Review: Philip Sayce / Troy Redfern

Metronome, Nottingham, (November 26^th, 2024)

Reviewer / Photographer: Dan Mann

The evening’s entertainment was at a venue that’s new to me, Nottingham’s Metronome. I’ve got to say, what a great venue it is, decent lighting & sound, reasonable size, okay, no pit, but that’s just the photographer side of me moaning haha.

First on the bill was Troy Redfern, who I always try and see if I get the chance. On this tour Troy only had Nicky Waters accompanying him on a small drum setup, no Keira Kenworthy on bass. The duo still produced one hell of a big sound, absolutely no drop in energy or delivery whatsoever.

It was a short set, only half a dozen songs, but I certainly didn’t feel short changed. It was another energetic, perfectly delivered slice of blues rock, highlighting yet again why Troy is ‘king of the slide guitar’.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Setlist:

Shake It (New Unreleased Song)

Take My Soul (New Unreleased Song)

Native

Dark Religion

Waiting For Your Love

Sanctify

Finally I’ve managed to see Philip Sayce. He’s been one of those elusive artists for me over the last few years, I’ve either been covering other gigs, or there’s been something else that’s stopped me catching him play. I first became aware of him when his ‘Ruby Electric‘ album was released back in 2011 (yes it’s taken this long to see him).

There was a decent sized crowd, as eager as I was to see Sayce, who was accompanied by Sam Bolle on bass, and Bryan Head on drums. Together this threesome delivered a polished, yet, dynamic set, and with sixteen songs, we were in no way short changed. Sayce was obviously enjoying himself, the crowd were on the quiet side, but I think that was mainly due to them being somewhat awestruck with the musicianship on show.

To use a well used saying, it was worth the wait. What I need to do is ensure I don’t leave it so long before I catch Mr Sayce & Co again!

(click on photos to enlarge)

Setlist:

Out of my Mind

Bitter Monday

Steamroller

Powerful Thing

Blues Ain’t Nothing But a Good Woman on Your Mind – by Don Covay

Standing ‘Round Crying – by Muddy Waters

Aberystwyth

Lady Love Divine

She’s the Music

This is Hip – by John Lee Hooker

Beautiful

555

Alchemy

Morning Star

Manic Depression – by Jimi Hendrix

As the Years Go Passing By – by Albert King

© All photographs are copyright of Dan Mann/RPR Photography. They may not be altered or used without express permission.