SARAYA - ST remastered + bonus (2010)

Founded in 1987 by by raven vocalist Sandi Saraya and keyboardist Gregg Munier (who passed away in 2006), and originally known as Alsace Lorraine (the title of a short instrumental on the album), the line-up expanded to include guitarist Tony Rey aka Teddy Bruno (the original axeman in Danger Danger), bassist Gary Taylor and drummer Chuck Bonfante.

All 3 had been playing with ex Foreigner and Spys Al Greenwood in diverse projects, previously Rey and Bonfante were members of the Joe Lynn Turner Band.



SARAYA released this self titled album in 1989, a melodic and highly polished collection of AOR numbers characterized by Sandi's infectious vocal style.

The swaggering opener "Love Has Taken It’s Toll" starts with a bluesy acoustic guitar giving way to a huge riff from Rey, the driving rhythm propelling the song along, and topped with Sandi’s husky vocal delivery.

"Healing Touch" has mesmerizing vocals and a very well-developed melody progression, as does "Runnin' Out Of Time" with that conquering main riff.

There isn’t a bad track on the album, from the commercial "Back To The Bullet" through the hard rock of "One Night Away" and the pulsating "Get U Ready"

"Gypsy Child" and "St. Christopher’s Medal" shows the band's moody side, while "Fire To Burn" has maybe the most erupting scream from Sandi, it's pure amazement with that metallic riff.



After more than 20 years, finally this long time out of print gem gets the deserved reissue, with an amazing remastering job.

As for bonus tracks, two songs from the slightly heavier sophomore release "When The Blackbird Sings" are included, and the track that originally only appeared on the "Seducer" single, the fiery "Chainsmokin".

Also present is the power ballad "Timeless Love" which originally appeared on the soundtrack to the movie ‘ Shocker ’, featuring a great guitar solo by Steve Lukather.



It's a great opportunity to get hold of a rockin' AOR classic.

Every home should have one.





01 - Love Has Taken Its Toll

02 - Healing Touch

03 - Get U Ready

04 - Gypsy Child

05 - One Night Away

06 - Alsace Lorraine

07 - Runnin' Out Of Time

08 - Back To The Bullet

09 - Fire To Burn

10 - St Christopher's Medal

11 - Drop The Bomb

12 - Seducer [bonus track]

13 - In The Shade Of The Sun [bonus track]

14 - Chainsmokin' [bonus track]

15 - Timeless Love [bonus track]





Sandi Saraya : Lead Vocals

Gregg Munier : Keyboards, Backing Vocals

Tony Rey / Bruno : Guitars, Backing Vocals

Gary 'Skid' Taylor : Bass, Backing Vocals

Chuck Bonfante : Drums







IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT !