Charley Orlando
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Charley Orlando

Syracuse, New York, United States | SELF

Syracuse, New York, United States | SELF
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"Charley Orlando—Root"

Charley Orlando—Root: Orlando has been busy; with 12 albums, 3000 shows, 200 original songs and 22 years under his belt, it was time that he move on to something new. Root was it. Orlando used an unconventional recording style that created rhythmic patterns and layers before adding guitar, harmonica and vocals to each track. The result? “Organica Groove,” per Orlando. Check out the opening track, “New World,” with an electronic beat, synth undertones fitted with harmonica, acoustic guitars that jangle and vocals. Others of note: “Before You Go” and “Totally Exposed,” with more of a reflective sound. However, the best example of “Organica Groove” is likely “Temporary” and “Minors Creek.”

4.5 McRiprock’s - Austin Daze


"Charley Orlando. RooT (World Harmory Records)."

Charley Orlando. RooT (World Harmory Records). This Renaissance man plays several instruments, composes, arranges his tracks and continuously reinvents his sound. “I have a hard time sticking to one style of because I get bored and feel like I am not pushing myself,” Orlando says. “I tend to confuse a lot of listeners ‘cause I am always changing what I do musically. I am directed by the songs.”

On RooT, the 13th album in his prolific career of nearly 20 years with various groups including Dexter Grove and Ruha, Orlando sings about freedom and karma with philosophical statements and rhetorical questions. In the mellow country-folk “Windsong,” Orlando asks, “I’m wondering where my days have gone/ I’ve been squandering time like it means something to me/Am I free to be?” Using computer program Ableton Live, Orlando added drums, bass, strings, synths and percussion instruments to his acoustic guitar and harmonica, his little helpers in the creative process. The outcome is a medley of sounds with optimistic vibes in Orlando’s “organica groove” style – a fitting name for his “very relaxing and trancelike” music.

“I feel like with the album RooT I have reinvented my music all over again,” Orlando says. “It’s a perfect combination of everything I have released over the years, and more importantly, it’s from the heart. This music covers all the chakras.”

He’s right. The 11-track album takes the audience on an eclectic mystery tour of psy chedelic rock and folk music. With the solo confidence of Bob Dylan, Orlando interprets country music riffs on a harmonica and adds techy synth beats and passionate acoustic guitar chords to “I Am Here.”

Perhaps he might have toned down some of the tribal rhythm synth percussion intros on “New World” and “Pulse,” which make these consecutive tracks too similar. But they take different melodic paths: “Pulse” has more of a Latin influence, while “New World” features melodious acoustic guitar riffs and slow, lyrical interpretations reminiscent of The Beatles’ Indian music-inspired tracks, such as “Norwegian Wood” on Rubber Soul. Meanwhile, “Temporary” boasts bold lyrics similar to the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil”: “I have these bones, a bag of bones that’s me/ And I have this skin, a sack of skin of shedding time.”

All in all, Orlando’s RooT is an evocative sample of his work. “If it is just me and my guitar then so be it,” Orlando says. “If it’s me and an eight-piece band then so be it. If it’s me and a computer program that will for the first time allow me to truly get the music I hear in my head out into the air, then so be it. Music and touring is the ultimate adventure to me. The journey is the magic and everything else falls into place.”


Orlando will be celebrating his release of RooT at Kellish Hill Farm, 3192 Pompey Center Road, Manlius, on Saturday, June 25. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and include a copy of the new album. To document the affair, a film and light crew will be coming to catch it all on tape. For more information, call 682-1578 or visit www.charleyorlando.com.

—Ana Barbu
- Syracuse New Times by Ana Barbu 6/14/11


"The Hot Spot 4/12/11"

Glide Magazine

The Hot Spot
Charley Orlando
By Melissa Brodeur
April 11, 2011 Bookmark and Share

Charley Orlando is no stranger to the road – in fact he makes any other so-called troubadour seem a homebody. He performed for ten years with his former musical partner Steve Drizos as Dexter Grove on an enduring ten year musical journey that began in 1994 and saw them play 1,700 shows in 45 states including Canada and Mexico. Now that Drizos is married to a Decemberist (Jenny Conlee), Orlando is back on the road in support of his new style of Acid Folk Music called "Organica Groove" to music rooms across the country. Orlando will be doing a bunch of Northeast and Southeast dates in April, May and June before hitting the road for all of July and part of August.

