Photos and Review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

Orianthi mesmerized the audience at Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA on April 24, 2024, the first night of two sold out shows, affirming her status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Hailing from Australia, Orianthi’s journey to fame began as Michael Jackson’s last guitarist, a role that catapulted her into the spotlight. From performing with Carlos Santana to joining Alice Cooper on two world tours, Orianthi’s illustrious career is a testament to her unmatched talent and versatility.

Her debut single “According to You” skyrocketed to international success, paving the way for her acclaimed albums and numerous accolades, including being named one of the “12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists” by Elle magazine. Collaborations with industry icons like Richie Sambora and Dave Stewart further solidified her reputation as a modern rock music luminary.

Onstage at Yoshi’s, Orianthi exuded elegance and grace, effortlessly commanding the crowd’s attention with her masterful guitar skills. Accompanied by her bandmates Justin Andres on Bass and Elias Mallin on Drums, they played an eclectic set of blues, pop, acoustic, and tribute songs, which was a great representation of her career thus far.

Joined on several songs by Bay Area musician Jeff Ryan on saxophone, Orianthi’s collaboration with him during “First Time Blues” was nothing short of extraordinary. Their seamless exchange of solos underscored their mutual appreciation for each other’s artistry, creating a captivating musical experience for the audience.

Songs like “Sinners Hymn” and “Light It Up” showcased Orianthi’s dynamic range and soulful intensity, while classics like “According To You” and “Heaven In This Hell” delighted fans with their timeless appeal. Some more highlights of the evening were playing ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man,” and an acoustic tribute to Eric Clapton’s “Before You Accuse Me.” To cap off the night, another special moment happened with her encore performance of “Voodoo Child” in honor of Jimi Hendrix, which earned her a well-deserved standing ovation.

With her unparalleled talent and undeniable stage presence, Orianthi proved why she is hailed as one of the most vital musicians in modern rock music. The concert at Yoshi’s was just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable upcoming musical journey for Orianthi and her fans alike. Check out www.orianthi.me and @iamorianthi for more news and tour information.