Orianthi delivers signature guitar mastery and hard-hitting rock at The Coach House

Who: Orianthi, Mori's Memento

Where: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Next: Orianthi performs at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, CA on Saturday, Jan. 28

Information: https://www.orianthi.me/

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Orianthi is one of the world's most talented and exciting guitar players.

Performing before a capacity crowd at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Thursday night, singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso Orianthi brought her signature command of the guitar and solid talents as singer and songwriter together for a winning concert. Backed by an impressive three-man outfit, Orianthi performed a mix of winning originals and select covers over the course of 100 minutes.

She opened with the heavy riff rocker "Light It Up," a cut that recalls some of the best melodic hard rock stylings of the 1970s. Orianthi was able to cut loose with the first of what would be a night full of flashy and impressive lead guitar solos. Beyond her incredible talents as a guitarist, Orianthi displayed how she has carved out her own sound that falls somewhere at the rewarding intersection where British and American blues meet alternative rock and pop rock. 

From left, guitarist Neil Swanson, drummer Elias Mallin, Orianthi and bassist Justin Andres performing at The Coach House on Jan. 26, 2023.

Another early highlight of the set was the super speedy "What's It Gonna Be," where the artist delivered precision guitar technique as well as impressive high reaching vocal notes in the dramatic choruses. 

The crowd that filled the Coach House was rewarded with the first-time ever performance of a song titled "First Time Blues" (or perhaps the title is "First Time I Got The Blues"), that the Adelaide, Australia native noted she had just written. Based on the strength of the thunderous blues rocker and its strong reception from the audience, there is a good chance we may hear the song on a forthcoming Orianthi studio LP. 

She also showcased her incredible talents as a rhythm guitarist on an enticing cover of Michael Jackson's "Black or White." 

Guitarist Neil Swanson with Orianthi at The Coach House.

Orianthi artfully performed a short acoustic set with her band guitarist; a lovely version of "Where Did Your Heart Go" found her adorning the song with beautiful flamenco-flavored guitar sonics. 

From left, Orianthi and Tracii Guns during a performance of "Sinners Hymn."

For her fiery performance of her original "Sinners Hymn," Orianthi brought out guest guitarist Tracii Guns (of L.A. Guns fame). During the song's last half, Orianthi unleashed a dazzling solo before Tracii Guns answered with his own fiery guitar foray.

From left, guitarist Neil Swanson, singer-guitarist Orianthi, guitarist Tracii Guns and
drummer Elias Mallin at The Coach House.

After ending her regular set with an energetic take on her 2009 hit "According to You," she thrilled the crowd with a powerful version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Voodoo Chile." Orianthi is that rare modern day guitar great capable of conjuring up the flawless technique, power and wizardry of the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Mori's Memento performing at The Coach House on Jan. 26, 2023.

Opening for Orianthi was Los Angeles-based Mori's Memento, a rising young troupe whose sound conjured up the hard rock Sunset Strip sounds of the 1980s. In addition to performing some solid original cuts, the group performed reworkings of Ratt's "Round and Round" and Dokken's "Into The Fire."

New music: Simple Minds, Orianthi, Richard X. Heyman, Chris Berardo

New albums from Scottish rockers Simple Minds, Aussie singer-guitar great Orianthi and New York power pop hero Richard X. Heyman along with a timely reissue from singer-songwriter Chris Berardo are featured in my column this week. 

