California-based quartet Brightshine redefines improvisational rock by focussing on strong songs and arrangements, creating an irresistible style that is syncopated, ethereal and rocking. Founded in 2019, Brightshine is led by songwriter, singer, producer, and lead guitarist and Pete Sawyer, who brings his extensive experience in the Northern California music scene into Brightshine, which features Celso Alberti (Steve Winwood), Eric Levy (Night Ranger), Paul Rustigian (Freestone Peaches), Murph Murphy (Poor Man’s Whiskey) and Kara Cavanaugh (Terrapin Flyer)

Instantly discovering fluid chemistry and camaraderie with one another upon their union, Brightshine began the process of recording their first album “Shadows in the Sky,”  creating a foundation for a cohesive and creative band that was ready to test the waters with a tour through their home state. With the rise of COVID-19 quickly bringing shows to a stop, Sawyer turned to writing once again and discovered an abundance of new material within. “After a few weeks of acclimating to the ‘new normal’ I found that without planning gigs, rehearsals etc., songs started appearing, and soon I was writing one after another with a frequency I hadn’t seen since I first started writing 20 years ago. This rebirth also featured songs that were more uptempo, rocking and complex than the songs on ‘Shadows In The Sky,’” he explains.

Released on July 23rd 2022, Brightshine’s sophomore album “The Wire” was born out of quarantine, a period that proved to be creatively fruitful for the band. During this time, their funky style incorporated energizing rock-based sounds.  Brightshine’s expressive playing, and scintillating, deeply musical improvisations showcase Sawyers' stylistically diverse compositions and feature unusual and masterfully executed harmonic structures that are adorned with deep, multi-layered lyrics. WIth most of the album recorded live off the floor of the studio, the group’s excitement in being able to play again after quarantine explodes out of the deep grooves kicked out by the band, while their innovative expansive sound plays like every note they hit is their last. 

With album art designed by Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith) that is every bit as original, inventive and thought provoking as the music within, The Wire is an amazing package that will surely earn a spot on the shelf among your favorite albums.

Brightshine Collaborators:

Pete Sawyer (Seconds On End, Echo Street)--Guitar, Vocals, Songwriting

Celso Alberti (Steve Winwood, Airto)--Drums

Kara Cavanaugh (Melvin Seals, Terrapin Flyer) — Vocals

Eric Levy (Garaj Majal, Night Ranger)--Keyboards

Murph Murphy (Stu Allen, Freddy Jones Band, Echo Street)--Bass

Paul Rustigian (Freestone Peaches) --Keyboards, Vocals


 
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