Sapphire City

Bullseye Records of Canada has spent the past 22 years mining classic rock gold from the foothills of the Canadian musical landscape and as time marches on it has begun shifting from the past into the equally prolific pastures of the current wave of younger bands whose influences were the same acts Bullseye has helped archive.

Sapphire City from Fergus, Ontario is just such an act whose influences are rooted in Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones but also modern rock like Pearl Jam and The Black Crowes passing the torch towards another generation of classic rock lovers.

Bullseye and Sapphire City have signed an exclusive distribution deal to have their new CD "All We Are" available through distributor FUSION III in Canada and for downloading with DMGI out of the United States immediately. Says Bullseye President Jaimie Vernon, "We're looking forward to working with Saphhire City as they are an experienced four-piece with their goals set on captivating a previous generation of classic rock lovers and capturing the hearts of the next generation of classic rock lovers. They've cleverly made their music accessible to a broad audience and it will prove to be a successful tag team between their skill and Bullseye's marketing and promotion."


Jaimie Vernon,
President, Bullseye Records
http://www.bullseyecanada.com - Bullseye Records of Canada

Jeff Hurst

Sapphire City is on a mission to continue the legacy of classic rock for an all new generation. Based out of Fergus, Sapphire City delivers solid rock with a nod to '70s stadium grandeur, southern musical hospitality and memorable, anthemic melodicism. The rhythm section of drummer Hayden Vialva (Fathead,Teenage Head, The Dice) and bassist Barry Bevan have a combined total of 40 years musical experience. The lineup also features singer Guy Smith and lead guitarist Mike Carlo. Sapphire City performs tomorrow night at Five O'Clocks Bar and Grill, 30 Glamis Rd. They will also be holding a CD release party for their debut All We Are.

Website: http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/cam/news/news_774401.html - The Cambridge Times

Sapphire City brings '70s rock to new audience
Lisa Rutledge, Cambridge


Guy Smith




Mike Carlo




Barry Bevan




Hayden Vialva


(Jul 12, 2007)
Members of the newly formed band Sapphire City couldn't have chosen a better opportunity to launch their CD, All We Are. At a time when '70s rock is enjoying a bountiful resurgence, even with today's teenagers, the local band has released 10 tunes which blend the best of classic rock with eclectic edges borrowed from other genres, including blues and even some mainstream country.

Barry Bevan, Cambridge resident and bassist with the group, drew upon his years of experience in the industry and a life-long passion for music to help craft the album. He and guitarist Mike Carlo began by developing the band's "new age classic rock" sound and continued the adventure by signing on well-established drummer Hayden Vialva and vocalist Guy Smith.

While the group created a rock-themed album, each song does have a distinct flavour and personality, taking audiences on a journey from ballad to hard-hitting rock.

"I used a different bass on every song so each and every song has its own unique sound," said Bevan.

The CD's range of moods makes it ideal music for driving or working around the house, noted Bevan. Audiences are warmed up with the soulful Midnight Rain, then are taken on a turn toward country with Down the Road and then finish off with the heart-pounding beat of The Plan.

The live version of The Plan is guaranteed to bring down the house, enveloping audiences in bone-rattling sound, assures Bevan.

"I have a massive wall of sound," he explained. "I have 2,000 watts of bass - just myself."

Capitalizing on a move back to roots of rock 'n' roll, the group is proud to say there are no electronically enhanced sounds.

Being in the business for many years has also helped members avoid getting tangled up in the industry hype and has kept their sights set on just making good music.

Bevan, who has toured Canada from coast to coast at many times playing with other bands, is convinced everything has led him to the creation of Sapphire City. Affectionately referring to the group as a much-loved dysfunctional family, the bassist said the band knows what it wants and how to go after it. They may be here for a good time, but they also plan to be here for a long time.

Feedback suggests they're moving in the right direction. After posting Sapphire City on Myspace.com, the band has already had 32,000 hits in just a few short months.

Hoping to pass this appreciation for music on to younger generations, Bevan has been teaching bass guitar to students at Long and McQuade Musical Instruments for three years. And he understands the value in learning to play an instrument.

"Kids who take music do an average of 25 per cent better in school than kids who don't."

As part of their tour to promote the new All We Are CD, the group is playing several venues in Cambridge including the Five O'Clocks Bar and Grill this Friday at 9 p.m.

Sapphire City will be one of three bands backed by Bullseye Records of Canada to perform at the local pub.


- Cambridge Times