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: Direction of the Heart (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, The Fixx

Tell me more: Simple Minds is back with its highly-anticipated Direction of the Heart, the legendary Scottish outfit's 18th studio album. The nine-track disc is a genuine triumph, featuring singer-songwriter Jim Kerr, guitarist Charlie Burchill, bassist Ged Grimes, vocalist Sarah Brown, keyboardist-guitarist Gordy Goudie, drummer Cherisse Osei and keyboardist Berenice Scott delivering stylish songs that are both bewitching and expertly crafted. The shimmering opener "Vision Thing," dynamic and propulsive "First You Jump," new wave-mining "Human Traffic" featuring Sparks frontman Russell Mael and urgent "Who Killed Truth?" are early highlights on the album. The propulsive "Act of Love" (a gem written by Kerr and Burchill in Glasgow back in 1977 and performed as the opening song of their first-ever gig), enticing "Natural" and unsettling "Planet Zero" are late album highlights. Direction of the Heart closes with a shining synch-swept cover of The Call's 1983 track "The Walls Came Down," a track that Simple Minds makes it own with lush layers of vocals, shining synthesizers and textured guitar work. Information: SimpleMinds.com.

Artist: Orianthi

Title: Rock Candy (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

You might like if you enjoy: The Pretty Reckless, Steve Vai, Dorothy

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar master Orianthi is back with her hard rocking album Rock Candy. Orianthi's amazing guitar work comes in the service of original songs that are bolstered by melodic choruses while retaining their powerful thrust — just listen to the "Light It Up" and infectious "Getting To Me." Fans of virtuoso lead guitar work will appreciate her blazing fretwork on "Fire Together," "Red Light," "Void," and poignant "Where Did Your Heart Go" on the Jacob Bunton-produced LP. The confessional "Living Is Like Dying Without You" is a nice dramatic turn for the Australia native, a power ballad that showcases her signature soprano vocals and nuanced acoustic guitar playing. "Illuminate" and "Illuminate (Part 2)" are instrumental bookends on the high-flying release, displaying Orianthi's otherworldly talents with an electric guitar. Orianthi is backed by Jacob Bunton (bass, guitar, keyboards, piano, violin) and Kyle Cunningham (drums) on the album. Information: iamorianthi.com.

Artist: Richard X. Heyman

Title: 67,000 Miles An Album (Turn-Up Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Badfinger, Squeeze, Tommy Keene, Crowded House

Tell me more: New York-based power pop veteran Richard X. Heyman is back with his latest album, the shining 67,000 Miles An Album. A truly gifted singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Heyman writes songs that are never less than interesting and literate while simultaneously reaching greater heights via luxurious sonics that recall some of the genre's greats from the 1960s, '70s and more recent times. Among the highlights on the album are the soaring "Misspent Youth," the baroque gem "Ready For A Fall," driving melodic rocker "Crave," touching "When The New Dawn Comes" and ambitious title track. My favorite song on the disc is the shimmering "Washington Rock," where Heyman's vocals are effortlessly fused amidst the propulsive and melodic soundscape; the song's historical perspective and sharp lead guitar work add to the magic. As if the outstanding songcraft displayed on the 15 tracks were not impressive enough, Heyman handles lead vocals, guitar, drums, piano, organ, harmonica and more across the disc; kudos to bassist Nancy Leigh, cellist Julia Kent, violist Chris Jenkins and horn player Probyn Gregory (trumpet, trombone and French horn) whose collective efforts bolster the masterwork. 67,000 Miles An Hour is available on audio D, digital download and via streaming services. Information: richardxheyman.com.

Artist: Chris Berardo

Title: American Dust (Greenhaven Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bobbo Byrnes, the Jayhawks, Vinnie James, John Mellencamp

Tell me more: Back in 1997, New York singer-songwriter Chris Berardo recorded his debut album titled American Dust. Now the under-the-radar disc has received a well-deserved re-release on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. The album's delights are obvious a quarter of a century after Berardo completed the tracks. The title track is an infectious and uptempo Americana-styled rocker. The lovely atmospheric acoustic ballad "She's Leaving Me," reflective country-flavored "Old Man's Eyes" and "The Top Of The Stairs," rousing roots rocker "One Step Closer To Goodbye" are among the other standouts on the solid album. Berardo continues to write, record and perform and has several upcoming November dates in Texas and New York. I recommend his recently-released wonderful cover of the Badfinger classic "Baby Blue" and his lovely holiday-minded song "This Year." Information: chrisberardo.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Collective Soul, Orianthi, Thundermother, Nick Frater, Goo Goo Dolls

