Claire Gaynor . . . is an award winning British singer songwriter who over many years has also gained considerable experience from writing, recording and live performance.
It was aged 13 that Claire bought her first guitar as well as playing and composing on piano and violin. At age 14 she was already playing guitar and fronting the school rock band!
Past success has included writing arranging and performing the material which include 'The Tauntones' and 'This Wonderful Land' culminating in TV appearances and Radio performances.
As a member of ‘The Sweet Soul Sisters’, the highly acclaimed British five piece A'cappella band, Claire co-wrote material for their successful British and Canadian tours. Following her ‘Canadian experience’ she was inspired by the ever evolving and popular ‘New Country Rock’ movement and formed ‘Big River’ who quickly established themselves firmly on the British New Country Rock circuit playing at festivals and theatres across the UK often delivering a 7 piece line-up faithfully emulating this musical genre. ‘Big River’ became known as the largest gigging New Country Rock band on the circuit !
Following on from the success of ‘Big River’ and understanding the importance of writing and performing original material she formed ‘Cross the River’ sharing festival stages across the south-west with fellow songwriter and guitarist Paul Merrell, Paul Bryant (Bass), Mark Cullen (electric and acoustic guitars and banjitar), Rich Price (Keyboards) and Paul Whittington (Drums) performing songs from recent albums 'Devotion’, Raison Detre’ and Paul Merrells self penned album ‘1pm’.
The latest lineup continues the success of the band with Martin Cook and subsequently Paul Newton on bass with Ian Anderson on lead and acoustic guitars. Ian being not only an incredibly talented, inspired and experienced musician but also a life long friend and former member of 'The Tauntones' and 'This Wonderful Land' taking Claire’s music full circle !
She continues to write and perform and is constantly seeking new ideas and musical inspiration in preparation for her next album . . . watch this space !
Albums . . .
‘Devotion’ - For the recording of her first full album American fiddle player John Permenter, Sarah Jory, the renowned British female pedal steel player, Simon Nicol and Chris Leslie members of Fairport Convention all came on board. Two tracks from the album ‘Storm Clouds’ and ‘Stand up’ have since won national awards.
‘Raison Detre’ - Came along with the help of some of Britains finest musicians. Paul Merrell - Lead rhythm acoustic guitar, Ben Nicholls of Seth Lakeman and Dennis Hopper Choppers fame - double & electric bass, Leon Hunt - Banjo, Sarah Jory - Pedal steel, Stuart Gordon - Fiddle, John Permenter - Fiddle, Archie Churchill-Moss - Melodion.
’Ice & Fire’ - Featuring members of her own band: Ian Anderson (electric & acoustic Guitars), Paul Whittington (drums), Roz Anderson-Brunhoff (backing vocals), Chrissie Hayes (Piano), Paul Newton (bass), Pete Windfeld (Piano/organ/synth).
All songs are written by Claire Gaynor reflecting the ever changing styles and instruments of contemporary AOR, folk and New Country. Produced, arranged, recorded, mixed and mastered by Paul Whittington, Ian Anderson and Claire Gaynor at ‘The Longhouse’ Banwell.