|
Post by maddogfagin on Oct 11, 2008 16:12:28 GMT
Found this bio of Florian Opahle on the Greg Lake website
FLORIAN OPAHLE Live-and Studiomusician
Florian Opahle was born in Gladbeck (NRW), Germany on February 1, 1983. At the age of 5 he started his musical education at the school of music in Rosenheim, Bavaria, Germany.
From 1988 - 2002 Florian is taught classical guitar, electric guitar and piano by reputed music teachers from Salzburg, Austria; Munich, Germany and Rosenheim, Germany. He participated in many international guitar weeks and master class workshops in Germany and the USA led by artists such as Al di Meola and Frank Wallace.
During these years Florian plays in several bands in the Bavarian and Austrian area, covering different styles of music from blues to jazz and rock as well as playing in classical orchestras.
In spring 2002 he graduates from the European musical Ignaz-Günther-Gymnasium (grammar school) in Rosenheim, Germany. Already during this time he works as a live and studio musician in recording studios in Germany; for example, the Park Studios in Tutzing, Germany. That is where he meets the artists Masha and Curly.
From 2002 – 2003, Florian works as lead guitarist for these artists in music videos, concerts and TV shows in Germany, like WDR Rockpalast, THE DOME, VIVA Interactive, Tränenpalast ARTE, Mc. Chartshow.
In 2003 Florian goes on tour with Masha through Germany. After this engagement he gets the offer to tour with Masha in Europe as a support act for the rock legend Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull). During this tour he plays Montreaux Jazz Festival, being the youngest guitarist to perform there in the last 20 years. In the same period Florian plays as a session musician for the group "Soulmates," together with artists like Ian Anderson, Chris Thompson, Bill Evans and others.
In December 2003 he gets the offer to play for Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) as lead guitarist.
In January 2004 the first concert in this formation takes place as part of a TV concert in Napoli, Italy that will be broadcast all over the world. This event is followed by different recording sessions, for example, the Masha-single "Right Here" (Top 50 in the German music charts) and many concerts and TV shows with Masha during the first half of 2004.
From July 2004 on Florian goes on tour as lead guitarist for the act "Ian Anderson Plays Orchestral Jethro Tull", which takes him to Italy, Greece, Scotland, France and Germany. During this tour a DVD is recorded of the concerts in Germany.
In autumn 2004 Florian does some recording sessions for the latest album of the Italian artist Alessia D`Andrea in Calabria, Italy.
In 2005 Florian produces music for the TV series "Arme Millionäre" that will be broadcast on RTL in the autumn of 2005. The successful work with Ian Anderson goes on in 2005 playing concerts and touring in the Czech Republic, Scotland and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile).
In May 2005 Florian gets the offer to play for the music legend Greg Lake (King Crimson, ELP)...to be continued!
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Oct 11, 2008 19:42:21 GMT
think the whippersnapper is having any trouble meeting young ladies? Ah...the rough life of a child-prodigy guitar player.......we can't fault him for being pretty good and picking up, on purpose or not, some MB mannerisms, can we?
|
|
|
Post by prestonplatform on Oct 11, 2008 22:34:52 GMT
I saw Florian playing with Ian Anderson in Glasgow a few years ago he was brilliant. A review of the gig I wrote can be found at www.dprp.net/concrev/anderson.htmHis playing on Greg Lakes DVD is amazing and well worth checking out Best Preston
|
|
|
Post by neilstcleve on Oct 12, 2008 17:36:52 GMT
I was there too Preston, and at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange the previous August, and I agree with the reviewer that the RCH gig was a bit of a let down. Florian was the dog's doo dahs at both though!
|
|
|
Post by admin on Oct 12, 2008 20:22:03 GMT
Here's a little clip of Florian I took at St Brides whenever it was (I don't have an encyclopaedic memory about these things!) He's an excellent guitarist IMO, very much like Martin in the sense that he doesn't dominate the music with guitar hero stuff but uses his talents to add to rather than widdle on top of a song. uk.youtube.com/watch?v=i77_awJlOKQ
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Jan 4, 2011 19:15:38 GMT
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Jan 5, 2011 22:04:50 GMT
Reading the interview did nothing to change my solid impression of Florian O.: easy to envy, hard to dislike and a true musician. I wish him a long, gratifying career and hope he always has as much fun as he seems to be having now.