American rock troupe Collective Soul, singer-guitar great Orianthi, Swedish rockers Thundermother, singer-songwriter Nick Frater and alt rock favorites Goo Goo Dolls are all back with essential new recordings worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Collective Soul

Title: Vibrating (Fuzzy-Flex Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Collective Soul, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Psychic Rain

Tell me more: Nearly 30 years after their outstanding debut Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid introduced their fully original mix of melodic alternative rock and post-grunge to the world, Collective Soul continues to chart their own course with albums rooted in stellar songcraft, creative arrangements and inspired performances. "Cut The Cord" opens the album, a searing hard rocker bolstered by loads of crunchy guitar and a driving beat; the propulsive "Reason" enhanced by an especially melodic chorus follows. The energy on the 10-track album is palpable, with singer-guitarist Ed Roland, lead guitarist Jesse Triplett, rhythm guitarist Dean Roland, bassist Will Turpin and drummer Johnny Rabb each adding sophisticated magic to the proceedings. Other highlights on the excellent album include the enticing "Take" with its hypnotic mix of '60s jangle garage rock and mellifluous musical layers, the shining "Undone," symphonic-tinged gem "Rule No. 1," genre-defying delight "Looking Around" and the ambitious romance-mining "Where Do I Go." My favorite track is the undeniably captivating "All Our Pieces," a soaring anthem with singer Ed Roland's expressive vocals bringing an emotional heft to the euphonious cut. Information: CollectiveSoul.com.

Artist: Orianthi

Title: Live From Hollywood (Frontiers Music Srl)

You might like if you enjoy: Orianthi, Nita Strauss, Michael Jackson's "This Is It" documentary

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar hero Orianthi is back with Live From Hollywood, a sharp 11-track set of hard-hitting melodic rock captured on Jan. 8, 2022 at the Bourbon Room in Hollywood, CA.  The release — available on audio CD/DVD and Blu-ray — sees the guitarist and her excellent five-member backing band playing songs from the Australia native's most recent release O (notably the hard rocking lead-off track "Contagious," soulful "Sinners Hymn" and edgy "Impulsive") and audience favorites like the kiss-off "What's It Gonna Be?" and stirring romantic cut "Blues Won't Leave Me Alone." Additional highlights include the AC/DC-styled "Think Like A Man," undeniable ear candy hit "According To You" and blues rock-mining album closer "How Do You Sleep?" Orianthi has a winning soprano and her astonishing guitar work impresses at every turn. Information: Facebook.com/Orianthi. 

Artist: Thundermother

Title: Black and Gold (AFM Records)

You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, Scorpions

Tell me more: Tapping into the take-no-prisoners rock assault of AC/DC, Sweden's all-female rock outfit Thundermother delivers a dozen head banging tracks on Black and Gold (available via AFM Records on Aug. 19). Experts at fusing Guernica Mancini's signature lead vocals with riff rock, big choruses, guitar crunch and infectious rhythms, there is plenty for hard rock fans to celebrate across the band's fourth full-length release. The high voltage opener "The Light In The Sky," anthemic title track (featuring marvelous lead guitar from Filippa Nässil), bluesy power ballad "Hot Mess," driving rocker "Watch Out," snappy "Loud and Free" and explosive "Stratosphere" fully deliver on Thundermother's moniker. Thundermother will be on tour with Scorpions and Whitesnake beginning with a date in Toronto on Aug. 21. The trio of bands will perform at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA on Oct. 4. Information: thundermother.com. 