Orlando is working on a new CD and is in the process of deciding whether to release it as double CD or two seperate ones. If that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Orlando also has a Dylan tribute album in the works. Before hitting the road and in anticipation of a gig at Burlington, VT’s Parima, Orlando talked with Melissa Brodeur.

You are coming to Vermont in April. What is one of the best memories you have from Burlington VT?

Playing Club Metronome and Toast with the original Strangefolk before there was a Jamband scene. I really love those guys! Always had a great time with them!

How would you describe Burlington VT to someone who has never been here or heard of it?

Pretty much like Boulder,CO, Athens,GA and Charlottesville,VA but wicked cold in the winter!!! Always thought the music scene was great. Very supportive!

You have three albums coming out. Tell us about these albums.

Well the first two may be one. I haven't decided whether I would like to do a double album or two different albums. The songs are so different from each other that I see them as twodifferent Albums but it would be cool to release one Double with 2 totally different sounds. One side would be very folkie and the other would be an Organic Electronic album. The next one is a Tribute to Bob Dylan. I have been covering his songs for years and just love them all. So I figured it was time to pay homage to the genius that he is! The Dylan album will only be available through my website for free download.


What is an interesting story about how one of your songs came about?

One of my favorite new songs I wrote the words to a while ago. What I do is channel my music. I don't plan it out or write it out. When the moment hits I just surrender to it and let it fly. So that is what I did and later on I was drinking a beer from Ommegang Brewery and there was a quote from Marcel Proust on the bottle. The quote is a line in my song "New World". It made me laugh cause I have written songs with Marcel's help before but didn't recognize it was him that time. He's been dead for a very long time so it's nice that he can still write through other people. He is very cosmic in nature!

You are calling the sound of your music Organica Groove, what does this mean to you?

What it is is my voice, an acoustic guitar, and harmonica backed up by a program called Ableton Live! So it sort of reminds me of electronica music but it really is so organic and intuitive that it's hard to say that it is electronica, so I call it Organica Groove cause it's very trans like but with melody and lyrics. It's far to acoustic to be electronica. It's better to just experience it and come to your own conclusions.

If you could put together your own "dream band" with any musicians(EVER) who would be in this dream band and what would your name be?

That's easy ... Lewi Longmire on guitar and pedal steel, James Whiton on double bass, Steve Drizos on percussion, Crissy Noel on Vocals, Brian Lauri on Keys, and Greg Evans on drums. This band would be out of control wonderful! Yeah so the name would have to be "Out of Control Wonderful" :)

It’s a beautiful summer day, you are on a relaxing drive, what album are you listening to?

That depends on what part of the country I'm in. But in a general sense ... Grateful Dead American Beauty!

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Getting my first guitar and amplifier! I think I slept with my guitar that night! It changed my life!

What are a few things you are really looking forward to on this spring/summer solo tour?

Just playing music and seeing old friends and making new ones! That is my favorite part of touring. Re-connecting with the people you only get to see when you travel. Plus touring and playing live is very healing for my being! In the moment the whole time!!!

If I never have to ???? again I will be the happiest man alive!

See, hear or feel people suffer in anyway!


- Glide Magazine


"On The Regular with RUHA"

On the Regular with Ruha ... by Jessica Novak Syracuse New Times 12/22/10

“Ruha” means “air, breath and atmosphere” in the ancient language of Aramaic. To Charley Orlando, this definition perfectly matches his understanding of music. “I look at music as something that is just like air to people,” he says. “I can’t live without it and I assume most people can’t either.”

Although Orlando has brought his music to audiences through his solo projects and various bands including Dexter Grove and The Charley Orlando Band, it is Ruha, his current group, that is striving to create something people can’t live without. Ruha will perform at the Westcott Theater, 524 Westcott St., on Sunday, Dec. 26, 8 p.m., opening for Joe Driscoll. Ruha will also perform at the Westcott in a residency of sorts, on Sundays, Jan. 2, 16 and 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Orlando anticipates the band’s sound will really come together during these shows. “With the Westcott residency, we want to form our sound in a live atmosphere. We’re basically going to get the knowledge of how the songs are and pretty much build our sound in front of everybody,” he says. “We want to make it a very communal experience.”