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Dec 14, 2012 13:35:31 GMT
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Dec 14, 2012 13:43:36 GMT
Florian Opahle - Young, talented guitarist. October 18, 2009 By: Roger Reis www.examiner.comTwo unbelievable hands make a guitar player. Strokes from the picking hand need to be executed in precise motions to guide the fingering hand and allow it to perform within a synchronized fashion. One of the most talented sets of hands to touch a guitar in music in a long time is Florian Opahle. He is young, but he doesn’t come forward without some serious musical chops. Currently on tour with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Florian has impressed the hell out of several die hard fans filling the mighty big shoes of Martin Barre. Only twenty-six years of age, he has been involved with music since the age of three and has a long list of accolades already. Besides playing with Ian, he also has worked Greg Lake, Chris Thompson, and James Duncan on a few assignments. He has shared the stage with Al DiMeola at a guitar work-shop setting, but is mostly involved in writing and orchestration as a session musician so far. He has quite an impressive resume for his young age and considers it a great honor to be able to play with some musicians that have been around for over forty years. “I’m really lucky and very thankful for what I have done. Working with Ian is nice. Being a young musician I’m always learning. The approach to do stuff has changed. I’ve learned to listen to what’s happening on stage and sometimes less is more.” Opahle grew up in Munich, Germany where he still lives. He was sent to a music school at the age of three and given a great opportunity to play with musical instruments in his formative years. At about 5 years old he started in on playing the guitar. Rather than pushing him, his parents supported and encouraged him at the start. His experience grew at a rapid pace and by the time he was fourteen he already knew he was going to be involved in music as a career. He studied composition and began to evolve into quite a talented musician. He played on his first CD in 2,000 and has been a working musician ever since. On guitar he is influenced by Steve Lukather, Al DiMeola, and John McGlaughlin just to name a few. He states, “Don’t want to be the next Jimi Hendrix because you just can’t be the next Jimi Hendrix. I would be happy to keep touring and being like what Martin Barre has done, touring for forty years. I’d be much happier doing that” His equipment setup is very modest to say the least. For electric guitars he uses mostly Gibson, which has been a logical choice for guitar players for over fifty years. For his main amp a Vox with Eminence speakers completes his sound with crystal clarity. Boss and a few MIDI setups are what he uses the most for effects depending on the sound that is needed for that current project. Highly skilled in classical, rock, blues, jazz, and fusion, it’s really hard to pinpoint a particular style Florian is experienced in the most. He can’t be classified as a rock guitarist or a jazz guitarist, he is simply a guitarist. This young man can play anything and has done so for some larger audiences. He has played in front of audiences of 15,000 with Ian Anderson and been on T.V. for an approximate audience of one million viewers. Besides guitar he also can play bass quite well, has some experience on piano and drums, but mostly just some basic stuff. Guitar will always be the main instrument in his hands and with the incredible flamenco styles he is able to play no other instruments are needed. It is abundantly clear that this young man is going to be one of the greatest guitar players ever to exist. His fast paced picking style is melodic and never boring. His guitar licks are interesting to listen to and within his leads you can tell he listened to some of his idols such as Steve Lukather and Al DiMeola. He has seen Lukather play at a Toto concert in Munich and said it was just one of the best times he ever had. He has looked up to some great guitar players and truly learned a lot from them. On tour in America for the first time, Florian is enjoying it quite well from a seat on a tour bus. He says, “The fans are really treating me well and everyone has been so nice.” Half way through a twenty city tour he is enjoying what he has been trained and meant to do. He looks a little timid and shy on stage next to the overly confident Ian Anderson. “Playing next to him is great because he knows exactly what to do.” Working with Ian lately has taken up a lot of his free time. He is going to be working with Chris Thompson from Manfred Mann and seems to be a guitarist that is sought out by classic rock artists. Some of his sound clips can be heard on his website that reads like a resume: www.florian-opahle.com/Opahle was asked what he thought about games like Guitar Hero. He responded, “It’s interesting, it’s fun, and different. With someone with no experience it’s a thrill. It’s nothing like playing guitar and it’s really not the same. Your hands don’t quite move in the same way.” For a guitarist who can play the riffs on a real guitar, he doesn’t need to mess around with such a game other than for fun. He can actually play for real. Being the youngest member currently working within the Jethro Tull circle of musicians is a hell of an accomplishment. He obviously didn’t get to hold that position because he couldn’t play. His hands are as talented as anyone else that has ever held a six string. His fingers are fast, skilled, and able to play intricate pieces with a flawless approach. Watching and listening to him play is something that is suggested for all of mankind. It’s always a treat to see a musician as talented as Florian Opahle.
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Dec 24, 2012 7:34:14 GMT
Christmas greetings from Florian to Forum members
I wish you all A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. Best health, luck and success for 2013 and may all wishes come true. All the best, Flo
|
|
|
Post by JTull 007 on Feb 3, 2013 0:35:01 GMT
Christmas greetings from Florian to Forum members I wish you all A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. Best health, luck and success for 2013 and may all wishes come true. All the best, FloHoly Solstice! You guys have Christmas greetings from Florian on this Forum. Now I'm impressed. ;D
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Feb 3, 2013 10:19:40 GMT
Christmas greetings from Florian to Forum members I wish you all A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. Best health, luck and success for 2013 and may all wishes come true. All the best, FloHoly Solstice! You guys have Christmas greetings from Florian on this Forum. Now I'm impressed. ;D
|
|
|
Post by jackinthegreen on Feb 3, 2013 23:31:51 GMT
What a fantastic player he is.. What would he be doing if he was not with Ian's band He would surely be doing something He is a brilliant guitarist IMHO.....
