Big Rain "THE CURE FOR THE WOKINGMAN'S BLUES"
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Big Rain "THE CURE FOR THE WOKINGMAN'S BLUES"

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"Recent Reviews"

Recent Reviews:

Country Stars Online - July 2006
By: George Peden, CSO Staff Journalist

See complete review below or at Country Stars Online – July 2006

From the moment the laser centered on “Sweet Inspiration”, my curiosity enjoyed further reward. Not only is the hype right on the dollar, but it’s a scripted nod to the talent here. These guys–Bruce Guynn on lead vocals, bass and keyboards, Peter Alaimo, harmony, lead and rhythm guitars and James Chatterton on guitar and piano – are a tight unit. In the musical mix adding to the harmony-driven trio is drummer Chet McCracken. He’s best remembered as the man behind the skins with the Doobie Brothers. Steel, fiddle, and mandolin enjoy perfect pitch and play by respective talents, Doug Livingston, Bobby Furgo and Ritchie Podolor.

The guys offer sharp and refined harmony and keen and tempered instrumentation. A bonus comes with Guynn’s songwritng (he claims credit on 9 of the 10 tracks); and as added confirmation to the calibre of the tunes, the band has already collared several envied placements on independent charts. They have also enjoyed scattered praise from music critics.

Indie Music.Com - June 2006
By Barney Quick

See complete review below or at Indie-Music.com Magazine – June 2006

Quote: "This is the kind of cleansing, welcoming music that makes listeners say, 'Oh, yeah! That stuff! I didn't realize how much I needed a big dose of that.'"

California music’s country aspect works best if it serves a basically optimistic, warm, human view of life, and Big Rain delivers that generously. Lyrical themes of family, friendship, integrity, and a desire to see an end-product of life beyond material gain infuse the songs on their latest, self-titled album on the Oak label.

Review – Magazine - AngryCountry.com – March 2006

Introducing: Big Rain
By: Christie Bohorfoush - AngryCountry Senior Staff Writer

As for this writer, I am hooked. Big Rain is the most
refreshing band that has come along in quite some time.
Indeed, the listener will hear old familiar sounds and
everything from what will remind you of old 50's tunes to
Latin inspired tunes to early rock sounds to soul. The
question really is, "How did Big Rain manage to mix all of
those influences into their sound, while still keeping a country
edge?" Well, I cannot answer that question; but I can tell our readers that Big
Rain brings a unique album of music that must be heard. While Nashville
continues to crank out cookie cutter artists, this band brings the listener something new and refreshing; while keeping its roots grounded in the oh so familiar past. It is rare when a debut album does not have a bad track on it; simply a must hear for anyone who loves country music with an edge!

Review - Smother.net – Magazine – March 2006
Big Rain Review by J. Sin – Smother Magazine Writer
Buy it from InSound Get this on iTunes
Arming themselves with a lush Nashville sound complete with big vocal harmony parts, Big Rain seem poised to turn that corner on the race to mainstream liquidity. Indie country artists can be a dime a dozen in some parts of the country but it’s rare that such powerful songwriters and performers can all be found within the same group. As a trio, Big Rain almost seem to write and play at some high level as one super musician if you will. Their songs are compelling, breathtaking, and instantly gratifying—all the right ingredients for a stellar command of the country pop circuit.

What Radio in the U.S. and World is Saying

“We are having a great run with “December Night”, and getting great listener response”.
Lynn Pierce, Program Director, KVLV Radio, Fallon, NV – April 2006

“Now hears a band that is on the verge of really breaking big time with their second single, (Sweet Inspiration). What a great song.” Independent Music Network

“Big Rains first single I’m Not Running is a great song and getting a lot of really good listener call in responses”. Lee Richey-WCJW Radio- Warsaw, NY, February 2005

“I think the song “December Night” by, Bruce Guynn & Big Rain is a perfect song. I can’t find anything wrong with it.” Stan Edwards, The CountryBear – Jan 2006

“Big Rain has wonderful songwriting, and superb vocals. I haven’t worked with a band this talented for many years”. Ray Ruff – Producer/Curb Records – Oak Records – Motown, December 2004

“Great music and great voice.” Paul Johansen - Radio Sotra – Norway, March 2006

“I would be very honored if I could include the very great music you perform in my radio show. I have gotten those CD:s and the first track from the full length album is what I use at the moment. Its a real great album and there are many tracks that I like a whole lot. People over here like Country Music and music related to the genre. And with nearly 25 years as DJ I’m real serious when I say that your stuff is Great. Easy to take in and good radio format. Keep up the good work guys. Greetings from the "Snowland" – Sweden, Lars G. Lindberg - Radio Siljan – Sweden, February 2006
- Various Publishers