The band has been recording songs for their latest and currently unnamed album, due in 2011. However, these songs have all been built in various studios, rather than through live group performances. These gigs mark Ruha’s first time playing together for an audience.

Ruha is a super-group of sorts, uniting some of the most capable musicians in the area. The current roster features Max McKee (vocals, percussion, guitar), Greg Evans (drums, percussion), Greg LaPoint (percussion), Orlando (guitar, vocals), Crissy Noel (vocals, percussion), Brian Lauri (vocals, piano, organ) and Adam Fisher (vocals, bass). Orlando describes this assembled multitude as “unbelievable.”

“Ruha is a very high-level situation for everyone in the band,” he adds. “Everybody is extremely talented, so we hold it to that extremely high level on a constant basis. We’re always pushing each other to raise the bar. Not in an egotistical way, but how can we make this something we would come see?” For Orlando, this is a new experience.

Although he has played with an incredible number of musicians throughout his 25-plusyear career, he calls this lineup the best he’s ever been a part of and one guided by similar beliefs as well as ability.

Orlando firmly believes in the power of channeling and meditation, especially with regard to how he composes music. Often, his songs come to him through a channeling, where certain spirits guide him toward a lyric or musical line.

“I wrote a song that hasn’t been played yet by anybody, but as I was having a beer one day, I noticed that on the label of the beer was the line from my song,” he notes. “Marcel Proust had written it. He’s someone who has come through several times to me and I’ve probably written three songs with his guidance, but I never realized that song was him.” Orlando calls Proust “France’s Herman Melville.”

Orlando believes this channeling represents the universe working through him to deliver a bigger message with a higher purpose. Everyone in the band shares this same thought process, which helps them see beyond the present and focus on the bigger picture.

“Our ultimate message is unity,” says Orlando. “Not to sound hokey, but peace, love and harmony. It’s something everybody talks about, but not everybody practices.”

Ruha exudes that peaceful, harmonious vibe and demonstrates it through their writing process. Although Orlando was often in charge of writing music for his previous projects, Ruha brings the best of everyone’s work together.

“There really wasn’t too much of a method to most of this. We built the songs in a very organic style,” says Orlando. “Ruha is a group of musicians working together to show the unity process. It’s not as easy as you think to find people who will drop an ego and just lay with each other. It’s big.”

Collectively, the members of Ruha have about 50 years of touring experience. They all write music, have been a part of other projects and contribute significantly to the band. Their sound is raw, rootsy and reminiscent of jam bands like Reid Genaur and The Assembly of Dust. But what is most astonishing about Ruha, is how naturally it all comes together.

“We very much go on vibe,” says Orlando.

“We very much go on what is presented to us. We don’t try to force anything that’s not going to happen. So, the easier, the better, would be a motto for us. If it’s easy, then it’s right.”

As they flow between sounds and discover themselves, Orlando predicts the first to the last show of the Westcott stay will be completely different experiences for both the band and the audience. He invites you to come along for the ride.

Tickets to the all-ages Ruha-Joe Driscoll show on Sunday, Dec. 26, are $12. January’s solo Ruha shows, also all-ages events, will be $10. For information, visit www. thewestcotttheater.com.

- Jessica Novak Syracuse New Times 12/22/10


"Charley Orlando Band 12/08"

One of the area's most gifted and well traveled singer/songwriters is Charley Orlando. Charley embarked on an "Endless Tour" with his band Dexter Grove which zig zagged him across the country for over a decade in the mid-90's and early 21st century. I recently caught up with Charley to find out what he has been up to and what lies ahead.

