Formed 1988, U.S.A.
Albums:
1989
Saraya
1992
When The Blackbird Sings...
History:
A melodic and polished mainstream rock band, reinforced with the strong female vocals of
New Jersey native Sandi Saraya.
Formed in New Jersey by vocalist Sandi Saraya and keyboard player
Gregg Munier and originally travelled under the title Alsace Lorraine.
They changed the name to Saraya and travelled to Los Angeles in an attempt to
make it big. However the stint in L.A. was short-lived, and the band returned home
broke and disillusioned. The group then met Sandy Lizner, who would become their
mentor and collaborator, introducing them to management and the record company
executive that would later sign them. Saraya and Munier wrote material
for the debut album over the next year, realizing in this time that there had to be
a change in the band. The final piece of the puzzle was when Tony Rey Bruno
(guitar, ex-Danger Danger), Gary Taylor (bass) and Chuck Bonfante
(drums) auditioned and rounded out the new Saraya line-up. The debut album had
minor hits with "Love Has Taken It's Toll" and "Back To The Bullet".
Internal disputes and dissatisfaction with musical direction led to the
departure of Munier and Taylor in 1990. Bassist Barry Dunaway
(Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Lynn Turner) was recruited for the less
successful sophomore effort. The album was basically recorded without a keyboard
player, as John Riggio was brought in for the accompanying tour. A third album
was rumored to be recorded, but never released, and the band quickly disappeared.
Links:
Saraya Starring Sandi Saraya
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