Orianthi Live at Oran Mor, gigcartel, noblepr, and celtic connections

Review By Darren McIntyre, images by Scott Anderson

Penny Panagaris, aka Orianthi, is a singer/guitarist/songwriter from Adelaide, Australia, who originally came to our attention in 1999. Orianthi has been playing in bands since she was 14 and performed her first stage show for Steve Vai aged 15. She met and jammed with Carlos Santana when she was 18, appeared at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards as Carrie Underwood’s guitarist, and auditioned for Michael Jackson’s This Is It concerts. Orianthi has opened for John Mayer, Mika, and Kid Rock and Daughtry and has over 30 shows under her belt for Adam Lambert’s Glam Nation Tour. Orianthi hits the road this January and tonight she rolls into Oran Mor as part of CelticConnections, please ready yourself for a night of sizzling blues / rock and all stops in between, the lights dim, the house PA fades as Orianthi glides onto the stage with her two gladiators who ready themselves to dazzle us with a fine selection of songs. Orianthis says hi as the boys drop into-

First Time Blues – Orianthis steps forward with her trusty guitar in hand as the boys bring the groove and let tonight’s show burst into life as the thundering rhythm section brings the heat. Orianthis unleashes her inner demon with slick, crisp guitar playing that is mesmerising to watch and listen to as the place reacts to this Australian six string slinger go about her business as she sends wave after wave of colossal licks that are just putting smiles on people’s faces, the low end is coming at us with a real sense of belonging as Sam drops the hammer with intense, dark, delicious grooves that wrap themselves around this packed out show tonight as the good people of Glasgow holler, clap and yell as we see Orianthi bring the heat with exquisite guitar playing that tells us that we are in for a treat tonight as the place warms to this electrifying musician as she really brings the riffs to Glasgow tonight, we are feeling the love as she throws out lick after lick that wets our appetites for what she has in store for us as we drive straight into –

Sinners Hymn – The band gets us clapping along to this dark, brooding monster as Orianthi leans in and lets her vocals take the track off down the road as we feel the energy pouring from the stage as the rasping guitar licks wrap themselves around us. The pounding rhythm section is hitting us with a punchy snare drum kick as the cymbal crashes are raining down on us as the band shift through the gears and let us feel the energy oozing from these 3 kick ass musicians as the leave no stone unturned tonight, the awesome guitar work is just pouring from the stage as Orianthi brings the groove to Glasgow tonight as the boys let the funking bassline drop in with a real killer, tone that lets us know that the band are here and ready to entertain as Orianthis slays us with her incredible fingerwork as the guitar glistens from the stage lights as we throw our fists in the air and rejoice this celebrated, colossal musician as she entertains us and then some as the place hollers out with every note oozing from the stage is just a delight to watch, we are getting a real heavy, no nonsense groove that is on the money as we stroll into –

U Don’t Wanna Know – A rasping, gritty, melodic guitar lick pours from the stage as the punchy bass kicks let this dark, heavy groover open and fill the venue with a real rocking vibe as the cool, funky bassline drops in and really gives the track depth, swagger and attitude as Orianthi lets her smouldering vocals lead the charge in this foot-stomping bruiser as the crowd are nodding and feeling the heat from this classy, rocking piece that is letting us feel the energy coming from the stage. The rhythm section is controlling the direction of the track as Orianthi cuts loose and sizzles with her incredible playing as we just go with the flow as she gets us to clap along to this real heavy, kickass track that just sounds incredible live, and I will say that everything sounds better live as there is nowhere to hide as we feel the heat coming at us right now. The place is packed, the energy is incredible and all I see is everyone watching the stage as the band just peels back the layers of rock ‘n’ roll that is coming for us right now. up next –

Never Make Your Move Too Soon – A cool, dark, delicious bassline drops in and lets the track come to life as the cymbal snaps hit us with a cool, solid snare drum punch that really pops. Orianthi leans in and just lets her fingers do the talking as this slick, crisp piece builds and builds as the band really opens up and gives us a gritty, rocking blues-filled guitar lick that works so well. The boys are quietly going about their business as the sultry, cool bassline wraps itself around the venue and gives us goosebumps as we watch this talented lady bring glitz and glamour to Glasgow tonight as she stands on stage with her trademark glasses and floppy hat that we have all come to know and love her for. The tone and energy coming from the stage is just spellbinding as we feel the love oozing towards us as Orianthi lets her soulful vocals take the track off down the road as this classy cover gets a makeover as the licks just intensify and build as the band really brings the heat tonight as we catch our breath and let Orianthi tell us a story of how growing up she always wanted to be a musician and boy has she done it as we stroll into –

