Reviews on Melting Away (2016)
“…driving, emotional slice of bluesy rock, featuring bass lines contributed by late Free bassist Andy Fraser….
Reminiscent of Free at their most powerful, this is a worthy epitaph to a legendary British rock talent.”
Classic Rock’s Tracks Of The Week – 15 July 2016
“…The bass is instantly recognisable, fluid and full on Fraser… but it’s the touch, playing and songwriting of Saiichi that spawns greatness and deserves plaudit now.”
Blues in Britain – August 2016
Gig Review – Planet Rock’s Winter’s End (26 Feb 2017)
“Some incredible musicianship on display from Saiichi Sugiyama and his band”
Planet Rock
Gig Review – the Borderline, London (23 Sep 2016)
“Being asked to open for one of the scene’s current darlings, Kirk Fletcher, is I’d imagine both an honour and a bit daunting. Saiichi and his band…didn’t show any sign of nerves in their scintillating set.
Saiichi’s singing-tone Les Paul soared via expressive lines into a furious, rocking close.
‘Melting Away’ featuring a lyrical, liquid, extended Fraser-style bass solo…Rietta hitting gooseflesh-raising peaks and Saiichi’s grin inducing solo… You have a real winner!”
Blues in Britain
Reviews on the Smokehouse Sessions album (2014)
“All in all it is a terrific session”
Blues Matter
“A very enjoyable release”
Zeitgeist – the rocker
“Recorded live with bite and swagger”
Guitar & Bass Magazine
“His guitar sound is all about a Les Paul into an overloaded Marshall amplifier, and his phrasing is very much taken from early Clapton but with Paul Kossoff’s vibrato. If you can imagine a female fronted version of Cream that had decided to get funky and employ Lenny Kravitz, you’d be in about the right place. It’s familiar territory, but unlike the other players who take a similar approach, none of this seems slavish or forced. It doesn’t seem like a conscious attempt to recreate something that’s already been done. It flows and it’s fiery just like the original article…this is a band that aren’t afraid to blend and innovate. … It is readily apparent that they stand out from the pack.”
Tonemonkey
“This album is too short but he still shows Joe Bonamassa a thing or two”
Hifi World
“A proud homage to the sound of the 60’s & includes a fine version of Freddy King’s Hideaway”
Pipeline Blues News
“All four originals prove that Sugiyama has a great knack for writing and collaborating on top tunes. They are instantly catchy and feel like long lost family members turning up on your doorstep.”
Metal Discovery
“The performances are very good, particularly Saiichi Sugiyama and the singer Rietta Austin, who are both superb throughout”
Musicriot.com
“There is no doubt he is a virtuoso guitar player. The band’s arrangements are energetic & laid back & it is easy to see why Saiichi is gaining more recognition. Recommended.”
Blues in the South
“If you enjoy Cream, Savoy Brown or John Mayall then you do indeed need this album. Rietta Austin, who sounds like Christine Perfect, Etta James adds a markedly soulful touch.”
R2 Magazine
