ORIANTHI

Blues rock guitarist Orianthi teams with Woodward Avenue Records for the “First Time”

“First Time Blues,” featuring guitarist Joe Bonamassa, drops February 23.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (23 January 2024): Blues rock guitar virtuoso Orianthi wanted to create something special to celebrate her 25th 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” will be released on February 23. 

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).

“‘First Time Blues’ is about that feeling of when you first feel brokenhearted. It doesn’t change throughout life if you really have the strength to love and be all-in every time. I'm guilty of that…throwing myself into the fire just to get burned, heal, then get burned again…or not. You never know. Love is a gamble!” said Orianthi.

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.

“My good friend and legend Joe Bonamassa put down his fire leads on the second solo section. Joe is such a great musician. We have jammed many times in the past and I’m grateful he came in and added his magic to ‘First Time Blues,’” said Orianthi who also wrote, produced and recorded her second single for Woodward Avenue Records, “Bad For Each Other” (release date TBA), at Love Street Sound.