CNYLIVE: When did you start playing music?
CHARLEY: 28 years ago and I'm only 26!
CNYLIVE: Earliest Influences?
CHARLEY: I's have to say earliest serious influences were Iron Madien, Eddie Van Halen, Santana, The Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan.
CNYLIVE: What was your first band and who was in it?
CHARLEY: My first band was in middle school and was called "Dark Star" and it was me, Bren Hogan, Tom Jatulis, and Vinnie Amico, who later went on to play with moe. We did mostly Dead covers, but we also played the first 3 songs I ever wrote, 2 of which I still play in my solo show.
CNYLIVE: Name a few of your former bands and tour history.
CHARLEY: My last band was called Ruha and was an all star band w/ members from moe., dr. didg, Fathead, and small appliances. We released one album and after 3 shows we fell apart. Before that I played with DG for 10 years released 6 albums and played over 2,500 shows in 45 states, Mexico and Canada. That was a crazy ride! Some of my best memories in life come from that 10 year period.
CNYLIVE: How did you form your current band?
CHARLEY: Well after DG disbanded I moved to Syracuse and got married. So I figured I might as well base my music out of here. I kept touring as a solo artist all over the US and released 2 solo albums in 2004 and in 2007, along with the Ruha album and a live solo album in 2007. Both solo albums and the Ruha album were placed on the 48th and 50th annual Grammy awards entry ballot in a total of 10 categories. That was pretty exciting but I never made it to the final round. After exploring the solo career for a while I shifted gears and in Dec. 2007 and started playing with 2 very talented young musicians: Tim Wilson on Bass and Kiel Feher on drums. We rehearsed relentlessly for the next year playing a couple of shows here and there and once we built up a song list of about 40 original tunes, I figured we were ready to really start playing.
CNYLIVE: What lies ahead for you, and the band?
CHARLEY: I'm not going to be touring as a solo artists much, although I will be playing regionally solo in the months to come. The band is playing regionally in Buffalo, Rochester, Oswego, Utica, Albany, and Syracuse from now till March 2009. Then we will hit the road in support of our upcoming debut album due out in Feb. 2009. First will be a midwest rocky mtn. tour in March. Then back to the northeast for April-June and then to the west coast for July and August. - CNY Live issue#5 December 2008


"RUHA"

RUHA

Contributing Writer : Garret K. Woodward

www.RUHAmusic.com

www.myspace.com/ruhamusic

What does chicken soup and RUHA have in common?

Soothing wintry souls one offering at a time.

“We have some flavors of old school rock’n’roll, funky grooves, and an earthy singer-songwriter vein,” bassist Max McKee said of the Syracuse, N.Y. quartet. “Tossed into a pot, [you] make RUHA soup.”

Combining over 20 years of touring experience, the jam-rock troubadours are currently embarking on cross-country tour, wandering through Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Maine, and New York.

“The music maintains the elements,” McKee said. “With the solid foundation and support of the earth, the flow and wandering of the waters, the intensity and heat of the fires, and the floating and flying of the wind.”

Influenced by the Grateful Dead, Parliament Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, “the drive to the gig, our momma’s home cookin’, and the energy of the crowd”, a vital aptitude for improvisation remains at the heart of the band.

“It’s raw creation on the spot,” said McKee. “[We enjoy] venturing into new territories or expanding the world that you’re in at the time. We seek a balance of form and formlessness. The basic approach is to have no approach. That sometimes creates a new direction each night for the same song. [It’s] pretty much different each time we step onstage.”

Formed in 2005, as a side project by the lively Charley Orlando (lead vocals/guitar), RUHA (an Aramaic word meaning “air, breath and atmosphere”) released their first album, “The Dust That Lands”, in 2007.

But, the initial lineup seemed to go nowhere according to McKee.

“Members of the band at the time didn’t have the vibe,” he said. “The vibe of RUHA is that of one sound, one being, one heart. In a meditation it came to Charley that this [current] lineup of musicians was indeed “ruha”. So, six months ago, Greg [LaPoint drums)], Brian [Lauri (keyboards)], Charley, and myself emerged as RUHA. [We want] to spread the sound like peanut butter across the world, promoting unity and love.”

And with an industry quickly losing steam in the mainstream, the group embraces the personal challenge at hand, which is one of relentless self-promotion amid a sometimes-unforgiving musical landscape.