into –Attention – Orianthi gets things on the move as her stunning, mellow vocals lead the charge of this foot stomping bruiser as she lets the boys drop in with a real gutsy, dark, delicious bassline that really delivers a killer tone to this crunching beast. The rhythm section is hitting us with a solid snare kick that has bass beats that give the track a real depth and energy as we watch the stage and let this colossal guitarist tell her own story with slick, crisp guitarwork that is just mesmerising to watch. The boys are bringing the heat as they work well together and really tell their story as the backup to this incredible musician as she shreds with all she has and really lets us know that she loves being onstage and letting her hair down and really giving us a show that we will talk about for a long time to come, the slick, crisp guitar work is quite stunning and just awesome to watch as we feel the love pouring from the stage as we run straight into –

Rescue Me – Orianthi lets her smouldering vocals lead the way for this smooth, melodic number as the snare taps let the rhythm section erupt with a pounding beat as the cymbal crashes rain down on us and let the crowd feel the heat. The funky bassline drops in with a classy, deep groove that just wraps itself around this awesome track as the place is just watching the stage as Orianthi offloads with a ripping guitar lick that really pops. We are really getting into the groove with a real run-through of hits, classics and new tracks that we are hearing for the first time, as the band have quickly gelled together and brought us a searing, rock-laden show with heavy-ended guitar licks and punchy rhythm beats that are wrapped in a full-on bassline that just puts a smile on your face as we stroll into –

Where Did Your Heart Go (Acoustic) – Orianthi asks us if we should play some acoustic/electric and decides to give us another side to her as she says, ‘Let’s check this shit out.’ The rumble from the acoustic guitar is incredible as she sets out her stall and unleashes her soulful vocals to accompany this fantastic acoustic section of the show. The place is silent, and we are just watching the stage as Orianthi lays herself bare as this melodic number comes at us with all it has. The vocals are just insane as she leans back from the mic to let us hear her tearing into the track as the acoustic guitar strings are given a workout out as the place stands silent as she runs us through the track and plays her heart out of this incredible track and she gets a huge round of applause as the track really grabs our attention, as we applaud the track she leads us into –

Before You Accuse Me – Orianthi asks us do we want some blues or country and she is devided before she rattles into Bo Didley’s classic track that again stops us in our tracks as she plays the hell out of her guitar as the melodic tones ripple from the stage. The vocals are flowing from the stage as she rumbles through the track and just lets us feel the blues filling the Glasgow air tonight, the honky tonk groove is just so infectious as we sway along to this classic track that is a welcome addition to this incredible set as the crowd laps up the sheer magnetism that is oozing from Orianthi right now as we get back to business as the boys return to the stage to kick some ass with –

Light It Up – A thundering bass kick ripples from the stage as the shredding guitar licks light up the night(see what I did there) as this toe tapping rock n roller kicks in the doors and lets us have it both barrels. The funking, dark bassline drops in and wraps itself around us as we feel the energy ripping through the venue tonight as the band return to business and bring a cool vibe to us tonight, Orianthi steps forward and lets her fantastic vocals take this track for a run through the vanue tonight as the cymbal crashes rain down on us as the band gives us what we came for tonight, a real rockin time and boy are we getting it in spades tonight as the fists are in the air as the band dig deep and give us a real rockin track that shaowcases the band, Orianthi and just why we waited so long for tonight, up next –

Heaven In This Hell – A pounding bass kick rumbles through the intro as a shredding, power drenched guitar riff opens the track as the groove comes at us as Orianthi lets her soaring vocals take charge as this monster runs through Oran Mor tonight. The funking bassline drops in with a real kick ass beat that allows the track to breath as the snare drum punches fill the air as we feel the power roaring towards us tonight as the band hit full throttle and really bring the groove to Great Western Road tonight and then some, the soaring guitar licks are just a joy to watch as Orianthi cuts loose and really shows us why she is one of the world’s top female guitarists as she cuts through this classic track with ease as we watch on with sheer joy written on our faces. The slick playing is sublime and really takes us to another place, next –

What’s It Gonna Be – Orianthi chats with the boys and boom off we go with this roaring beast that allows the rhythm section to bring us a pounding snare drum groove that lets the cymbal crashes rain down on us as we get into the groove. The vocals are flowing freely through the venue as the crisp guitar riffs accompany a funking, dark, delicious bassline that is hitting us with a cool groove that really works with the killer guitar licks that are surrounding us right now, the place is really feeling the love from the band as they shift through the gears and give us a show that will be talked about for some time to come and that’s a fact. The classy musicianship is something else and it was a real pleasure to be here tonight to witness something special rolling through Glasgow tonight, coming at us next –