Artist: Nick Frater

Title: Aerodrome Motel (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Squeeze, XTC, Nick Frater's 2021 album "Earworms" 

Tell me more: Armed with a wonderful tenor voice as well as a sharp knack for crafting literate and tuneful power pop, Croydon, England-based singer/multi-instrumentalist Nick Frater's myriad of talents are displayed in full across his forthcoming album Aerodrome Motel (coming to audio CD and via streaming platforms worldwide on Friday, Aug. 19 via Big Stir Records). Frater's last several albums (2021's Earworms and 2020's Fast & Loose) were critically acclaimed and the artist's latest effort continues that strong streak with a disc imbued with melody and musical hooks that grab the listener and (thankfully) don't let go. The stellar Aerodrome track listing includes the exuberant opener "The Pleasure Is Mine," driving "Love Heist," the harmonies-adorned "Stuck In My Ways," Americana-tinged ballad "No Hard Feelings." The last half of the disc continues to deliver in sonic spades via the intoxicating "Rough & Tumble," baroque pop sortie "Dear Modern Times," charmed single "Dancing With A Gertrude" and wistful "White Courtesy Telephone." Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: Goo Goo Dolls

Title: Chaos in Bloom (Warner Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Goo Goo Dolls, Fastball 

Tell me more: Modern rock heroes Goo Goo Dolls are back with a tuneful and infectious collection of 10 songs on their latest album Chaos in Bloom, the veteran outfit's first-ever album produced by frontman John Rzeznik. There is a lyrical depth and range of topics tackled by Rzeznik and Robby Takac across the album that was developed in the midst of the global pandemic. The driving opener "Yeah, I Like You" is a tuneful and uptempo delight. "War" is a more reflective take on relationships, the dynamics of the track creatively building with each measure as Rzeznik's signature vocals soar. Other outstanding tracks on the disc include the shimmering "Loving Life," inward-looking rocker "Going Crazy," magnetic "Day After Day" and poignant "Superstar." Information: GooGooDolls.com. 

Robert Kinsler

'TheNews' episode: The Smithereens, Joni Mitchell, Susanna Hoffs, Orianthi, Olivia Newton-John, more!

Watch the latest episode of "TheNews" where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the latest music news headlines to grab their attention. Notable music greats featured on the episode include The Smithereens, Joni Mitchell, Susanna Hoffs, Orianthi, Olivia Newton-John and more!

Watch the episode HERE.

Gibson Garage-the Ultimate Guitar Experience-Announces Grand Opening Wednesday, June 9 in the Heart of Downtown Nashville

I want to share some super cool news in terms of catching a top-tier lineup of guitar greats coming courtesy of Gibson on Wednesday, June 9. Get this on your calendar everyone! Robert Kinsler

Gibson Garage: The Ultimate Guitar Experience Explore | Play | Shop Gibson Garage Announces Grand Opening Wednesday, June 9 in the Heart of Downtown Nashville, Music City USA   “Gibson Live: A Celebration of Artists to Benefit Gibson Gives” A Virtual Concert Featuring Warren Haynes, Margo Price, Kip Moore, James Bay, Sergio Vallin of Maná, Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm, Marcus King, Orianthi, Samantha Fish, Morgan Wade, Sadler Vaden, Tak Matsumoto, Celisse, Emily Wolfe, Jared James Nichols with Joe Bonamassa, and more Airs Wednesday, June 9 at 6:30pCT/7:30ET on Gibson TV

