AVAILABLE ON
iTunes --------Photographs: Mune Sugiyama 2005/6
Some of the above photographs were taken during Shana Morrison 2006 UK Tour
Influences
Stevie Wonder, Richard Bona, Funk Brothers, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cloudberry Jam, Meters, Soul Tornados, BB King, Stax, Santana, Stuff, Billy Preston, Ann Peebles, Tammi Terrel, Soul Tornados, Spectrum, Freddie King, Cream, Bluesbreakers, Free, Sly & Family Stone, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Dave Mason, Joe Walsh, the Beatles, Charles Wright
Sounds Like
The following e-mail was received from Derek Sivers, the President of CD Baby:-
Saiichi -
I love your "So Am I" CD so much I'm going to feature it on the FRONT
PAGE of CD Baby for a few days.
We're REALLY picky about what goes on the front page. We get about
100 new albums a DAY coming in here now, (about 100,000 total), and
yours is one of the best I've ever heard.
Love ya!
--
Derek Sivers
president, CD Baby & Hostbaby
5925 NE 80 Ave, Portland OR 97218-2891
http://cdbaby.com -- best new independent music
The review that appeared on the CD Baby front page reads:-
If you have a soft spot for late 60's/early 70's Brit rock, you would be bloody mad to not take a listen to the stunning bluesy, retro jams on So Am I. Born in Tokyo but having spent most of his life in England, Saiichi Sugiyama may seem like an odd candidate to champion this sound, but he clearly has a firm handle on the style.
The 14 distinct tracks here cover a lot of ground, from guitar heavy electric blues and acoustic percussion-laced ballads, to anthemic rockers like "The Band Played On." The common bond they all share is breathtaking guitar work topped with intelligent narrative lyrics that take the listener on a journey that builds continuously with the chord progressions.
While showcasing the guitar work without relying on solo-heavy wailers, Saiichi has put together an indelible collection of songs that is a must for any fan of the classic rock blues genre.
Highlights from the album are on this Space (and might be playing now as you read this)
The new 5-piece Saiichi Sugiyama Band, fronted by the soulful vocalist, Rietta Austin, play a groovy blend of original Soul, Funk, Motown, Gospel infused numbers topped with the band leader's killer Blues Guitar.
An up-lifting, emotional and danceable mix of cool covers and classy’n’catchy original songs with some great lyrics by Pete Brown, the Cream lyricist.
Guranteed to get your feet tapping and your soul burning.
A Feel Good band.
Born in Tokyo and living in Surrey, a powerhouse blues guitarist and lyrical singer-songwriter, Saiichi Sugiyama can be heard mostly on the English blues circuit. He has become a unique voice of a generation.
The best known Japanese blues guitarist in Britain in the last decade, Saiichi Sugiyama - who has been working closely with the lyricist of the multi-platinum band Cream, Pete Brown - is one of the most recognisable performers in British blues today.
Saiichi Sugiyama, the performer, the co-writer and the co-producer of his three critically acclaimed solo-albums, which continue to drive sales on iTunes worldwide, first exploded onto the London blues scene in 1989 with Creamy, formed by the ex-Graham Bond drummer Paul Olsen, that paid homage to the music of Cream. His solo career with original music soon followed in the early '90s. The track record of appearances with artists such as the Yardbirds, Stan Webb's Chicken Shack, and collaborations in studio and on stage with Zoot Money, Clem Clempson, Malcolm Bruce, Shana Morrison, Pete Brown, various former members of Bad Company, Graham Bond, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Rory Gallagher Band is impressive. Saiichi Sugiyama is in a class by himself.
Now, fifteen years after the critically acclaimed debut album as a solo artist, the newly reformed Saiichi Sugiyama Band fronted by the soulful vocalist Rietta Austin play a groovy blend of Soul, Funk, Motown, Gospel music topped with the band leader’s fine Blues guitar. Their concerts feature an uplifting and definitely very danceable mix of some fine songwriting and cool covers.
Saiichi Sugiyama tracks are now available for download at Apple iTunes Stores worldwide
The below is a Youtube video from
Junior Wells - ANNUAL MEMORIAL SHOW
with the JOHN O'LEARY ALL STARS
on 10 Jan 09 with John O'Leary (ex-Savoy Brown)
Giles King(Ian Segal Band), Alan Glen (ex-Nine Below Zero, The Yardbirds) with
Wayne on drums and Saiichi on guitar
Thanks :) I love blues guitar, probably from being brought up listening to my dad playing :) Currently trying to find a blues guitarist in glasgow who is on a par with my dad to start a project with. Had a few people get in touch but who knows if they're actually any good or not! I'll find out when I get some money together. Congrats on your success and all the best for the future :)
Hello, you might remember me from being a tiny wee girl. I'm afraid I don't remember you but I've heard lots about you from my mum and dad. My dad says hello and asks you to give him a call. I'll send you a private message with his number :) xxx
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