Album Notes

Based in Boston, The Brightwings consist of three singer/songwriters: Matt Rafal, Dave Dombroski and Dan Holden. Jayme Tardiff rounds out the line-up on drums. Their name is taken from an episode of the television show "The Wonder Years," which was set in the late 60's and early 70's. The Brightwings are influenced by that same era, hinting at the honest and simple sounds of The Eagles, CSNY, Tom Petty and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band incorporates this nostalgic vibe into their songwriting, creating modern songs with a classic rock feel. Three part vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars and heartfelt lyrics are all key elements of the Brightwings sound.

"Stay" was produced by vocalist/guitarist Dave Dombroski and was recorded at two small studios in the Boston area. It includes a few notable guest appearences, including David Lamoureax of the band Augustana, who plays keyboards on the track "Can't Stand Me." The album's last track, "Please Come To Boston", showcases The Brightwings love of three part harmony vocals.

The disc's lead-off track, "All I Need", has been featured on MTV's "Real World Denver", MTV's "The Duel", the E! Network's "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" and the CW's "Life Is Wild".

Here is what the critics are saying about "Stay":

"Layered harmonies drive infectious chorus melodies over guitars and piano...the evenhanded sincerity of the songwriting adds a vital element that separates the group from other acoustic acts." - Travis Smith, The Boston Metro

"The Brightwings have a classic charm lost in the present day world of glamour and pretense. The album is timeless, catchy, and completely radio friendly...harmonies that could make a church choir jealous." - Sherri Prunier,TheWigFitsAllHeads.com

"Anyone who has ever liked bands like the Eagles or CSNY is going to find something they like about the Brightwings. Every song is catchy." (4 out of 5 stars) - Mike Farley, Bullz-Eye.com

"Through all of the harmonies and acoustic based progressions, it’s really the multi-part vocals and well-written lyrics that help The Brightwings shine" - Highway Boots, Rock-Is-Life.com

"The harmony vocals are as professional as anything done by The Eagles." - Kaj Roth, Melodic.net

The Brightwings are talented rock n' roll soldiers whose knack for crafting, indeed sculpting a pop-rock song is daunting" - J-Sin, Smother.net

"Takes us back to the good old days of rock with good melodies, harmonies, and good musicianship" - Chris, Parx-e.com

"With an acoustic folk-pop-rock vibe that's upbeat and moving, The Brightwings are poised to take flight from their Boston home." - William A. Huffman, Conway Daily Sun

"If you grew up listening to the classic '70’s relationship songs, you will L-O-V-E love singing along with this album. If you weren’t born until the early '80s but like catchy melodies and three-part harmonies, Stay’s production is modern enough that you won’t know the difference." Curt Hauff, HardRockHaven.net