"What Press and Radio Say"

What People and the Press Say

“Now hears a band that is on the verge of really breaking big time with their second single, (Sweet Inspiration). What a great song.” Independent Music Network

“Big Rains first single I’m Not Running is a great song”. Lee Richey-WCJW Radio- Warsaw, NY

“I think the song “December Night” by, Bruce Guynn & Big Rain is a perfect song. I can’t find anything wrong with it.” Stan Edwards, The CountryBear

“Big Rain has wonderful songwriting, and superb vocals. I haven’t worked with a band this talented for many years”. Ray Ruff – Producer/Curb Records – Oak Records - Motown

“Great music and great voice.” Paul Johansen - Radio Sotra - Norway

“I would be very honored if I could include the very great music you perform in my radio show. I have gotten those CD:s and the first track from the full length album is what I use at the moment. Its a real great album and there are many tracks that I like a whole lot. People over here like Country Music and music related to the genre. And with nearly 25 years as DJ I’m real serious when I say that your stuff is Great. Easy to take in and good radio format. Keep up the good work guys. Greetings from the "Snowland" - Sweden
Lars G. Lindberg - Radio Siljan – Sweden, February 2006

“ California band, Big Rain will play with it all with Cubby Checker at the Strawberry Festival with its catchy rock, funk, blues and country crossover tunes. After seeing Big Rain perform, you’ll be humming its tunes for the rest of the day”. Sacramento Bee, Sunday April 10, 2005

“Now here are three boys who know how to reach out and grab you by the hair with their music”.
IndieWorld Country Report, May 2005

“Sound of Freedom,” rings with liquidy, Santana style guitar by vocalist and songwriter Peter Alaimo and smooth vocals and keyboard colorings courtesy of lead singer, songwriter, bassist and key-man Bruce Guynn. “Sound of Freedom” boasts up-beat rhythms and a variety of styles, from the jazzy “Tropical Funk,” to the blues-soaked “On the Prowl,” and the reggae-toned “I’m Not Running.” Adrienne Rogers – Santa Cruz Sentinel

“…A distinctively delectable assortment of genres, from country, rock, blues, to phat funk fusion. Singer/songwriter Bruce Guynn and guitarist/singer Peter Alaimo have grafted smooth vocals and fast-dropping beats onto their harmonic, hooky melodies, expanding the territory explored by great bands like Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac and Santana.” Melissa Newt – Good Times-Weekly News & Entertainment News Paper

“During their years recording and playing together singer/songwriter/bassist Bruce Guynns and guitarist Peter Alaimo have created an assortment of finely crafted songs and along with versatile performances, have built a fine reputation for the band and it’s members.
The first thing that happens when sampling Big Rain’s recordings, either Sound of Freedom (1998) or the bands most recent release, When Magic Strikes (2000)-is the way your feet will begin to tap and your head will start to bop. Don’t be alarmed, this catchy happy music has such an infectious beat that bopping, tapping and dancing will come natural.” Antje DePonte – Coast Weekly- News & Entertainment News Paper

The progressive rock/blues band Big Rain will storm the Henfling’s stage Dec. 27 beginning at 8pm. “The band has two successful CD’s, Sound of Freedom and When Magic Strikes. The alchemy that sets Big Rain apart from other bands of this genre is the interplay between singer-songwriter-bassist Bruce Guynn and guitarist Peter Alaimo. Their styles blend much in the same way the talents of Steely Dan’s Don Fagan and Walter Becker. Big Rain is an all-star climate to find yourself in.” Michelle Benson – Good Times

“…although the band is popular with free-form dancers and describes itself as a mix of rock, blues, funk and other influences, the sound is pure. Peppy guitars, a good beat and sweetly multilayered harmonies.”
Hlya Swanhouser – Metro Weekly News Papers

“Big Rain storms into Tahoe’s North Shore. The band is now breaking on the national level and become one of the hottest bands touring the West Coast. ” Kelly Davis – Lake Tahoe Action – March 24 2005

“It’s raining hits. Big Rain, a rock and country crossover act, has been having tons of success with it’s new single “I’m Not Runniing,” which stayed on the charts for 22 week. Some would say it’s about time. This 10-year-old act, keeps getting bigger and has a second single on the national charts”
Glen Starkey - San Luis Obispo New Times - April 2005

