Driving Reign
Newington, Connecticut, United States | SELF
Music
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Reviewed by Sarah Richards
From the opening "Love Song", these Connecticut-based blues rockers establish their gritty rock and blues infused gospel sound. With eloquent phrasings such as "I just need to find a place away from the embrace of relational dysfunction", this particular love song does not fall into the trap of the "Jesus is my boyfriend" style that some modern worship songs veer towards. The female vocalist with Driving Reign, one Tina Cianci, is pretty wonderful throughout but is most effective on the bluesy "Hold On" where her powerful and rugged voice perfectly captures the idea of encouraging someone to keep holding on in the midst of inescapable suffering. The devotional "I Owe" and the guitar backing on "Free" are two other highlights of the album, not to mention the well known and covered "Grace Like Rain". For me though, the standout track is the four minute long, guitar-led jam "Studio Blues". The skilful mastery shown by the band is hugely impressive. A band to investigate. - Crossrhythms
Got the cd yesterday and listened all the way through. Excellent production, playing and singing. Real nice job on it.
Tina has a great voice, and your guitar complements her singing nicely. Good choice of tones as well, and you've developed a solid original style.
You guys are very talented, and as you know, talent is a big part of it, as well as some lucky breaks. I wish you and the band much luck and success as well too.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Tom Guerra Vintage Guitar Magazine - Facebook
“...songs are performed with passion, and confidence..... Vocal performances are gutsy & sincere... The lyric message does well in showing your Faith and Trust in a caring God that is available."
- Taxi.com Reviewer - Taxi.com
“ It's all quite good! What I'm really appreciating about you two (Stephen and Tina Cianci) -I can see your completely grounded in scripture. It seems you always have a verse that drives your songs – That's for sure!”
-Tim Schnelley, 104.9 FM, WIHS Featured on “Outside the Box” in a 2 Part interview with Driving Reign's founding members, - Tim Schnelley, 104.9 FM, WIHS
“Driving Reign makes a statement for what Christian music is all about.”
- Dan Gabree Peace Cafe Review (July 2007) - Peace Cafe Review
“Driving Reign had a wonderful knack for mixing beautiful music with a glorious message... you found yourself easily blending into the music and ideas much like putting on very comfortable pair of slippers.”
-Dave Gabree Peace Cafe Review (November 2008) - Peace Cafe Review
Discography
Driving Reign (debut Feb 2008)
Hold On (Oct 2011)
Photos
Bio
Driving Reign is a coming together of the musical experiences and styles of Steve and Tina Cianci, Dee Elloian, Tom Leone and Chuck Peterson. The result is a unique combination of Rock, Blues and Gospel music.
Since 2007 Driving Reign has performed throughout the northeastern US (CT, MA, RI, NH, PA, NY) plus Nashville, TN and Montreal, Canada.
Debut self-titled CD released in Feb of 2008
DR has shared the stage with national artists Chris August (2010 Dove award winner) and The Wrecking.
DR played the 2010 SoulFest in Gunstock Mountain, NH, with headliners Mercy Me and Jars of Clay.
DR played "The Foundry" in Nashville TN in the spring of 2011.
In the summer of 2011 DR performed at Six Flag New England in Agawam, MA.
Sept 30th 2011 DR released our new CD titled "Hold On" to very positive reviews selling hundreds of copies in the first week.
Throughout 2012-2013 DR continues to play in the Northeast at various venues and events. i.e. 3rd Thursdays Street Fest in CT, Keen Pumpkin Fest, Hillstock 2012, One Way Jam, and Soulfest Rock and Blues in NH. With notable events on the schedule at Trinity-On-Main performing arts center, and Rock Cat Stadium in New Britain CT in support of International relief organization Convoy of Hope.
"Good stuff! I really enjoyed listening to that today!! Great sounds, great songs, great playing, great voice. Excellent production too"
- Scott Murawski of Max Creek and the Bill Kreutzmann Trio(BK3)
DR has received airplay and featured interviews on WIHS 104.9 FM MIddletown, CT; MAX FM 90.1 WYCM in Charlton MA; WARL1320 Attleboro, MA (Heart Rock Radio); The Nest Radio Program WILI 14AM, Wilimantic, CT.
"Tina's got a great bluesy soul voice...surprising to think that some of those notes come out of that body. good tunes ... Love their vision and what they want to do with their music."
- NICO, www.nicogroove.com
"Driving Reign has it all. Great tunes, great feel, and a great vibe. Get out and catch them live or grab a CD. You won't regret it!"
- Tony Leone of Ollabelle, Chris Bergson band, and Shooter Jennings.
Band Members
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