Saraya
Encyclopedia
Saraya were an American
hard rock
band, based in New Jersey
and featuring singer Sandi Saraya, guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, keyboardist Gregg Munier, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante. The band is best known for their song "Love Has Taken Its Toll," and for being one of the few female-fronted rock bands of the 1980s.
guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante.
Saraya released their self-titled debut on PolyGram Records in 1989. Executives at PolyGram hoped to eventually develop Sandi Saraya into a sex symbol, making her the "Next Bon Jovi". Promoters wanted to establish Saraya as a good rock band and gradually establish Sandi's sex appeal as the band received more exposure. The debut album saw some success, spending 39 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at #79. Their first single, "Love Has Taken Its Toll" reached #64 on the Billboard 100 and their followup "Back to the Bullet" peaked at #63.
After the first album, Saraya experienced several lineup changes. Barry Dunaway
(Yngwie Malmsteen) replaced Gary Taylor on bass. Munier recorded keyboards and backing vocals on the second album, When the Blackbird Sings, but was unhappy with the direction of the music as it was more guitar driven. He later left the band and was replaced with guitarist John Riggio. The band split up shortly after releasing their second album.
Gregg Munier died on February 3, 2006, at the age of 44, from complications from pneumonia
. He is survived by his two sons, Shayne and Lucas.
Tony Bruno has been the most prolific of all the band members, playing, writing and recording with, as well as producing, many prominent artists in the music industry, from Joan Jett
to Enrique Iglesias
to Rhianna
.
In October 2010, Saraya planned to reunite for the Firefest Music Fesitval in the UK. Issues between Sandi Saraya and the Firefest Team, however, prevented the band from performing at the festival.
single, Timeless Love, off the Shocker soundtrack (1989)
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
band, based in New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
and featuring singer Sandi Saraya, guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, keyboardist Gregg Munier, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante. The band is best known for their song "Love Has Taken Its Toll," and for being one of the few female-fronted rock bands of the 1980s.
Band History
In 1987, Sandi Saraya and keyboardist Gregg Munier began performing under the name Alsace Lorraine. They would eventually travel to Los Angeles in search of stardom, changing their name to Saraya, because Sandi was the face of the band. After a short stint in LA, the band would return to New Jersey where Saraya and Munier would spend the next year writing material for their debut album. Later in 1987, Saraya and Munier would be joined by former Danger DangerDanger Danger
Danger Danger is an American glam metal band, formed in 1987 in Queens, New York. Despite enjoying moderate success in the U.S. with their debut album Danger Danger, the band vanished from the radar due to legal problems and changes in its line-up....
guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante.
Saraya released their self-titled debut on PolyGram Records in 1989. Executives at PolyGram hoped to eventually develop Sandi Saraya into a sex symbol, making her the "Next Bon Jovi". Promoters wanted to establish Saraya as a good rock band and gradually establish Sandi's sex appeal as the band received more exposure. The debut album saw some success, spending 39 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at #79. Their first single, "Love Has Taken Its Toll" reached #64 on the Billboard 100 and their followup "Back to the Bullet" peaked at #63.
After the first album, Saraya experienced several lineup changes. Barry Dunaway
Barry Dunaway
Barry Dunaway is an American rock bass guitarist who has previously played with Whiteface , Pat Travers, Yngwie Malmsteen, Saraya and Survivor .- References :...
(Yngwie Malmsteen) replaced Gary Taylor on bass. Munier recorded keyboards and backing vocals on the second album, When the Blackbird Sings, but was unhappy with the direction of the music as it was more guitar driven. He later left the band and was replaced with guitarist John Riggio. The band split up shortly after releasing their second album.
Gregg Munier died on February 3, 2006, at the age of 44, from complications from pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung—especially affecting the microscopic air sacs —associated with fever, chest symptoms, and a lack of air space on a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is typically caused by an infection but there are a number of other causes...
. He is survived by his two sons, Shayne and Lucas.
Tony Bruno has been the most prolific of all the band members, playing, writing and recording with, as well as producing, many prominent artists in the music industry, from Joan Jett
Joan Jett
Joan Jett is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress.She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock 'n' Roll", which was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 20 to May 1, 1982, as well as for their other popular...
to Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
to Rhianna
Rhianna
Robyn Hannah Louise Kenny professionally known as Rhianna, is an English R&B singer.-Early life:...
.
In October 2010, Saraya planned to reunite for the Firefest Music Fesitval in the UK. Issues between Sandi Saraya and the Firefest Team, however, prevented the band from performing at the festival.
Discography
- Saraya (1989)
- When the Blackbird Sings (1991)
single, Timeless Love, off the Shocker soundtrack (1989)