Erik Sayles

Originally from Connecticut, Erik found his way to Philadelphia via The University of the Arts. Soon after graduating in ‘93 he joined NYC based drummer Ronnie Burrage’s band. Playing with such luminaries as Frank Lacey, Joe Ford, Joe Lock, Gregoire Maret and Kenny Davis. It was through Ronnie’s band that Erik gained invaluable experience as a sideman and really started to find his voice as a player.

In ‘94 he and fellow U Arts classmate Chris Farr signed a record deal with TMP Records under the name Common Ground. They released two records; the first in ‘95 and the second in ‘97. Cumulatively, these records featured such jazz/jazz fusion greats as Randy Brecker, Denis Chambers, Tim LeFebvre, James Genus, Zach Danziger and Dan Zank.

Towards the end of the 90’s Erik was involved in the city’s Neo Soul movement. He was a member of the house band for Wilhelmina’s, which was the predecessor to Questlove’s Black Lily. It was at this club, on Thursday nights, that Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Balil and many others honed their craft. Through connections made at Wilhelmina’s Erik wound up by performing on Jill Scott’s Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol 1 (Grammy Nomination for best R&B album) Darius Rucker’s Back To Then and Vivian Greens A Love Story.

For years Erik lead his own group, The Erik Sayles Fourtet featuring various local artists but mainstays were Chris Giraldi on drums, Ken Pendergast on bass and Andy Keenan on pedal steel.
 

Earlier this year Erik along with Tone Whitfield on bass and Lionel Forrester Jr. on drums released a live record entitled Live at the Sanctuary. Fully free form, this record consists of 4 “improvisations” described as sonic explorations leaning towards the avaunt-guard.

His first solo record Mélange was just released this past June and a second solo record will be out this fall (2025).