Tapping into energy comparable to that of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Tom Petty, California-based quartet Brightshineredefines improvisational rock by focusing 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 Pete Sawyer, who brings his extensive experience in the Northern California music scene into the band, which features Celso Alberti (Steve Winwood), Eric Levy (NightRanger), Paul Rustigian (Freestone Peaches), Murph Murphy (Poor Man’s Whiskey)and Maria Caycedo (VerisimoOpera Company). Instantly discovering fluid chemistry and camaraderie with one another upon their union, Brightshine began the process of recording their first album “ShadowsInTheSky,” 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.
Set for release on July 23, Brightshine’s upcoming 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.
Brightshine has played notable venues including The Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Ashkenaz,19 Broadway, and Michael’s On Main, among many others. With their upcoming release, they’re sure to create waves within the music industry, making Brightshine one jam band you just can’t miss.
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