the studio and recorded "INNEREVOLUTION" live to 2" tape, here in Los Angeles. It was a fantastic experience, and Jay Ruston did a great job recording, producing and mixing the album. Dave Cobb also recorded and produced a couple of tracks that were captured in the same way, live in the studio. Ryan MacMillan played drums, Joel Gottschalk on bass, Fred Mandel on keys, and drum king Kenny Aronoff played on a couple of tracks as well.
How have you prepared for the new run of UK shows?
We rehearsed in Los Angeles at Mates Studios for awhile, but made sure not to over-do it. I want things to be fresh, while at the same time making sure we're all aware of the musical course and some possibilities in each song. We just played a warm-up gig in Los Angeles which was a phenomenal time! My band is so amazing, Joel Gottschalk on bass and Fritz Lewak on drums. Good friends and very deep cats.
What equipment will you be taking on the road?
I'm very particular about my guitar rig. It involves 3 or 4 amps for this tour, but I run them all together to get one big amp. Totally rooted in vintage inspiration! My friend Tommy Cougar from Sweden (tone ninja) takes care of all my amps. Joel will be playing an Ampeg SVT modified by Peter Van Weelden, and Fritz will be playing DW drums.
What's your favourite track from the new album to play live?
'Changes' is my favorite because we can really stretch out on this one, depending on the night. It's a great drum & bass workout for Fritz and Joel, and we often break it down in the middle and explore and look to invent new ways for us to bring it all home.
Can you reveal any details on the new tour set-list? And how do you think the new album material will be received?
The set list will include songs from my 2 albums, 'Peace Machine' and 'INNEREVOLUTION'. I truly hope the new music resonates within the audience. It's all coming from our souls and hearts, so I hope it inspires people to do the same with whatever it is they love to do in life; It's so important to me, I have to play and sing my truth. It's my responsibility.
You're hitting the road with Marcus Bonfanti, can we expect to see you perform songs together on stage?
Marcus is a great talent and we're thrilled to have him join us on this run. We'll be watching him every night, he's awesome. Every night will be different, so who knows...
When did you start playing guitar and who/what was your main inspiration behind playing?
I started playing guitar and singing when I was in high school. My parents always listened to fantastic soulful music in the house, so it definitely rubbed off on me. My three major influences (just to start) are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Mark Knopfler. All three were introduced to me through my parents music library, and I love them now as much as I did the first time I discovered their music.
How did you get so good? Did you take lessons or self-taught?
I am self taught, but I work very hard at it. Growing up in Canada we hear a lot about Hockey. The greatest hockey player of all time is Wayne Gretzky. As the story goes, even as a child he was the fist guy at the practice and the last guy to go home. He was infinitely talented, but still worked harder than everyone. I've heard similar stories about Michael Jordan in the NBA. That's my approach and inspiration. I'm a student and I've got work to do!
You're influenced by a lot of the older, legendary guitarists such as BB King, Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan etc. Do any of today's stars give you inspiration?
Absolutely! I love Dave Grohl, James Morrison, The Roots, Queens Of The Stone Age, John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall 2, Ian Moore, Eric Gales, on and on...I want to stay open so I can learn.
What do you think about this year's influx of solo guitarist album releases (yourself, Marcus Bonfanti , Slash, Joe Bonamassa, Clapton, Joe Satriani etc)?
I think it's great! For me it could be Polka music, as long as the artists are playing and singing their truth in their art. When I feel that from an artist, I'm in.
Finally, following the tour, what's on the horizon for Philip Sayce?
2011 is going to be a busy year. I've got an EP that's ready to be released, we're going into the studio in January to start working on a new album, and we hope to release a live album as well. Please stay tuned, lots of new music coming!!
Thanks very much Philip, all the very best for the tour, hope you have a great time.
Thank-you so much Jon! All the very best.
See Philip Sayce on tour in November with special guest Marcus Bonfanti. Full details of the UK tour are listed below:
November 2010
7th Academy3, Manchester
8th Robin, Wolverhampton
9th Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
11th O2 ABC2, Glasgow
12th Caves, Edinburgh
13th O2 Academy2, Newcastle
15th O2 Academy2, Liverpool
16th Mr Kyps, Poole
17th Borderline, London
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What equipment will you be taking on the road?
