Saraya

SARAYA – from New Jersey – formed around singer Sandi Saraya and keyboardist Greg Munier in 1987 and made its debut on Polydor in 1989 with its self-titled album. Called "the new Bon Jovi", its second album, When The Blackbird Sings, consolidated its status by fusing the elements of female rock at its highest level with a well-controlled extravagance. This album with this new mastering sounds better than it ever has. The guitars (Tony Bruno) are fantastic, the songs both immediate and haunting, and of course Sandi's voice is remarkable. She was influenced by Chrissie Hynde and Ann Wilson of Heart. In a Kerrang interview in 1989, she also cited Glenn Hughes as a major influence and in particular the album "Hughes Thrall".