Saraya
Sandi Saraya Salvador (born 31st December 1962) and Gregg Munier played in a band called Alsace Lorraine. They got signed to the Polygram label on the strength of three songs but had commitment problems with the other band members.
Current Members (Edit)
- Sandi Saraya – Lead vocals
- Tony “Bruno” Rey – Guitar and vocals
- Gary “Skid” Taylor – Bass and vocals
- Chuck Bonfante – Drums
Albums (Edit)
- Saraya (1989)
- When The Blackbird Sings… (1991)
Live Albums (Edit)
- Westwood One Live (1989)
Intro (Edit)
Saraya is a female fronted glam metal band from New Jersey. They were formed in 1987 from the carcasses of Alsace Lorraine and Swift Kick.Sandi Saraya Salvador (born 31st December 1962) and Gregg Munier played in a band called Alsace Lorraine. They got signed to the Polygram label on the strength of three songs but had commitment problems with the other band members. A new guitarist and rhythm section would need to be recruited to continue with the record deal. Drummer Chuck Bonfonte and bass player Gary Taylor came down to an audition bringing Danger Danger guitarist Tony Rey with them. The chemistry was excellent so they knew it would work. The line-up was complete so they began writing songs ditching the name Alsace Lorraine in favour of the unusual but unique “Saraya”.
The self titled debut album took just over one month to record and was in the shops before any live shows were played. It was released on April 4th 1989 spending 39 weeks on the Billboard 200 peaking at #79. The band attracted media attention and was tagged “The Next Bon Jovi”. The first single “Love Has Taken Its Toll” peaked at #64 on the Billboard 100 with the follow up single “Back To The Bullet” peaking at #63.
The non album track “Timeless Love” was featured in the 1989 Wes Craven movie “Shocker” and was released on an official soundtrack. Saraya’s second and final album was released in 1991.
History (Edit)
Saraya went through line-up and management changes after the first album. Barry Dunaway replaced Gary Taylor on bass. Gregg Munier parted company with the band after recording the keyboards and additional background vocals for the second album. Munier was not happy with the musical direction of “When The Blackbird Sings…” as it was more guitar oriented. He was replaced by John Riggio.
Changing management was expensive, time consuming and drained Sandi creatively. By the time the new material was released the music scene had changed direction with grunge being the main focus. The second album “When The Blackbird Sings…” and the singles “Hitchin’ A Ride” plus “Seducer” suffered from poor sales causing Saraya to split shortly after.
Many years later tragedy struck on the 3rd of February 2006 when Gregg Munier died from complications with Flu that turned to Pneumonia. He was 44 years old.
Sandi was once married to Tesla bass player Brian Wheat. She is currently married to actor Brendan Kelly and is rumoured to be bringing up five children.
Update (Edit)
A rare demo has found its way on to many internet file sharing sources. Titled “Demos 82-89″ it features 17 previously unreleased tracks from the early years. The quality of some of these recordings is poor.
Saraya are to play a reunion gig in the UK at Firefest. The event is to be held at Nottingham Rock City in late October 2010. The line-up will consist of the four original remaining members.
It has now been confirmed that Saraya have cancelled their reunion at Firefest 2010.
September 12th, 2010 at 4:24 am
killer guitar player in this band
September 18th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
One of the best voices in the business
September 25th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
great band and amazing musicians
October 3rd, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Saraya rules!!
October 10th, 2010 at 9:48 am
wtf are these pussies doing amongst such esteemed company?
October 16th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
I’d love to hear Saraya’s songs on the radio today
October 23rd, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Saraya is by far the Best Live Rock Show that you will see! They may not have been as big as some of the other groups from that era but trust me they blow everyone else off the freakin stage! Not even close and I know that even most of those bands will agree!
October 31st, 2010 at 4:19 am
they kick ass! Love them!
Marketing Strategy Sydney
November 6th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I saw them live when I was like 5 years old I barely remember, but I know it was awesome!
November 15th, 2010 at 2:28 am
Saraya made 3 chord songs sound like fucking magic
November 21st, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Saraya son la mejor banda de rock que he escuchado. x
November 27th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
This band really rocks my world & they have a lot of very cool songs!!!!. They are a great band of all-time!!!!.
December 6th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Saraya fucking rocks man,great voice, great riffs and lyrics. Always at his best!!!!
December 13th, 2010 at 11:52 am
One of shaylovessixx favorites
December 20th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
AWESOME band one of the BEST EVER!!!!!
December 26th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
best band in the world.
January 3rd, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Saraya’s music never dates. it’s a fresh today as what it was back then. Rock on
January 9th, 2011 at 7:23 am
Let’s hear 3 cheers for Saraya … hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray, hip hip hoooooorrrraayyyy you muthafuckers!!!!
January 16th, 2011 at 5:12 am
jerseyboy if you are around, wats your opinion on Saraya
January 23rd, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Talk about memories, I caught a live show back in the day and the goosebumps are real today as they were then!
January 31st, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Fucking love Saraya x
February 6th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Love Saraya <3
February 14th, 2011 at 7:43 am
Gay motherfucker
February 21st, 2011 at 9:05 am
Saraya zijn de beste rock band die ik heb geluisterd. x
February 27th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Let’s hear it…. Saraya, Saraya, Saraya ….
March 8th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
I feel silly but good. Used to sing along to the first album with a hairbrush for a microfone
April 2nd, 2011 at 11:58 pm
I remember doing a paper run to save enough money to buy my first guitar and it’s all because of Saraya. Thank you for guiding me to my calling
April 10th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
wat the fuck. home come so many people like Saraya. I fucken can’t stand ‘em
April 17th, 2011 at 2:01 am
I feel silly but good. Used to sing along to the first album with a hairbrush for a microfone
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:50 am
Saraya fucking rocks man,great voice, great riffs and lyrics. Always at his best!!!!
May 1st, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Saraya is fuckin? awesome. They shud come play in my hometown!!!
May 7th, 2011 at 6:36 am
LOVE THEM =) <3
May 14th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
These guys are awesome!
Marketing Strategy Sydney
November 2nd, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Where can I find lyrics of Saraya? Song Hitchin´ the ride…
Thanx