“Big Rain is one of the finest. They released their CD Sound of Freedom in ‘98 and, two years later have refined and evolved their unique sound and taken it to a new level. The group is comprised of gifted songwriters, singers and musicians, who will both move and croon you. Big Rain’s unique blend of musical styles is fun and exciting and will keep you humming all day” Borders Books & Music

“Great stuff. After adding Big Rain to the play list, they are getting a great response on our Radio Station. We are looking forward to the live interview when they come to play several shows next month.” Hartley Lessor – KTKE Radio, Truckee, CA
- Various


"Indie - Music.com Magazine"

Source: Indie-Music.com - Magazine

Artist: Big Rain

CD: Self-Titled

Home: Santa Cruz, California

Style: Country Rock

Quote: "This is the kind of cleansing, welcoming music that makes listeners say, 'Oh, yeah! That stuff! I didn't realize how much I needed a big dose of that.'"

By Barney Quick

Regional musical traditions are the threads that comprise the fabric of American music. We can appreciate their distinct contributions but also make them our own as listeners, wherever we might live. Such is the case with the sun-drenched sound emanating from California for the last four decades. It takes you to the balmy Pacific coast whenever you hear it, but it also belongs to you even if you live in some chilly locale far removed from it.

A component of the California sound going clear back to the neo-bluegrass bands of the very early 60s is that high-register set of stringed instruments and vocal harmonies that has been given new life with each generation. Big Rain is making it fresh and bright once again.

California music’s country aspect works best if it serves a basically optimistic, warm, human view of life, and Big Rain delivers that generously. Lyrical themes of family, friendship, integrity, and a desire to see an end-product of life beyond material gain infuse the songs on their latest, self-titled album on the Oak label.

The purely aural impact of this record may be a more prominent factor, however. It’s just a delight to run by your ears, with its classic airy sweetness. It sounds like it’s wafting up from some canyon.

Bassist and lead vocalist Bruce Guynn writes most of the tunes. His affable voice is utterly devoid of affectation, like a neighbor hollering over the fence inviting you to join him on the porch for something cold to drink. His songwriting tends toward interesting combinations of diatonic chords, so that his creations are quite accessible but never formulaic.

Guynn and guitarist Peter Alaimo have obviously been working out their vocal harmonies for some time. They have a flair for just where to place them, with just the right dynamics. They weave seamlessly between thirds and fifths over the refrains and other key areas of the songs.

The band members have a keen sense of what kinds of auxiliary players to bring in and how to layer their contributions onto Big Rain’s own tracks. Doug Livingston on steel guitar, Bobby Furgo on fiddle and mandolinist Richie Polodor are an integral part of the classic California country-rock atmosphere that characterizes the Big Rain sound. Engineer Bill Cooper has given the whole thing just enough canyon echo to conjure up big-winged birds soaring the endless summer sky. (By now you’re thinking, “Richie Polodor and Bill Cooper; where have I heard those names before?” Get out your late-60s Dunhill-label records by Steppenwolf and Three Dog Night and check out the engineering credits. That’s right.)

The album leads with arguably the most vibrant cut, “Sweet Inspiration,” on which all these elements come together with superb sparkle. James Chatterton’s timeless piano fills are of the kind that rock and roll has always featured. The Everly Brothers would be proud of this update of their sound.

“I’m Not Running” is an example of the above-mentioned refreshing chord changes, in this case I-V-II-IV, dreamily delivered by Livingston’s pedal-steel eloquence. Chet McCracken provides a solid backbeat that accentuates the song’s positive theme.

“Valley of Towers” is a smartly metaphorical look at those pockets of the modern world where commerce has crowded out the things in life of lasting value. Guynn’s lyrics effectively convey the price to be paid for pursuing mammon at the expense of human connection.

The James Chatterton composition “Las Vegas” is another fine example of Big Rain instrumentation, including the session players, painting a sound canvas that is pure, timeless California rock. The lyrics tell a sweet tale of a couple driving across the country and going through the changes that make it possible for them to find commitment by the time they reach their destination (“We argued through Oklahoma, silent through San Miguel, relations thawed in the Painted Desert, three hundred miles to go”).

Another great feature of the Big Rain sound is Peter Alaimo’s guitar breaks in most of the songs. He has a real sense for the kind of tone setting that will effectively get across a particular number’s mood.