“It seems like it’s becoming more of a grass roots operation,” said McKee. “Of course a record label can help, but they wont step in until they see success. [We are] a grassroots band, that when signed to a major label, will remain connected to its roots. The need to connect with your audience is the most important aspect of any band. Continued success on all levels is the ability to never lose contact with your crowd.”

Looking towards the future one show at a time, McKee is eager to reach new audiences and cross paths with those unknown yesterday, yet friends today.

“The road is a blast for the most part,” he said. “To hang with everybody, making new friends, crashing on couches, and the everyday insanity is our favorite part, besides the music obviously.

“[We want people] to feel a sense of aliveness and inspiration, to share what we’re all feeling together, and to realize there is so much more to life than what streams through your head on any given day.” - Roving Festival Writer


"Sounds Of Syracuse: Charley Orlando 2/09"

Sounds of Syracuse:
Charley Orlando

by Tiffany Bentley


A Grammy-nominated musician lives in our own backyard. Charley Orlando was added to the 48th Grammy awards ballot in 2005, and the 50th in 2007. And he lives and works in Syracuse, New York.

Charley’s sound is folk on the fun side. At times fiddles and a back-up band accompany him, others it’s just him and his guitar, his voice, his words and his energy. The songs are very melodic and truthful and leave a smile on the listener’s face. Whether he breaks out the harmonica or just wails on the guitar, each jam leaves the audience focusing on his next move and tapping their feet or swaying to the beat at the same time.

The effects of his music on the audience contribute to his mission in performing – to join people and peace through tolerance and common ground. Charley’s purpose is to diminish the fear and worry that leads to hatred with his music – through positive thoughts and awakening. His top two friends on MySpace are his wife and Barack Obama.

In his career, Charley Orlando has put out 11 albums and continues to tour, playing shows all over New York State and festivals such as the High Sierra in California, and the 10,000 Lakes in Minnesota. He has toured in three countries and 45 states, totaling almost three thousand shows so far in his career. The albums “Charley Orlando” and “The Dust That Lands” were added to the Grammy Ballot in 2005 in six categories, while “Beauty and Pain” was added to the 48th in four.

Sharing the stage with the likes of musicians from Jackson Browne, Rusted Root, Jefferson Airplane, and the Spin Doctor, his show is his own, but shares common threads with all of these artists. Fans of Phish, The Tragically Hip, Dave Matthews, or Bob Dylan would likely enjoy Charley’s flair. Songs like “My Angel” invite a sing- along and bring a tear in the eye as the love song emphasizes the better side of love, contrary to many ballads today. Jams like “Out to Sea” bring out the jam side of his tunes with lyrics like “So I ask you does it ever become any brighter than this?” and “Sail my ship out to sea so I can be free.”

Charley tours solo, and also with his newly formed project, The Charley Orlando band. His other side projects include the band Ruha and The Assassins of Hip. His current dates include stops in Albany, Rochester, Utica, and New York City, and of course many home appearances. Regardless of whom he plays with Charley is a very talented guitar player and performer. His stage presence is focused yet lasting – you remember his face and motions long after the last song is played.


Check Charley out on this webpage www.charleyorlando.com. See him live locally at The Limp Lizard on February 5th or the Dewitt Shire on February 27th. - Table Hopping CNY 2/09


"CD Review "Free World Citizen" 3/09"

Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.

Or in this case, an album by its title.

Singer-songwriter Charley Orlando named the new CD by he and his band "Free World Citizen."

That says so much.

Orlando handles all vocals -- with his distinctive tenor, -- and all the guitar work. He wrote all 11 songs, too. And he's smart enough to let drummer Kiel Feher and bassist Max McKee add to the tasty texture.

Together they build a big and mostly happy sound. The lyrics run deep. In its finest moments, the Charley Orlando Band brings to mind the richness, soul and intelligence of the folk- rock movement at its best.

The finest crescendo comes in "Radiate," with Tim Herron's whirling organ work added as a special ingredient. "We live in a day and age where everything's not so simple," Orlando sings. "Political monkeying, lies, deception and treason. A fever-pitch of insolence. Not one person believing that he or she or them or it can do a thing about it."

