Philip Sayce - Ruby Electric

I must admit that prior to Sayce's previous album, Innerevolution, I was unfamiliar with his work. That album really impressed though (you can read fellow Rockgigger ME's review here)

However his new album Ruby Electric leaves it standing by the roadside. Whilst not as polished as Innerevolution, this is a heavier, more stripped back album, almost sounding like top notch demo versions.

The album is split into two volumes: Volume I was recorded live in the studio in Hollywood by David Cobb - utilising  vintage recording equipment and instruments. Volume II was recorded on tour in Europe only a few months ago with legendary engineer Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin, Stones) twiddling the knobs.

Lead off track on Volume I is "Let the Love In" which has a fantastic Dan Reed Network feel about it and is a duet with Melissa Etheridge. "Set Us Free" continue in a similar vein - a track that you could easily imagine Lenny Kravitz covering. "Daydream Tonight" is a beautiful ballad which first appeared on last year's Innerevolution album - this could (and should!) be a monster hit for Sayce.  "King of New Mexico" ups the tempo once more, hitting the ground running with a frantic piece of drumming from Kenny Aronoff and Sayce goes into full on Hendrix mode. "Were you there" is a traditional song that Sayce makes his own; the guitar and vocals are exceptional.  The Hendrix vibe continues into the final track of Volume I - Ruby Electric

In fact it's worth saying right now, that Philip Sayce's vocals are superb throughout, but it's on the guitar that he really shines. The guy has killer riffs and certainly knows his way around a fretboard. His playing is superb throughout, it cannot be faulted. Which, given that both albums were recorded live (in the studio and on tour), only goes to show his class.

Volume II kicks off in style with a brief instrumental track (Helios) then we're off and rocking with "One Foot in the Grave" which goes into "Powerful Thing" which again has that wonderful Hendrix/Kravitz vintage funky vibe (I can't describe it any other way). "Slipaway" is a classic 8 minute rock blues number that shows just how good a guitar player Sayce is. Things slow down for the blues instrumental "Alchemy", but 6 minutes later he's rocking out with "Take You Away" and "Angels Live Inside" The album finishes with a great, seamless mash-up of Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" and the Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy)"

A serious contender for my album of the year.

Ruby Electric is released on Monday July 11th on Provogue Records.

If you want to see Philip Sayce live (and I do ) .. he is touring the UK in July..


24 Hour Ticket Hotline: 0871 230 1101
www.seetickets.com     www.thegigcartel.com

Monday 25th July 2011
London Borderline 

Box Office: 0844 871 8803
General Admission: £12.50
Book Online: www.kililive.com
Doors: 7:00pm
Stage Time: 9:00pm
Address: 16 Manette Street, London, W1D 4AR


Wednesday 27th July 2011
Bristol Tunnels

Box Office: 0117 929 9008, 0845 605 0255
General Admission: £12.50
Book Online: www.thetunnelsbristol.co.uk 
Doors / Stage Time: 7:30pm / 8:00pm
Address: 2 Bristol and Exeter Mews, Lower Approach Road,
Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QB


Thursday 28th July 2011
** Holmfirth Picturedrome

Special Guest: Joanne Shaw Taylor
Box Office: 0871 230 1101
General Admission: £15.00
Book Online: www.picturedrome.net
Doors: 7:30pm
Stage Time: 8:00pm
Address: Market Walk, Holmfirth, HD 9 7DA

Friday 29th July 2011
Manchester Band on the Wall 

Box Office: 0161 832 1111
General Admission: £12.50
Book Online: www.bandonthewall.org
Doors: 7:30pm
Stage Time: 9:00pm
Address: Swann Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ


NR.

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