2011 GUEST ARTISTS
Our guest artists share their knowledge and experiences with our students
while visiting classes, conducting clinics, and performing concerts.
Orianthi | Toronto | Session 2 Orianthi has already experienced what
most aspiring musicians only dream of. She’s played with and opened for her
hero (Steve Vai), backed an Idol (Carrie Underwood), traded solos with a
legend (Carlos Santana) and shared the stage with the King of Pop (Michael
Jackson). Originally from Adelaide Australia, she caught her first break when
the opportunity to jam with Carlos Santana in her hometown came along.
Performances, tours and guest appearances with Steve Vai, ZZ Top and Prince
followed. When offered the gig in Michael Jackson’s live band, Orianthi joined
a prestigious line of guitar players. Sadly, the tour was not to be and music
lost an icon. Before she received the call from the King of Pop, Orianthi had
already been hard at work on her debut album, Believe, on which she sings,
writes and leads her own band. Her hit single, “According To You” is a great
example of her ability to blend a catchy tune with a killer guitar solo. Orianthi packs punch into
every turn of phrase, but it’s the shredding that takes her brand of rock to an entirely new level.
Mike Stern | Vancouver Session In a career that spans three
decades and a discography that includes more than a dozen eclectic
and innovative recordings, six-time Grammy nominee Mike Stern has
established himself as one of the premier jazz and jazz-fusion guitarists
and composers of his generation. Some of his former bandmates include
Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, Billy Cobham, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Marcus
Miller, Bill Evans, David Sanborn, Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, and
Michael Brecker, among other high-profile innovators. Since his earliest
recordings he has grafted elements of rock, blues, soul and more to his
solid jazz foundations. He has been named Best Jazz Guitarist Of The
Year by the readers and critics of Guitar Player. His latest solo release was
nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.
David Grissom | Toronto | Session 1 Blues, rock and roll,
country, R&B... somewhere in our collective imagination, there’s a
crossroads where all of these great musical traditions meet. And that’s
where you’ll find David Grissom. David has toured and recorded with
artists such as John Mellencamp, Storyville, The Allman Brothers
Band, The Dixie Chicks, Chris Isaak, Robben Ford, The Fabulous
Thunderbirds, Ringo Starr, Buddy Guy, and many more . His songs have
been recorded by Trisha Year wood, Lee Ann Womack, John Mayall, and
Storyville among others. He has been featured several times in Guitar
Player, Guitar World, Musician, and Vintage Guitar magazines.
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