Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Blues/Bluesrock | Heft: Jahrgang 2012, eclipsed Nr. 138 / 3-2012 | VÖ-Jahr: 2012 | Wertung: 8/10 | Label: Provogue | Autor: MB
Like Joe Bonamassa and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Philip Sayce belongs to a new generation of guitarists who transport the blues tradition into the here and now in an impressively fresh way. The Welshman, who grew up in Canada, is closer to his roots than ever before with his third full-fledged studio album (with just five new compositions "Ruby Electric" didn't fall into this category last year). Nevertheless, the style of the 35-year-old, influenced by Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, is not only interesting for blues purists this time. A good portion of pop is also part of the Fender man's sound, which is why the comparison with the stylistically confident compositions of Lenny Kravitz (such as the sugar ballad "Marigold") is not too far-fetched. Also vocally, Sayce is closer to the phrasing and vocal range of the US star than he might like to be himself in the end. The apprenticeship as Sidekick of Melissa Etheridge (an even Oscar-winning collaboration!) and Jeff Healey can't and won't deny Sayce either. However, he reduces the pop appeal a little on "Steamroller". If you add a portion of British blues rock (Clapton, Beck, Page) to this area of tension, you have already come very close to the musical truth of this weighty record. Fans of Bonamassa, Shepherd, Pat Travers, Walter Trout, Frank Marino or Robin Trower should include Sayce in the circle of the illustrious at the latest now: The bundle of energy is - not least live - a real event.
Top Track: Steam Roller
