Saiichi Sugiyama is taking to the stage at the Boom Boom Club this weekend.
The Eric Clapton reference does not only apply to Saiichi's playing. He is joined onstage by Pete Brown who co-wrote the Cream hits Sunshine of Your Love, Strange Brew, White Room and I Feel Free.
Saiichi first discovered the blues when he heard the track Go Back Home on Stephen Stills' first album, on which Eric Clapton was playing alongside Stills. He quickly discovered John Mayall's Blues Breakers and learnt about BB King, Freddie King, Albert King, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters.
Immediately after seeing Clapton perform at Tokyo's Budokan in 1975, Saiichi formed his first blues band.
Having spent some time in California playing the west coast circuit, Saiichi moved to the UK more than 10 years ago and since then he has recorded several solo albums and contributed to many others.
With Pete Brown as a song writing partner and keyboard player Zoot Money making a special appearance, Saiichi will unveil his brand new So Am I album, on an evening that promises the Cream of Japanese guitar players.
The Saiichi Sugiyama Band and guests, The Boom Boom Club, Sutton Utd FC, Borough Sports Ground, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, January 23, 7.30pm, £7-£8. Call 01784 460094 for more details.
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