BIO
Although typically brushed aside by critics, Sarasin has won an impressive and devoted fan following, while their virtuoso performance skills have solidified their standing as musicians' musicians. There's a good chance you've already seen them perform. True foot soldiers in the rock and roll trenches, no two gigs in their decades-spanning career have been the same - a testament to their powerful stage presence and enormous repertoire. It takes a special talent to captivate audiences with such alarming regularity, and Sarasin have it in spades. They know that it's not just how hard they hit, it's also the lasting impact. The result? When Sarasin play, they slay.
Now celebrating their 24th anniversary as a band. Sarasin have always championed texture over craft, and pursued honesty over perfection. They never try to sound like something they aren't because they already know what they are: a damn fine rock band. This relaxed confidence has served them well as they toured and played with performers ranging from Kim Mitchell to Johnny Winters to Nazareth. Their sound is perfect synthesis of Black Sabbath's epic musicality and the mammoth power-chord roar of Led Zeppelin, fused with the playful party sensibility of AC/DC. Both pulverizing and boisterous, Sarasin create genuinely rousing rock that captivates and invigorates.
Forged in the bowels of the Stelco Steel plant in Hamilton when bassist Rob Grant first met guitarist Greg Boileau, the band played their debut show on April 2nd, 1983. Since then, the band has boasted 27 different members in the ensuing 24 years. The current, rock-steady incarnation of the band, which also includes Phil Naro (vocals), John Rogers (Guitars, backing vocals) and Roger Banks (drums) is undoubtedly the best. They have the rare ability to make you believe that they perform their own songs better than anyone else ever could. They enjoy intense popularity in places like Italy, Belgium, France and Germany, yet have never strayed far from their collective roots. From 1984 up to 1990 the played 250 shows a year, touring full-time from coast-to-coast. The boys came by this relentless dedication and work ethic honestly, a product of their "Steel Town" upbringing.
Recorded at over a dozen different studios over the past two decades (including Phase 1, Metal Works, United Media and others), the selections on their newest release fit together like a chain-gang. The disc is a 9 song collection and is their official jumping off point into the 21st century. Juggling the band members has meant that the recording line-up has constantly changed. As a result, Sarasin has truly evolved and progressed, but has never lost their intense edge.
While Sarasin might be considered an archetypal rock band, they are never so easily pigeonholed. They've never sold-out and never compromised their collective vision. They've played benefit shows for everyone from The Hell's Angel's to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They've made loyal fans of people ranging from Wendy Wolffe (ONTV), Joe Cahill (97.7 Htz-FM), Big D (Y-108), and their former soundman Mark Howard (who went on to work with bands like U2). Catch just one show and they'll make a fan out of you too. Raucous, rowdy, and rambunctious, Sarasin's prestigious 24-year career has not only been brilliant - It's also just the beginning.
With Sarsin's new 2007 CD "The Last Word", new band mates Phil Naro (Vocals), Roger Banks (Drums) and John Rogers (Guitars) bring credentials that are truly impressive. From gold records to collaborations with Kiss, Foreigner, Saga, Lee Aaron, Skid Row, Billy Sheehan, Brighton Rock, Tony Levin and many more, their talent has no boundaries, but their hard rock roots still make this Cd rock solid.
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