Philip Sayce and Troy Redfern at Brudenell Social Club 21.11.24, gig review

Tonight, the ‘StratMaster’ Philip Sayce returns to the UK with special guest Troy Redfern to kick off his 10-date tour in support of his latest album, The Wolves Are Coming, released earlier this year.

Troy Redfern

King of Slide guitar, Troy Redfern is a two-man band tonight and is joined by drummer Nicky Waters. They waste no time as they launch into ‘Shake It’, a brand new track. Talking with Troy after his set, he tells me he’s been working on five new tracks and is pleased to showcase two tonight, ‘Shake It and Take My Soul’. Nicky Waters is a tub-thumping machine as he plays his drums standing, this is something new he is trying for this tour. ‘Take My Soul’ is a profound ‘riff blitz’, as Redfern’s ‘Whoa Yeah’s, chorus reminds me of 70’s glam rock anthems, but the playing is downright something else, it’s gritty with a dirty blues edge.

Redfern’s little finger must be as strong as an ox, as this is where he wears his customised glass slide. ‘The Native’ is a smouldering rocking blues track, as its ritual beats take form. Troy’s raspy vocals reverberate over his audience, as the song builds and then dramatically dips in pace. Waters keeps a steady drum beat with one hand, whilst on the other hand, he has a shaker which he uses to build on the dramatic feel. Redfern goes hell for leather with his slide, as he resonates with the crowd, that’s some guitar manship.

It’s great to see Troy going from strength to strength, and it’s a pleasure to say this each time I see him live, be it solo, as a duo or with a full band. Redfern delivers each time and tonight was no exception. I wanted to say it was a magnificent seven songs in the set tonight, but alas it was six. Having said that the extended instrumental of the set closer ‘Sanctify’ off his The Wings of Salvation album was truly masterful. Redfern and Waters make a good pairing, vibing off each other, and giving it their all. Their impact was well received, they ‘smashed it’!

You can catch Troy on his spring tour beginning March 2025 and on the remaining Philip Sayce dates below.

Setlist Troy Redfern: Shake It, Take My Soul, Native, Dark Religion, Waiting, Sanctify

More Photos By Alex English here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBSN5J

Philip Sayce

It’s almost a year since I first saw the critically acclaimed American-based Philip Sayce play at the Brudenell Social Club, and coincidently, Troy Redfern supported Sayce then.

Joined by Sam Bolle on bass and Bryan Head on drums, the trio are ready to deliver a banger of a set showcasing songs from Sayce’s early career days to his latest album, ‘The Wolves Are Coming’.

Opening with the funky jazz-infused Hendrix-styled ‘Out of My Mind’ it delivers the energy and pace you’d expect from the protege of guitar legend Jeff Healey. Sayce is a skilful full stratmaster, as he demonstrates on SteamRoller/Power Thing together with his soulful voice, the band give it to you large, as Sayce takes to the edge of the stage, standing directly above and over his already in awe audience, working those notes on his trusty Stratocaster.

Sayce asks, have you got a special lady? Heavy bass lines plucker up from Boole, with Head keeping the rhythmic drum beats on the Don Covay cover of ‘Blues Ain’t Nothin”. Paying homage to his birthplace of ‘Aberystwyth’, if you didn’t know Philip was born in Wales but moved to Canada at an early age but now resides in America. The classic blues bars, meld on this poignant song, Sayce wrote about his father who sadly passed away suddenly during the lockdown. The melodic harmonies crescendo and convey Sayce’s feelings without the need for words, the dramatic solo is powerfully moving.

I was hoping to hear more than two songs, off the Wolves Are Coming, there was no new single ‘Hole in Your Soul’, but we did get the wonderful ‘Lady Love Devine’ mid-set. It’s funky blues, bursting with sunshine, a real foot stomper that the audience enjoys with a smile.

Going back to his Spirit Rising album, the rousing ‘Fits Me Good’ is full of energy, just like Sayce. You wouldn’t think this was the first night of his UK Tour and he only just arrived in the UK. Sayce’s playing style goes from contemporary to classic blues on ‘This Is Hip’ and even more soulful on the powerful ‘Alchemy’. Sayce Stratocasts his mystic spell on his audience, which receives a rapturous round of applause.

Encoring off the stage Philip and his band return for two more songs, not before thanking everyone for coming along tonight and joining him on the first date of his tour, and thanking Troy Redfern for his amazing support as a special guest.

Philip Sayce and Troy Redfern are must-see artists, you can catch them on the remaining tour dates below.

Setlist Philip Sayce:
Out of My Mind^^
Bitter Monday**
Steamroller ^^/ Powerful Thing^
Blues Ain’t Nothin’ but a Good Woman on Your Mind –cover Don Covay ^^
Standin’ Round Crying / Aberystwyth^^
Lady Love Divine*
She’s The Music+
Spirit+
This Is Hip*
Fits Me good+
Beautiful^^
Alchemy^
Morning Star^/Manic Depression^^ –cover
*The Wolves Are Coming, +Spirit Rising, ^Peace machine, ^^Scorched Earth Vol.1 Live, **Innerevolution