Orianthi recently stopped at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, Maryland, with a masterful performance of the blues and special performances during this final stop on her current tour.

Orianthi, known for her great vocals and blistering guitar solos, did not disappoint at the show on July 30. Over the course of the last decade or more, Orianthi, originally from Australia, has played with numerous legends in the music industry, including Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, and Alice Cooper just to mention a few. Her last album, Rock Candy, was released in 2022, and this was perhaps a long-awaited for tour run for fans to support songs from that release as well as to help gear up for the new album in the works.

Opening the night’s show was outstanding artists Mia Samone and Michael Ault. The duo, both from the nearby DC area played about a 40-minute set, which was well received by the fans at the show. Their set was highlighted by a great version of Chris Stapleton’s song “Tennessee Whiskey,” which featured Mia’s fantastic bluesy voice accompanied by Mike’s intricate guitar work. Mike Ault has been a DC area staple on guitar for decades, and now features in Paul Reed Smith’s band Eightlock, along with Samone.

Paul Reed Smith, founder and owner of PRS Guitars, who is a personal friend of Orianthi and her family, was also on-hand to introduce Orianthi to the excited audience and discussed advising her family to send her to America years ago to proceed further in her music career after hearing her exceptional guitar playing. It was apparent the friendship and respect of Paul Reed Smith and Orianthi throughout her well-received set during the evening.

Orianthi didn’t waste anytime before bursting into the set with her latest single “First Time Blues,” which was released earlier this year, featuring Joe Bonamassa playing alongside her on this great blues rocker. This song set the tone of the evening, and easily got the fans into the show. Orianthi plays note for note with Bonamassa in the video they did for the song. Orianthi gave credit for her love of guitar and playing style advising the crowd that she had started playing guitar because of influences from her father and Carlos Santana.

Stream “First Time Blues” by Orianthi featuring Joe Bonamassa on YouTube:

The concert featured two electric sets and a middle acoustic set during the evening, with Paul Reed Smith joining her on stage for a few songs featuring Orianthi, and Paul Reed Smith shredding blues numbers together on stage for a dynamic approval from the crowd lucky enough to be at the performance.

Orianthi introduced 9-year old local guitarist Aiden Adams during an acoustic section in the middle of the show, and the crowd approved. Orianthi and Adams played a very nice version of Orianthi’s song “Where Does Your Heart Go.” Adams’ great enthusiasm to be playing alongside Orianthi was evidenced during this song with his soaring vocals. Orianthi told the crowd “that’s what it is all about being inspired by music” as Adams was leaving the stage.

The acoustic set also featured Orianthi covering Clapton’s “Before You Accuse Me” in fine style. While Orianthi is known for playing fast blues licks as well as anyone in the business, it was quite impressive to see her ability on the acoustic guitar as well. The inter-mix of electric then acoustic and electric helped provide a comprehensive review of Orianthi’s playing styles during the evening, which also included covers of Santana’s Soul Sacrifice, ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” and a huge audience reaction at the end with Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child.”

Orianthi playing Hendrix was fantastic to see. Her guitar virtuoso is on full display during this song, and had a huge fan reaction. Because of the evening highlighted with Paul Reed Smith participating in the show, Orianthi elected to play “Voodoo Child” with a PRS guitar as opposed to the normally used Hendrix style Stratocaster. The ending result was brilliant. Paul Reed Smith founded PRS Guitars in the Annapolis area nearly 40 years ago. As Orianthi plays PRS Guitars, it was very fitting to see the both of them jam together in the area where the guitars had been developed.

Stream Rock Candy by Orianthi on Spotify.

In the end, Orianthi left the fans wanting more, but assured them she would be back next year in support of her new album. The evening was a fantastic display of guitar-oriented blues rock of the finest caliber. The great rapport between Orianthi, her band, and the audience was seen and felt throughout the evening. Before disappearing into the night, Orianthi conversed with fans after the show, taking selfies, and talking for several minutes to end the incredible night.

Setlist:

First Time Blues
Sinner’s Hymn
Never Make Your Move
You Don’t Wanna Know
Light It Up
Europa – Soul Sacrifice

-Acoustic Set-

Heaven in This Hell
What’s it Gonna Be
Sharp Dressed Man
How Do You Sleep
According to You
Voodoo Child

Here are some photos of Mia Samone and Michael Ault opening Orianthi at Rams Head on Stage on July 30, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.

Here are some photos of Orianthi headlining Rams Head on Stage on July 30, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.