Concert Schedule

Big Country was originally formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson both native of the band's hometown Dunfermline in Scotland. Initially driven by a shared vision of widescreen guitar melody, harmony and lyric, the classic Big Country sound was further enhanced later that summer by the arrival of drummer Mark Brzezicki and bass player Tony Butler. This is the Big Country that (with producer Steve Lillywhite), recorded the classic debut album 'The Crossing' in 1983. The band broke massively worldwide with the release of the album's classic singles 'Fields Of Fire', 'Chance' and signature song 'In A Big Country', which went on to become massive worldwide hits, selling over 2 million copies and driving 'The Crossing' to 3 prestigious Grammy nominations in the USA.

"Since 1999, RAUL has been my main creative vehicle for showcasing all my passions for music—songwriting, performing, recording, and producing. Just when I thought it was time to start fresh under a different project name, a new musical partner would step in and re-inspire a fresh chapter of RAUL. This happened many times, leading to several diverse versions of the group. In 2013, the current lineup was formed, and we decided to record a full album and press it onto vinyl. We have Mark Paris on bass guitar and Ryan Calamusa on drums, with me on guitar as the core rhythm section. Along with guitarist Daniel Conrad, we now have the foundation to work out the songs' dynamics and arrangements for our second full-length RAUL album, NOW AND WHEN." -Brian Gittings

The theme of NOW AND WHEN could be described as one of holding onto hope, digging in to gain spiritual strength, releasing inner pain, burning away the mind, and being reborn into a state of freedom—similar to the innocence we once had. Songs like "YOU’VE SPLIT" and "HEAD IN MY HANDS" point to the need to open ourselves up to the tragedy of being, in order to allow us to grow in wisdom. "TURN IT ALL AROUND" confronts the fears of an empty heart, which is soon strengthened through faith and love.

Tracks like "THE NEW LOYALTIES" and "USE YOU" offer a sarcastic view of American life, claiming that lying has no consequences and warning against the dangers of government and corporate sellouts. "CATCHING UP WITH YOU" and "I’M LETTING YOU GO" share a common theme of rebuking a broken heart. There’s nothing more real than the rejection of the heart—embittered love songs are the modern blues. NOW AND WHEN and "RADIATE" are instrumental tracks, evoking echoes of indie rock and surf rock. "CRIME OF THE CENTURY" and "STARS AND ASTRONOMY" are a death waltz and a rocking banger, with divine thoughts of love and hope. "YOU THINK IT'D BE EASY" explores the struggle with faith.