Philip Sayce

Philip Sayce emerged as a standout guitarist whose high-octane style fuses electric blues, hard rock, and intense psychedelia. Born June 3, 1976, in Aberystwyth, Wales, he relocated with his family to Canada at age two. Raised in Toronto, he absorbed classic rock and blues from his parents, whose favorites included Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Ry Cooder. Music captivated him early, prompting him to pick up a Sears acoustic guitar supplied by his parents; he also studied piano and trombone. At 15 he formed his first band, and by 16 he was performing weekly at Grossman's Tavern during Toronto's open blues jams. His growing reputation on the local club circuit prompted the 1996 release of his debut album, The Philip Sayce Group, later reissued in 2005. Canadian blues guitarist Jeff Healey discovered Sayce's recordings and recruited him in 1997; Sayce remained with the group more than three years and contributed to the album Get Me Some. After 2000 he settled in California and joined Uncle Kracker's road band, appearing on the 2002 release No Stranger to Shame. A chance encounter with producer John Shanks opened another door: after hearing Sayce at a blues jam, Shanks recommended him to Melissa Etheridge. From 2004 through 2008 Sayce played in her band and featured on three studio albums plus two live recordings. In 2009 he revived his solo career with Peace Machine, followed in quick succession by Innerevolution in 2010, Ruby Electric in 2011, and Steamroller in 2012. He maintained an active touring schedule with his own band, sharing bills with ZZ Top and Deep Purple, and in 2013 he performed at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in New York City. Warner Bros. Canada signed him in 2015, issuing his first major-label solo album, Influence.