That’s it. I quit guitar. There is just no way possible I can catch up to the technical ability of Mike Orlando in this lifetime. Good thing I believe in GuitarPlayerZen reincarnation and will be sure to start practicing 8 hours a day from when I turn 5 and will beg my new father to beat me if I get off the routine.
Wheels in Motion:
Mike was just recently selected as a top ten finalist worldwide for Guitar Player Magazine’s Guitar Superstar of the Year 2008! He competed against nine other guitarists on September 13th, 2008 at the legendary Great American Musical Hall in San Francisco, California. (Including our good friend Eric Brewer.) Thousands of passionate guitarists worldwide entered, and ten were chosen to strut their stuff in front of host Andy Summers of the Police and celebrity judges, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Elliot Easton (Cars), George Lynch (Lynch Mob), and Brendon Small (Adult Swim’s Metalocalyopse).
My favorite song of his is Horizons, which can be found on his EPK. Not only does he demonstrate his beautiful melodic playing, his song writing skills really shine. I always love it when guitar gurus create something beautiful without getting too over the top on the composition side. This is a piece of music that anyone can listen to and love.
But if Over the Top is what you are into, then you will not be disappointed either. Just imagine if Steve Vai, Malmsteen, Steve Morse, and Petrucci all had their DNA extracted and put into a test tube to grow a super guitar baby. In fact, I think that is what actually happened. Mike Orlando is the super guitar baby of Steve Vai, Steve Morse, John Petrucci, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Check out his awesome composition, Game Over.
Mike proudly endorses such companies as GHS Strings, Rocktron products and Shredneck. He is one of the featured artists on the GHS Strings and Rocktron sites and performs many of the Rocktron audio clips, including the Tri-Wah, Black Cat Moan, The Banshee Talkbox. Cyborg Delay, Cyborg Reverb, and all audio clips for Utopia G100,Utopia G200 and G300 Utopia 300. In addition he proudly endorses ZZYX Snap Jack Cables and DiMarzio products.
Mike Orlando’s Sonic Stomp CD has held the number one slot in multiple categories on Guitar 9 records, as well as one the of the top sellers of the year in the following categories: overall heavy electric, hard rock and shred. Mike has also performed songs from Sonic Stomp at previous NAMM shows and held signings for GHS and Rocktron.
Mike is currently performing at Sam Ash stores in the tri-state area with his band, Sonic Stomp. Attendess can witness his stellar technique and have the opportunity to learn from him and what products he uses!
Mike will be playing at the 2009 NAMM show performing all four days at the ZZYZX Snap Jack Cables Booth. He will also be playing at the Shredneck booth.
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4 responses so far ↓
1 Sammy // Oct 6, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I expected just guitar wankery, but man he plays melodically within the whacking off. I am certainly not worthy.
2 Jeff // Oct 7, 2008 at 11:45 am
Be sure to visit his EPK to hear his other tunes, some of which are more melodically pleasing to the ear, and others which really demonstrate his guitar prowess
3 JB // Oct 7, 2008 at 6:49 pm
There i bow down.plug off guitar.grab a strong beer and think of my reconversion in…erm…hobo?
This man has it all,and i look forward for his future endeavours.
Wadda maaan!
I’m not the kinda worshipping dude.but i definitely keep his name in mind.
Wow.
4 Anne // Oct 17, 2008 at 1:44 am
Wow. Goosebumps time!
His guitar sings for him. If you listen without looking you get the music without any show, and I was kind of left speechless…Thanks for posting this.
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