Big Rain is seeing some chart success in various quarters of the music world. It’s no wonder. This is the kind of cleansing, welcoming music that makes listeners say, “Oh, yeah! That stuff! I didn’t realize how much I needed a big dose of that.”
- Indie-Music.com


"Country Stars Online"

Country Stars Online – July 2006

Big Rain

By: George Peden, CSO Staff Journalist

With this week’s shipment (CDs sent along by publicists, labels and wannabes looking for much needed promotion to their latest self-funded clutch at fame) came an album by Californian outfit, Big Rain. There’s nothing exciting in that. But when I trawled through the publicity blurb and noted this was a band best described as “the Eagles meets Delbert McClinton by way of the Mavericks,” well, my interest moved from casual to curious.

From the moment the laser centered on “Sweet Inspiration”, my curiosity enjoyed further reward. Not only is the hype right on the dollar, but it’s a scripted nod to the talent here. These guys–Bruce Guynn on lead vocals, bass and keyboards, Peter Alaimo, harmony, lead and rhythm guitars and James Chatterton on guitar and piano – are a tight unit. In the musical mix adding to the harmony-driven trio is drummer Chet McCracken. He’s best remembered as the man behind the skins with the Doobie Brothers. Steel, fiddle, and mandolin enjoy perfect pitch and play by respective talents, Doug Livingston, Bobby Furgo and Ritchie Podolor.

After a chance meeting at a fitness centre in ’94, band members Alaimo and Guynn found they shared more than weights as a hobby: they both had a need to make music. They joined collaborative forces, took their name from an observation of constant down pourings, and the rest, as they say, comes heard on their CD, the band’s first in this line-up, their fourth release overall.

The guys offer sharp and refined harmony and keen and tempered instrumentation. A bonus comes with Guynn’s songwritng (he claims credit on 9 of the 10 tracks); and as added confirmation to the calibre of the tunes, the band has already collared several envied placements on independent charts. They have also enjoyed scattered praise from music critics.

Melodic and engaging is the first cut, “Sweet Inspiration”. Easy and light, the tune taps into idyllic circumstances – love that’s uplifting and emotionally fulfilling. It’s a safe opener. This is an album that doesn’t stray into the unhomogenised; the music isn’t for Saturday night suburban boot scooters or wound-licking bar soaks. This is music that’s tagged middle-of-the-road – a haven for those who like to listen rather than sweat with the masses. And, to be honest, that’s okay. What these guys do, they do well.

A standout on the album is the harmony rich but time indulgent, too indulgent for commercial radio play at 5:44, “December Night”. And yes, even on first play, shades of the Eagles can be heard. Lead vocalist Bruce Guynn has a steady and even-tempered pitch, commanding and confident; he works his lyrics into an enjoyable listen. The rich harmony offered by his band mates puts polish on tunes keenly crafted, well played and delivered, if not in a true country setting, then a soft rock alternative that shows promise.

Standout cuts: “Sweet Inspiration”, “December Night”, “I’m Breaking Out” and the James Chatterton-penned, “Las Vegas”.

The guys are worth a hunt and find. The tunes play out into a relaxed format – more Eagles than hard-nosed early Mavericks -- but if tight harmony and easy playing is your umbrella from the prevailing crass elements on country radio, check out Big Rain.

The album, produced by Ray Ruff, is out now on Oak Records.
- CountryStarsOnline.com Magazine


Discography

New Release, "Can't Take That"
Singles, "I'm Not Running", "Sweet Inspiration", "December Night". Full Length Albums Include: "Sound Of Freedom" 1998, "When Magic Strikes" 2000, "Private Collection" 2003, "Big Rain" 2005. Big Rain's airplay is growing on about 500 radio staions in the USA, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand. The band also has streaming play and downloads throuout the internet, and played on many internet radio stations and podcasts.

Photos

Bio

Bruce Guynn & Big Rain, Featuring Peter Alaimo
THE CURE FOR THE "WORKINGMANS" BLUES

NEW SINGLE, (RECIPE FOR A BROKEN HEART) IMPACTING RADIO NOW!!

At # 8 On Top 40 European International Airplay Chart.

At # 71 Top 200 International Country Airplay Chart.

Big Rain, the definitive workingman's band with sweet vocal harmonies, brings its award-winning brand of country rock, crossing over from Rock, to Blues and more. Fresh off the release of several number one adult contemporary singles, these boys dish up full-bodied boot tapping fun.

With Industry Honors as Vocal Group of the Year, Nominations for Crossover Artist of the Year, and consistently in the top 10 and 30 on various national music charts, the radio waves began to spread the music throughout the world in greater volume landing Bruce Guynn & Big Rain at # 17 on the European (ECMA) Music Top 100 Chart.

