Over the next couple of weeks as we move closer to showtime for Jeff Healey: A 50th Celebration, we thought it would be great to introduce you to some of the incredible talents that will be coming out to perform.
Today, we’d like to talk a bit about our dear friend, extraordinary guitar player Mr. Philip Sayce.
From the age of sixteen, Philip started showing up and playing at blues jam nights at legendary haunt, Grossman’s Tavern in downtown Toronto. It wasn’t long before he was winning over admirers, including our own Jeff Healey, who invited Philip to join his band.
“Jeff’s music lit a fire in me! It burns brighter now than it ever has. His music really freaked me out! I had the opportunity to meet Jeff when I was first starting on the scene in Toronto. My good friend Corey Mihailiuk planted the seed and originally introduced us… Getting to know him over the next few years only endeared me more to him and his music.”
Philip would soon go on to have his first international tour experience with Healey, playing prestigious festivals and stages worldwide.
“I learned so much from Jeff. His playing was off the charts. He would simply put people in a trance when he performed. It was otherworldly.”
“To be in his presence on a nightly basis when I was 19 through 23 or so, was what I call the University of Jeff Healey. It was unbelievable what he could do, there were no limitations. One of the most beautiful improvisers I’ve ever heard, he set the watermark extraordinarily high, and it sent me on a lifelong journey of always trying to get better, always trying to get deeper, and always giving my all. I honestly just tried to be a sponge in his presence and learn as much as I possibly could. It was a beautiful time that I am eternally grateful for.”
Graduating from the JHB and moving to Los Angeles, Philip was then invited to join Melissa Etheridge’s band following an introduction by producer John Shanks. For the next several years, Philip performed on Melissa’s albums and was featured during her live concerts where his cosmic performances left audiences stunned. On one such occasion, Melissa and her band were honoring Bon Jovi at a Grammy Awards event. Following the performance, Jon Bon Jovi told the audience “I want to give a special nod to Philip, who I immediately opened the program and said ‘Who the f@?! is that guitar player?’ Pretty fabulous Philip.”
More recently, Philip’s bright solo career has seen him signed to Warner Music Canada, and out touring his newest release, the wonderful, Influence.
“Influence is a culmination of sounds, colors, emotions, and artists who have directly helped to shape my approach and love of music,” said Philip. “The intention of my own music is to continue the message, power, love, and inspiration that I experience in every artist that has influenced me.”
We’ll be back real soon with another feature on some of the amazing talents that will be gracing the stage in celebration of Jeff Healey on May 27th! Stay tuned! Peace. ~Rog
Friday May 27th, at the legendary Massey Hall in Toronto – “Jeff Healey: A 50th Celebration”
Join us for an amazing night of music celebrating Canadian music icon, Jeff Healey in what would have been his 50th birthday year!
Featuring: Albert Lee, Sonny Landreth, Walter Trout, The Trews, Philip Sayce, The Jeff Healey Alumni Band plus some very special surprise guests!
Tickets are going fast, so don’t miss out! You can get yours from Ticketmaster HERE, at Live Nation and at the Massey Hall/Roy Thompson Hall box office!
Can’t wait to see this venue, Massey Hall will be so special, the perfect stage for music in T.O.