Michael Orlando	Website:	www.MikeOrlandoMusic.com
	Genre(s):	Progressive, Neoclassical, Rock
	Instrument(s):	Electric Guitar
	Trademark(s):	Virtuoso precision, blazing speed, complex arrangements
	Album(s):	Sonic Stomp
	Collaborations:
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Michael Orlando's self-produced 2006 release, Sonic Stomp, is a straight ahead progressive, instrumental rock album centered on Orlando's blistering, precise, and dazzling fretwork. Fashioned in a virtuosic, heroic guitar format, Orlando's high-level perspective on musical arrangement, pull from diverse influences and styles, and jaw-dropping execution of speedy pyrotechnics sets him apart from others that dare to run the gauntlet against the established and recognized rock instrumentalist wizards of the six string fret board. One might initially be inclined to make comparisons of Orlando to his predecessors and some contemporaries, such as Vai, Satriani, Eric Johnson, and potentially any number of other progressive and neoclassical guitarists. However, Orlando is not really comparable with any of these in a singular sense because he is among a new breed of progressive, instrumental guitarists like Michael Harris, Tony Hernando, and Wolfgang Zenk that do not observe traditional boundaries between what were once upon a time the generally recognized discrete and segragated styles of instrumental music. This being said, perhaps it might come as no surprise to find among the guest guitarists that contribute to this striking album, one of the most original innovators responsible for breaking down boundaries for instrumental rock, none other than Bumblefoot himself, the amazing Mr. Ron Thal.

Orlando demonstrates a stunning array of guitar chops, techniques, and musicality on Sonic Stomp. But, where most others falter, Orlando triumphs with his integration of these virtuosic chops within cohesive, coherent arrangements that are driven by well-conceived musical vision and clearly projected direction. The guitar pyrotechnics fit within the cool arrangements, as opposed to the arrangements serving as just a shallow shell for a lesser musician, as is too often the case. (i.e. the tail wagging the dog!) That said, Orlando's fretwork is so stunning at times that it is difficult on the part of the listener to not get distracted in keeping track of the high level perspectives of the arrangements while listening to his blazing guitar work. It is a complementary duality of excellence that Orlando has achieved that truly sets him aparts from his predecessors, as well as contemporaries. Orlando is one of the few that can shred with the most aggressive of them and yet maintain a cool head and high level of intellect while keeping his place within compositions, keeping the transitions and movement fluid and coherent from section to section. Orlando does not get caught up in the shredding for shreddings sake, but applies speed for effect to subdue the listener at will.

Mr. Orlando's style is comprised of a widely ranging set of guitar techniques spanning from rock, blues, progressive, neoclassical, shred, and heavy metal, drawing from everything from Hendrix, Page, Zappa, Satriani, Malmsteen, Moore, Bellas, and beyond. Seemingly, Orlando is a sponge that has absorbed guitar technique from every place electric rock guitars have ventured and he has integrated everything he has encountered like Borg assimilation... For those aspiring rock instrumental guitarists out there among you, this album is recommended listening... and good luck getting together a set of chops like this with the speed, precision, and flawless execution to boot! And, if you are dedicated and willful enough to get that far, good luck composing some arrangements that put it all together in a way that makes sense as Orlando has done on Sonic Stomp!

Michael Orlando has set out to define a new level of excellence for progressive, instrumental rock on Sonic Stomp. He has built upon many of his great predecessors, as well as keeping an eye on some of the latest contemporaries. Orlando has succeeded in creating a unique style and sound in a style of instrumental rock music that in recent years had seemed to have run its course with many of the latest efforts failing to either do anything new or take it to the next level.

Fans of progressive, instrumental rock stand up and take note. Sonic Stomp is the best album of breed I am aware to have come out in recent years. If you are a fan of scorching fretwork, driving rock rhythms, and fierce musical integrity, this album was made just for you! It is like a neoclassical, shred Satriani on steroids at warp 10! Aspiring instrumental rock guitarists, you'll either hang 'em up for good or get real busy after listening to this album!

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