Recorded and mixed by David Peters at Belfry Studios in LaFayette and mastered by Jocko at More Sound in Syracuse, the music and lyrics entwine themselves clearly, and from the heart.

Orlando closes the package with blistering guitar and lyrics in "World Citizen," in which he declares, "I've been a citizen of this world, sometimes lost, sometimes found. I've been a citizen of this world, and it's time I left town."

Catch a show: The Charley Orlando Band plays at 10 p.m. March 16 at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 246 W. Willow St., Syracuse. The CD release party will include two shows, at 6 and 8 p.m., April 11 at the Belfry Studio in LaFayette. Only 50 people will get tickets for each seating. The admission fee of $12 also includes a copy of the CD. Requests must be made to info@charleyorlando.com. - Post Standard; Syracuse,NY


"The Hot Spot 4/09"

The Hot Spot
Charley Orlando Band
By Melissa Brodeur

Many may remember Charley Orlando as the front-man for the psychedelic /folk groove acoustic duo Dexter Grove, who courageously played more than 250+ shows a year for almost ten years straight. After a five year well deserved break from the road, Orlando is back, this time with his Charley Orlando Band.

Formed in December of 2007 this band has been locked up in a garage in North Syracuse relentlessly rehearsing to refine a sound that features Kiel Feher on drums, Max McKee on bass and Charley Orlando on electric/acoustic guitar, Harmonica and vocals. The sound is best described as Americana mixed with roots rock that doesn’t shy from improvisation. His new album Free World Citizen is now available for download and was released March 17th 2009 followed by a Midwest Rocky Mountain Spring Tour and Festival stops at Sterling Stage Folk Fest' in Sterling,NY and Summer Camp in Chillicothe,IL .


You have been in the music business for quite some time, what are some of the most positive, significant changes you have experienced?

All of it really. Being a musician is an honor. Lately the 2 other members of Charley Orlando Band, Kiel Feher and Max McKee, have been my most positive experience in my career. We have such a great bond and deep spiritual connection with each other and it shows in the music and in our lives. Being able to connect with other musicians like that really raises the level of the experience. My whole outlook on life and music has really been over the top positive lately and it has to be when you write lyrics about changing the world for the better, you have to live it and really believe and we do!

How has living in upstate NY affected your life after being on the road for so many years?

At first it was tough. I went from going 500 miles an hour to 20 in a day it seemed like. I sorta kinda freaked out. I had to address some serious issue with my lifestyle and nasty habits that I had acquired on the road. I really needed a break. It's not just the big stars that get sucked in ... it's all of us. Being on the road is a surreal experience. You live in your own bubble and the outside world doesn't really exist. I had to relearn how to socialize with "normal" people. Most folks don't get the inside jokes and thought process of being a touring musician. But my wife and kids really helped me adjust and now after 5 years I'm ready to go back out and hit it again.

You have worked with so many different musicians and have been involved with all types of bands, how do you feel your fans react to these changes?

During the Dexter Grove years it seemed like folks welcomed the changes and talents we pulled into the fold. You know when you do 250 shows a year it's always good to mix it up. When I went from Dexter Grove to being a solo artists I don't think they liked it that much. It was WAY different. It was me and my songs: very intimate, quiet, and personal stuff. Most came around to it but it was really a transition period for me. I was searching for something different and it took me five years but with the Charley Orlando Band I have found a sound, a home and two insanely talented musicians to help get it done. I do believe anyone who has been following my travels will just flip over this lineup. Plus my songwriting has never been better than it is now.

If you could share a stage with any other band or musician still alive who would it be?

Bob Dylan or U2! Either one would be a life changing experience.

In your travels, what has been the weirdest most random thing you have found?

Two come to mind ... One is right here in Syracuse,NY where I was booking a show at a local venue and the owners name was Charley Orlando. Truly bizarre. The other was a friend of mine Charley, who I have known since 1988, was at a show in Albuquerque,NM that was on my birthday and it was his as well. Never knew that. Any other stories I am keepin' to myself? Most people just wouldn't believe me. Some really random stuff happens on the road.

What has been your favorite city to play in?

