Saraya (band)

Saraya

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1987
Headquarters	New Jersey , United States
Products	Music albums, singles

Saraya was a hard rock group originating from New Jersey, USA, consisting of vocalist Sandi Saraya, guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, keyboardist Gregg Munier, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante. The band gained recognition primarily for their 1989 single "Love Has Taken Its Toll".

History

Initially performing under the name Alsace Lorraine in 1987, Sandi Saraya and keyboard player Gregg Munier moved to Los Angeles and adopted the name Saraya, spotlighting Sandi as the lead vocalist. After a short period in Los Angeles, the band returned to New Jersey to work on their first album. Later that year, guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante joined the ensemble.

In 1989, Saraya released their debut album on PolyGram Records. The record label sought to market Sandi Saraya as a sex icon comparable to the "Next Bon Jovi," promoting the group as a powerful rock outfit while progressively highlighting her visual appeal. The album remained on the Billboard 200 chart for 39 weeks, reaching a peak position of number 79. Singles from the album included "Love Has Taken Its Toll," which reached number 64, and "Back to the Bullet," peaking at number 63. Their third single, "Timeless Love," produced by Desmond Child and officially credited to Saraya despite being recorded by Sandi Saraya with session musicians as a solo effort, climbed to number 85. This song was also featured in the horror-comedy movie Shocker.

Following their debut release, there were lineup changes: Barry Dunaway (formerly with Yngwie Malmsteen) replaced Gary Taylor on bass. Gregg Munier contributed keyboards and backing vocals on their sophomore album When the Blackbird Sings but departed due to dissatisfaction with the album’s emphasis on guitar-driven tracks. He was subsequently replaced by guitarist John Roggio.

After break-up

Sandi Saraya briefly married Brian Wheat of Tesla during the early 1990s; however, their marriage ended amid touring challenges. In 1995, she wed actor Brendan Kelly and currently lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

Gregg Munier passed away on February 3, 2006, at age 44 due to complications from pneumonia. He left behind two sons named Shayne and Lucas.

Among former members, Tony Rey has maintained a prolific career post-Saraya as a musician, songwriter, and producer collaborating with well-known artists such as Joan Jett, Enrique Iglesias, and Rihanna.

In October 2010, Saraya intended to reunite for a performance at the Firefest Music Festival in the United Kingdom; however, disagreements between Sandi Saraya and festival management resulted in their cancellation.

Final members

• Sandra "Sandi" Saraya – lead vocals, tambourine (1987–1992)
• Tony "Bruno" Rey – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1987–1992)
• Chuck Bonfante – drums, percussion (1987–1992)
• Barry Dunaway – bass guitar, backing vocals (1990–1992)
• Johnny "John" Roggio – rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1991–1992)

Past members

• Gregg Munier – keyboards, piano, backing and lead vocals (1987–1991; deceased 2006)
• Gary "Skid" Taylor – bass guitar, backing vocals (1987–1990)

Saraya (1989)

• Produced under the guidance of Jeff Glixman. The track listing and credits are derived from the European CD edition.

When the Blackbird Sings... (1991)

• Track details and credits correspond to the U.S. CD release.
• Production handled by Peter Collins.

Love Has Taken Its Toll (1989)

• 7-inch / Cassette single (Polydor 889 292)

1. "Love Has Taken Its Toll" – 5:21
2. "Running Out of Time" – 4:14

• EU 12-inch / UK CD single

1. "Love Has Taken Its Toll" – 5:21
2. "Running Out of Time" – 4:14
3. "Fire to Burn" – 4:38

• US CD promotional release

1. "Love Has Taken Its Toll" (Edit) – 4:33
2. "Love Has Taken Its Toll" (Album version) – 5:21

Back to the Bullet (1989)

• Cassette single

1. "Back to the Bullet" (Rock Mix) – 3:40
2. "Fire to Burn" – 4:38

• CD promotional release

1. "Back to the Bullet" (Rock Mix) – 3:40
2. "Back to the Bullet" (Pop Mix) – 3:40

Timeless Love (1989)

Featured on the soundtrack for the motion picture Shocker.

• Cassette single

1. "Timeless Love" – 4:08
2. "Shocker" (The Dudes of Wrath) – 3:58

• CD promotional release

1. "Timeless Love" (Single Edit) – 3:45
2. "Timeless Love" (Album version) – 4:08

Seducer (1991)

• UK 7-inch single

1. "Seducer" – 6:11
2. "In the Shade of the Sun" – 4:44

• UK 12-inch / CD single

1. "Seducer" – 6:11
2. "In the Shade of the Sun" – 4:44
3. "Chainsmokin'" – 3:19
4. "Love Has Taken Its Toll" (CD exclusive) – 5:21

• US CD promotional release

1. "Seducer" (Album version) – 6:11
2. "Seducer" (Heavy Intro) – 4:58
3. "Seducer" (Acoustic Intro) – 4:45

Hitchin' a Ride (1991)

• CD promotional release

1. "Hitchin' a Ride" (Radio Edit) – 4:39
2. "Hitchin' a Ride" (Album version) – 5:44