Orianthi

Blues rock guitar virtuoso Orianthi wanted to create something special to celebrate her 25 th anniversary as a professional musician. The Australian-born, Los Angeles-based Orianthi entered The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger’s Love Street Sound studio where she wrote, produced and recorded her debut single for Woodward Avenue Records, “First Time Blues.” Orianthi has been performing “First Time Blues” in concert with her band for the past year and was able to cut it live in the studio in just a few takes. She burns up “First Time Blues” with her impassioned vocals and blazing guitar licks. Joining her on track are Justin Andres (bass, vocals), Carey Frank (keyboards), Nick Maybury (electric and acoustic guitar) and Elias Mallin (drums). To add a second guitar solo to “First Time Blues,” Orianthi invited a friend to record with her: three-time Grammy nominated blues rock guitar prodigy Joe Bonamassa. They had played together many times, but “First Time Blues” is their first recording together. Orianthi (Orianthi Panagaris) looks as much like a rock star as she does a supermodel. But it’s her extraordinary guitar chops that turn the most heads. She began playing professionally when she was thirteen years old before going on to perform and/or tour with Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, Alice Cooper, Richie Sambora and Dave Stewart. She was hired by Michael Jackson for his “This Is It Tour” before his untimely death and was a member of the supergroup Hollywood Vampires (Cooper, Joe Perry, Johnny Depp and Tommy Henriksen). Orianthi’s debut album, “Violet Journey,” was released in 2005 and she has issued five solo albums to date. She was featured accompanying Carrie Underwood during a Grammy Awards telecast, performed on American Idol, and appears in Jackson’s documentary concert film, “This Is It.” Elle magazine named Orianthi one of the “12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists” and she won the 2010 “Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year” award from Guitar International magazine. All these experiences have given Orianthi the freedom, credibility and confidence to make the kind of records she wants to make, and present concerts her way. Her eclectic style and versatility belie an exciting and varied career that continues to grow and expand.