The Gibson Garage. Gibson Garage 3D virtual tour: https://hello.gibson.com/garage-press.   NASHVILLE, TN (May 27, 2021) Gibson, the iconic, American instrument brand presents the Gibson Garage, the ultimate guitar experience. Come to the Gibson Garage to explore Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, Mesa Boogie and KRK, try your favorite electric and acoustic guitars, and shop for your favorite guitar, accessories, and surprises.   The historic 8,000 square foot shop will officially open to the public on Wednesday, June 9 at the historic Cummins Station located on 209 10th Avenue South, Nashville, TN in the heart of downtown Nashville. Whether you are a seasoned professional musician, a casual guitar player, a beginner, or simply a music fan, the Gibson Garage is a must-see destination in Nashville.   For 127 years, Gibson has shaped sound across generations and genres and has emerged as the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brand around the world. Step inside the new Gibson Garage to explore and shop the collections, experience exclusive, live music performances, catch a taping of the award-winning Gibson TV series, and explore generations of music history including the stories behind the music with captivating, interactive installations and programming.   “The Gibson Garage is the ultimate guitar experience where our past, present and future comes to life for fans and artists right here in Music City,” says James “JC” Curleigh, CEO of Gibson Brands. “This is also our opportunity to contribute to the amazing music and guitar culture that we’ve been a part of for over a century. We can’t wait to share the Gibson Garage with our fans and future fans.”   “The Gibson Garage is the epitome of when the legendary creativity of the original brand perfectly coincides with the vision of the future of the modern electric and acoustic guitar,” adds Joe Bonamassa. “Congratulations on a job well done.”   “You can’t have a guitar town like Nashville without Gibson representing, and they do it with the Garage in an incredibly thoughtful way,” says singer-songwriter-musician Maggie Rose. “The space is great for performances and jamming with other Nashville artists or artists passing through town, but the storefront also draws in music lovers from all over the world who come to see the space that delivers the history and a plethora of guitars.”   “The Gibson Garage is a magical place and elicits the same feeling a deep Disney fan feels walking into Disneyland for the first time,” says singer-songwriter-producer, Celisse. “To see all those guitars on the belt and you can reach out and play any guitar of your choosing, it is truly unlike anything I have ever experienced. The Gibson Garage is amazing.”   The Gibson Garage is the ultimate guitar and music experience, including its state-of-the-art stage for live and virtual livestreaming concert performances. The Gibson Garage combines a modern guitar environment with interactive brand storytelling, a Custom Shop to build your own guitar, historical and celebrity memorabilia displays, a Repair and Restoration Center, and a public retail shopping experience across Gibson, Gibson Acoustic, Gibson Custom Shop, Epiphone, Kramer, MESA/Boogie, and KRK. At the Gibson Garage, fans can try all our guitars across brands and collections as well as take a piece of history home with one-of-a-kind, in-store offers on limited-edition guitars, instruments, gear, accessories, and exclusive Gibson apparel.    Fans across the globe that are unable to visit Nashville can experience the Gibson Garage global grand opening--on Wednesday, June 9--via the global virtual concert “Gibson Live: A Celebration of Artists to Benefit Gibson Gives” airing worldwide at 6:30p CT/7:30 ET via Gibson TV: Here.  The concert features performances from Warren Haynes, Margo Price, Kip Moore, James Bay, Sergio Vallin of Maná, Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm, Marcus King, Orianthi, Samantha Fish, Morgan Wade, Sadler Vaden, Tak Matsumoto, Celisse, Emily Wolfe, Jared James Nichols with Joe Bonamassa, and more. “Gibson Live …,” will benefit Gibson Gives--the 501c3 charitable arm of Gibson--which supports musicians worldwide and is committed to making the world a better place by creating and supporting other non-profit organizations in their efforts to advance musicians, as well as youth-focused education and wellness initiatives. 100% of the “Gibson Live…,” donations will go to two powerful organizations making positive changes: MusiCares--a safety net of critical health and welfare services to the music community--and Save the Music--helping kids, schools, and communities discover their full potential through the power of making music.   For the latest news and updates on the Gibson Garage opening, be sure to follow @officialgibsongarage on Instagram or visit the official website at https://www.gibson.com/garage.

The Acoustic Room at the Gibson Garage.

The Epiphone area of the Gibson Garage.

The Kramer corner at the Gibson Garage.

The Murphy Lab area at the Gibson Garage.

The MESA/Boogie area of the Gibson Garage.

Gibson Garage:   GIBSON GARAGE | INSTAGRAM   Gibson: GIBSON.COM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GIBSON TV  Epiphone: EPIPHONE.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM  | FACEBOOK  | YOUTUBE Kramer: KRAMERGUITARS.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE MESA/Boogie: MESA/BOOGIE.COM  | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK KRK: KRKMUSIC.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE   About Gibson: Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 127 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at Gibson.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Gibson TV, and Instagram.