James Bruner’s Leeds set had real momentum, helped along by a tight selection of originals that showed off both his guitar chops and his growing identity as a songwriter. He tore into “Fire in My Veins”, a riff‑driven opener that immediately set the tone, before shifting into the swaggering groove of “Red Velvet Riot”, which had the crowd leaning in.
A highlight came with “Midnight Remedy”, where he stretched out a little more, letting the melody breathe and giving the audience a glimpse of his more soulful side. He closed with “Runaway Fuse”, a punchy, high‑tempo finish that left the room buzzing and perfectly primed for Orianthi’s entrance.
Short set, big impact — and those songs made sure of it.
Orianthi lit up the Leeds Brudenell Social Club with a performance that was equal parts fire, finesse, and full‑throttle rock ’n’ roll. The Brudenell’s intimate, no‑nonsense atmosphere suited her perfectly — close enough to feel every note, loud enough to shake the room, and packed with fans who knew they were about to witness something special.
From the moment she walked out, guitar in hand and attitude dialled in, she owned the stage. She didn’t just play the guitar — she commanded it, bending it to her will with blistering solos, razor‑sharp riffs, and that unmistakable tone that has made her a standout on stages around the world.
Her setlist was a brilliant mix of originals and crowd‑pleasing covers. Tracks like “According to You”, “Impulsive”, and “Rescue Me” hit with real force, showing off both her songwriting and her vocal power. She also threw in some inspired covers — including a fiery take on “Voodoo Child” and a blues‑soaked nod to Stevie Ray Vaughan — each one delivered with her own swagger and technical brilliance.
Her vocals were strong and soulful throughout, cutting through the mix with confidence. Whether she was tearing through high‑energy rockers or leaning into more melodic moments, she delivered with total conviction. The band behind her were tight and dynamic, giving her the perfect platform to shine.
What really stood out was her connection with the Brudenell crowd. She played with a sense of joy and freedom that made the whole room feel like part of the show. There was no ego, no pretence — just a world‑class musician doing what she does best and loving every second of it.
By the end, the room was buzzing, and it was obvious they’d witnessed something special. Orianthi proved once again why she’s one of the most exciting guitarists and performers on the scene today — and the Brudenell was the perfect place to experience it.
Setlist:
First Time Blues
Sinners Hymn
You Don’t Wanna Know
Never Make Your Move Too Soon [B.B. King cover]
Attention
Rescue Me
Where Did Your Heart Go (Acoustic)
Before You Accuse Me [Bo Diddley cover] (Acoustic)
Light It Up
Heaven in This Hell
What’s It Gonna Be
Sharp Dressed Man [ZZ Top cover]
Dark Days Are Gone
How Do You Sleep?
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) [Jimi Hndrix Experience cover]
Words & images: Bernie Penman