Tough call! There are some many for so many different reasons. But I'd have to say Bolinas,CA. For no other reason than that is the way life should be! Good luck finding it ;)

I know you don't remember this, but I remember when we planted a tree at the studio in Rochester, what other things have you done to "be green" either in your personal life or while with a band?

You're right ... I don't remember, but that was real nice of us to do. I always try to leave a minimal foot print in general, but being human is a contradiction. I use recycled shopping bags, buy local, ride my bike whenever possible(which is a lot ... i love my bike) and my new album "Free World Citizen" is replicated on 100% recycled cardboard and soda and water bottles. I really wish the world would get on board more with and all digital format. It would waste a ton less.

Do you want to say anything to your fans?

Thanks for sticking with me for 20+ years. It's only getting better!

- Glide Magazine


"CD Review "Free World Citizen" 4/09"

Charley Orlando Band

Free World Citizen

In this album Orlando used his music to speak his mind on the issues that are prevalent in today's world, be it the personal relationships of individuals or the status of the world as a whole. All the while, Orlando's solid vocals allowed him to present his beliefs with passion and conviction. Further, each song involved strong character and intricate beats emphasized by excellent instrumental performances. Those who connect with Bob Dylan and Neil Young will be impacted by the Charley Orlando Band.

Track 1 Out to Sea- A great track to start the album. The instrumental section at the end of the song shows impressive musicianship and really gets the listener feeling the music along with the musicians.

Track 5 No More Cruelty- A powerful track with meaningful lyrics. The strength and intensity of the instrumentation and vocals perfectly stress the importance of the message.

Track 11 World Citizen- An upbeat tempo with awesome guitar riffs and drum beats. Like the previously mentioned song, this track has a sincere lyrical message that speaks of the troubles that today's and tomorrow's world citizens face.

Reviewed by Erin Bukofsky of Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion

- Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion


Discography

Hope 1992
420 1995
Alive & Well at the Gates of Eden 1996
True 1998
Live without a Crowd vol. 1 1999
Live without a Crowd vol. 2 2000
Color Me Naked 2001
Beauty & Pain 2004
Live @ The Redhouse 2005
The Dust That Lands 2007
Charley Orlando 2008
Free World Citizen 2009
Luminosity EP 2010
Root 2011
From The Heart(Tribute To Bob Dylan)(due out Fall 2011)

Photos

Bio

[Charley Orlando] brings to mind the richness, soul and intelligence of the folk- rock
movement at its best. - Post Standard, Syracuse,NY

After 13 albums, and over 3,000 shows, 200 original songs, and 22 years in the music industry,
it was time for Charley Orlando to try something a little different on his latest release - Root.
Many artists would reject the notion of changing their approach after having been placed on
the Grammy Entry Ballot 28 times, sharing the stage with legends such as String Cheese
Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, Kid Rock, and Meatloaf, and successfully touring the US many
times over, but Charley has never been your typical artist.

On Root, Charley implemented an unconventional recording style creating rhythmic patterns
and atmospheric layers in Ableton Live first, before adding guitar, harmonica, and finally vocals
to each track. The resulting sound is what Charley refers to as “Organica Groove,” which has
been luring concert attendees into a trance-like state at recent shows. The opening track on
Root, “New World,” with its pulsing electronic beat, harmonically rich synth undertones, jangly
acoustic guitars, singing harmonica, and lush vocals is a fitting introduction to the masterful
sonic landscapes present on this album. Other standout tracks such as “Before You Go”
and “Totally Exposed” have a more reflective sound similar to that of Ryan Adams. However,
the feel good grooves and positive lyrics featured in “Temporary” and “Miners Creek” may be
the best examples of “Organica Groove” on Root.

Charley Orlando is constantly restless as an artist, proven by his prolific writing and unbridled
musical ambition. Root, an amazing album in its own right, is simply a taste of what Charley
has to offer in the near future. Keep your eyes out for a “folk style” album to compliment to
the “Organica Groove” featured on Root, and, as if that were not enough, Charley also plans
on releasing a Bob Dylan tribute album before the year is out. Root is a true snapshot of
where Charley is now as an artist, and be sure to hear it today, because tomorrow he may be
somewhere completely different on his musical journey.