Along with several number ones on some national charts this current wave of popularity has placed them at # 42 in the Top 200 Most Popular Artists in Europe, a number one song in Poland, # 2 in Belgium, a # 3 in the UK, # 8 in the Netherlands, and last October the airplay in Australia warranted a radio tour.

After 14 years, over 1,200 performances, four albums, four single releases, and tours from Shanghai to Iraq, Australia and the good old USA the band continues to evolve. With performances at the American Embassy in Cairo Egypt, the Shanghai International Music Festival, and concerts for the Troops in Iraq and Kuwait they feel they have been able to spread good will through their music.

They have just recorded a new single, Recipe For A Broken Heart, which will be released soon. For this record Pete and Bruce wanted to get back to there roots, and where it all started. So they got together with there old mates from the Oak Records days, Chet McCracken and Doug Livingston. They brought along there old producer in spirit only, as he died three years ago. Bruce went as far as renting rooms in a cheap hotel in LA near the studio to recreate the feeling of those earlier days. They went into the studio with the desire to create magic once again and came out with what may be there best work to date.

Links and Contacts:
Bruce Guynn (831) 685-8663
www.bigrain.net
www.myspace.com/bigrainband
www.sonicbids.com/BigRain

BREAKING NEWS:

BIG RAIN SIGNS WITH WITH NEW COAST RECORDS

May 2008 #17 (ECMA CHART) (A EUROPEAN MAJOR MUSIC CHART)

BIG RAIN PERFORMS 15 CONCERTS FOR THE TROOPS IN KUWAIT, IRAQ, AND AT THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN CAIRO.

JANUARY 2008 AT #5 ON TOP 40 INTERNATIONAL MAIN STREAM CHART

BIG RAIN AT #42 ON TOP 200 INTERNATIONAL RADIO CHARTS.

SEPTEMBER 2007 AT # 35 0N TOP 40 INTERNATIONAL SINGLES CHART.

THE BAND BACK HOME AFTER PERFORMING 21 AMAZING CONCERTS IN SHANGHAI, CHINA

AUGUST 2007, "CAN'T TAKE THAT"
#5 INDIEWORLD TOP 40 CHART

BIG RAIN AT # 42 ON TOP 200 INTERNATIONAL RADIO CHARTS.

BIG RAIN SIGNS WITH COMSTOCK RECORDS FOR INTERNATIONAL RELEASE

FOUR SONGS CHART IN THE TOP 10 & 40 IN SEVERAL RADIO FORMATS ALONG WITH TWO #1 HITS ON THE U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL CHARTS.

"DECEMBER NIGHT" HITS #1 ON THE CHARTS. IN FEBRUARY 2007.

"SWEET INSPIRATION"
#1 On AC/Hot AC Top 30 Indie Chart, October 2006
#2 On AC/Hot AC Main Chart, October 2006
#1 On IndieWorld Country Record Chart Oct, 2005

INDIEWORLD AWARDS 2006 WINNER

SELECTED AS BEST "VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR" INDIEWOLD AWARDS 2006

BIG RAIN NOMINATED FOR NEW MUSIC AWARDS
CROSSOVER ARTIST Of THE YEAR!

BIG RAIN SIGNS WITH OAK RECORDS

After the vote was in the band was Nominated By New Music Weekly with over 500 reporting radio stations tracking airplay on Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Country, and College Radio Charts.

THE SONG "SWEET INSPIRATION" ONE OF THE TOP MOVERS ON THE ADULT CONTEMPORARY CHARTS. IN THE TOP 100* FMQB/ACQB NATIONAL CHART!, #2* AC40 CHART/NMW!, #1 AC40 Indie Chart!, #15* TOP 100 CHART/NMW! THIS SONG HAS NOW CHARTED IN MULTIPLE RADIO FORMATS.

Bruce Guynn and Peter Alaimo started Big Rain in 1994 after meeting at a fitness center in their home town of Santa Cruz, California. After playing and writing in the studio for several months, they decided to take their new found vocal harmony and sound on the road. After trying many different names, Bruce mentioned the name Big Rain to Peter, as it had been raining everyday for months. The name sounded right and seemed to fit the situation. Plus, they are strong supporters of environmental causes.

Big Rain features the core duo of Bruce Guynn and Peter Alaimo supported by the world class dumming of Byron Bonham. Bruce Guynn handles lead vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar and keyboards. Peter Alamo plays lead and rhythm guitars and sings lead and vocal harmony. Other touring and recording members include some of the best players available. They are Chet McCracken and Doug Livingston on drums and steel pedal guitar. Both have recorded and toured with the bi