Claire's backing band is 'Big River' which comprises ( L-R ) - Tim Rylands on keyboards, lead & backing vocals, Paul Swift on electic lead / rhythm, acoustic, lead & backing vocals, Paul Whittington on drums and percussion, Claire Gaynor, lead vocals / backing vocals, acoustic guitar, Paul Bryant on bass, lead & backing vocals, Paul Merrell on rhythm / lead guitar, acoustic, lead & backing vocals.
The current lineup has been together for over 5 years and now includes Jane ballantyne on violin and saxaphone with a core group going back to it's inception 10 years ago. As with many bands the history of all members of the band playing on the local, european and international makes interesting reading. Almost without exception their paths have crossed many times over 30 years of semi-pro and pro playing representing many of the finest bands in the area. It now represents the very best of being in a band where they are good buddies first, all of whom happen to have demonstrated excellence with their own instrument in the past and now play together bringing experience, power and control to the live performance. Don't believe me . . . book'em !
Claire also gigs with a more acoustic line up known as 'Little River' which comprises ( L-R ) Jane Ballantyne on violin and saxaphone, Claire Gaynor, lead / backing vocals, acoustic guitar, Paul Whittington on drums and percussion, Paul Merrell on rhythm / lead guitar, acoustic, lead & backing vocals and Paul Bryant on electric / acoustic bass, lead & backing vocals.
Claire Gaynor : Lead vocals / backing vocals / acoustic guitar. Claire uses Trace Elliot Acoustic amps and Washburn acoustic guitars . . . and a Banjo . . . and a Korg M1 depending on the gig !
Paul Whittington : Drums / Percussion / Backing vocals. Paul uses Ludwig acoustic drums / Zildjian, Paiste cymbals . . . or, Roland 'V' drum electronics. Mackie SRM 450, SA1521 active PA and CFX12 MkII desk.
SA 1521 ( front of house )
SRM 450 ( monitors )
Jane Ballantyne : Violin / Saxaphone. Jane uses Peavy amplification,
When was the last time you saw a girl playing one of these !
Paul Merrell : Lead / rhythm / acoustic guitars. Paul uses Fender guitars / Fender amplification
Paul Swift : Lead / Rhythm guitar / Acoustic guitars / Lead, backing vocals. Paul uses Fender Guitars / Crate amplification
Tim Rylands : Keyboards / Piano / Accordion / Backing vocals. Tim uses Yamaha / Roland / Trinity electronics
Paul Bryant : Bass / backing vocals. Paul uses Fender guitars / Ampeg amplification