Sharp Dressed Man( ZZ Top Cover) – The unmistakeable riff erupts from the stage as Orianthi stands front and centre and rattles off this classic blues rocker that really gets the crowd going.. The pounding rhythm section comes at us with all it has as the snare drum punches grab our attention as the band rips through this classic as the guitar licks are filling the air as the funking bassline drops in with a real gutsy, funk laden delicious groove that just gets the juices flowing. The place is rocking and rolling now as we hit the business end of the show as Orianthi lets her soulful vocals lead the charge of this awesome piece of music that has a real slick, crunching makeover from the Queen of rock n roll as we saunter into –

Dark Days Are Gone – The track kicks off with a sizzling guitar intro as Orianthi leads the charge as a thumping snare kick commands the room as we get a real rasping beast of a track that kicks in the doors and lets us have it both barrels, the thing you notice about Orianthi is that she oozes quality, class, attitude and bags of swagger as she rips into this foot stomping monster that gets the Glasgow crowd all hot and bothered. The full on funkalicious bassline drops in with a real heart pounding groove as the meaty, delicious tones wrap themselves around this classy arrangement, the band are shifting through the gears and giving us all they have as the place is really getting into the show and feeling the love pouring from the stage tonight. The rhythm section is pounding away at the back of the room and letting us all know that this trio are the real deal as we roll into –

How Do You Sleep – A blues lick flows from the stage as Orianthi steps forward and just cuts loose as the cymbal rolls run freely through the intro as the classy guitar notes fill the air as this blues infused rock n roll track comes our way. The vocals are smooth, sultry, melodic and sit perfectly in the setlist as we come to the business end of tonight’s show as the band bring the groove to us tonight, The snare drum punches are oozing from the stage as the band just bring the heat as a funky, dark bassline drops in and wraps itself around this classy blues laden number that grabs our attention as the slick, crisp licks grab us from all sides and just delivers a no nonsense track that is just building with every note coming at us. The place is silent and just fixed on the stage as this classy, melodic number erupts with a hail of killer licks that are giving the track depth and poise as Orianthi leans in and just shreds out and gives everyone what they came for tonight as we get to the last but one track –

According To You – Orianthi gets ready and hits us with a rasping, gritty guitar riff that lets her bring her unmistakeable vocals that gives the track some bite as the boys come in and deliver a killer backdrop to this fantastic track. The thundering, dark bass is hitting us with a real sludgy, meaty groove that wraps itself around this roaring monster as the place goes nuts and throws their hands in the air as the band look out and see the smiles on the faces. The snare drum punches are controlling the groove as the slick, crisp guitar licks build and build as we feel the energy coming at us right now and I must say I have really enjoyed tonight’s show, the stage brings a trio of musicians who really know what they are doing as they deliver a faultless show that could have gone on for another hour I think, last but not least –

Voodoo Chile – We settle into the last track of the night as Orianthi introduces the boys, Damian Arriga from Los Angeles & Sam Collins from the UK which brings a huge cheer from the sold out crowd. The killer track erupts with a hail of guitar riffs that welcome the rhythm section as it hits us with solid snare drum beats as the funky bassline drops in and really brings the groove to this classic number, the guitar work is just incredible as has the whole night from the band right down to merch, TM and all stops in between as the place gets it’s funk on with this rasping guitar monster as Orianthi does what she does best and slays us with her incredible fingerwork. The place is on fire right now as we feel the energy oozing from the stage as the trio dig deep and really bring the heat that comes with this awesome tune, the stage is literally on fire right now as the band shifts through the gears and really leaves no stone unturned as the Glasgow crowd show their appreciation for this Aussie musician as she goes about her business with no effort whatsoever. We get a drum solo and a bass solo that just brings the place to life with it’s killer musicianship that just hit 10 on the richter scale let me tell you, this is a show that will be talked about for a long time to come.

Orianthi gives her all and leaves no stone unturned as she delivers a masterclass in guitar playing that didn’t go unnoticed let me tell you, a class musician that really knows how to get a crowd on it’s feet.

Orianthi –

Orianthi – Vocals / Guitar

Sam Collins – Bass

Damian Arriga – Drums

Setlist –

First Time Blues

Sinner’s Hymn

U Don’t Wanna Know

Never Make A Move

Rescue Me

Where Did Your Heart Go – Acoustic

Before You Accuse Me – Acoustic