|
|
|
Post by JTull 007 on Feb 4, 2013 4:09:21 GMT
You make complete sense. Ian is happy. I'm happy. ;D image by Barry Goldberg - Beacon Theatre 2012
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Feb 4, 2013 18:35:12 GMT
I am very pro-Flo'.....minus natural jealousy well-chronicled. I mean...why would i be jealous of a young, talented, good-looking, guitar player chosen to work with Ian Anderson?
|
|
|
Post by JTull 007 on Feb 4, 2013 22:09:33 GMT
I am very pro-Flo'.....minus natural jealousy well-chronicled. I mean...why would i be jealous of a young, talented, good-looking, guitar player chosen to work with Ian Anderson? I like to think of Florian as part of the reason why Ian is still writing great music. He gives off energy that makes Ian feel younger. I called it Fresh Tull when TAAB 2 was released.
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Feb 4, 2013 23:20:26 GMT
I agree.....we all have theories about the current line-up...I think Ian needed young ' hungry' guys to commit to the work load connected to TAAB 2...both in the studio and the massive tour....worked out well...with or without ongoing consequences to well-respected longer involved guitar player and drummer. I like the idea of expanded roster Tull and will be fine with any line-up that comes to town....fun to dream of mix and match combos while acknowledging that Ian may continue to keep an eye and ear out for worthy collaborators...so far his judgement has been pretty good. I do hope Ryan becomes a fixture.
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Feb 5, 2013 8:58:23 GMT
I am very pro-Flo'.....minus natural jealousy well-chronicled. I mean...why would i be jealous of a young, talented, good-looking, guitar player chosen to work with Ian Anderson? I like to think of Florian as part of the reason why Ian is still writing great music. He gives off energy that makes Ian feel younger. I called it Fresh Tull when TAAB 2 was released. As I remarked elsewhere, it's Tull for the 21st century. Things change and evolve and maybe without the participation of Florian, David Goodier, Scott Hammond and John O'Hara we wouldn't have got TAAB2.
|
|
|
Post by Tull50 on Feb 5, 2013 16:09:59 GMT
I like to think of Florian as part of the reason why Ian is still writing great music. He gives off energy that makes Ian feel younger. I called it Fresh Tull when TAAB 2 was released. As I remarked elsewhere, it's Tull for the 21st century. Things change and evolve and maybe without the participation of Florian, David Goodier, Scott Hammond and John O'Hara we wouldn't have got TAAB2. I totally agree
|
|
|
Post by nobodyspecial on Feb 6, 2013 23:26:35 GMT
Well I'm not on your 'bus'; FO is a gifted player, but it has yet pass my ears on the basis that he is playing (mostly) music/guitar parts that were created by another player. That doesn't mean he isn't capable. But it is a far cry from creating the music himself. The TAAB2 album/work is not what I would call JT. It is, by what I hear, as a more of an IA solo album sound to it. Past (now it seems nearly certainly) JT is over, and I think IA knows to try and duplicate the 'pure, driven sound' of JT would be a mistake. TAAB2 is not my favorite IA album as there are just too many ways to view it as attached to JT without anything more than what Gerald Bostock would do in the current age. Something, by the way was the very, very, last on my list of JT song topic curiosities. But I've digressed. FO is a fine player, but he's not interesting in a way that continually attracts my attention; meaning I don't get grabbed by what he is doing - I'm not pulled into wondering where his playing is taking me - and that is something I miss.
|
|
|
Post by JTull 007 on Feb 7, 2013 1:11:06 GMT
Well I'm not on your 'bus'; FO is a gifted player, but it has yet pass my ears on the basis that he is playing (mostly) music/guitar parts that were created by another player. That doesn't mean he isn't capable. But it is a far cry from creating the music himself. The TAAB2 album/work is not what I would call JT. It is, by what I hear, as a more of an IA solo album sound to it. Past (now it seems nearly certainly) JT is over, and I think IA knows to try and duplicate the 'pure, driven sound' of JT would be a mistake. TAAB2 is not my favorite IA album as there are just too many ways to view it as attached to JT without anything more than what Gerald Bostock would do in the current age. Something, by the way was the very, very, last on my list of JT song topic curiosities. But I've digressed. FO is a fine player, but he's not interesting in a way that continually attracts my attention; meaning I don't get grabbed by what he is doing - I'm not pulled into wondering where his playing is taking me - and that is something I miss. I have no disagreement with those who feel that Martin created alot of the Tull sound and music. His work will always be cherished by me. I have doubts about his current direction with an extra guitarist (Pat O'May). I wish things had not been so hard for some of us to accept. Florian is not to blame for that. I just realized in 2010 that Ian began to look like he was re-energized by having Florian around. Ian's solo work was becoming more of a Tull concert every time. Just look at the setlist. It's why we love this music, because it matters so much. I feel if it's good enough for Ian, it works for me too.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2013 1:27:51 GMT
Well I'm not on your 'bus'; FO is a gifted player, but it has yet pass my ears on the basis that he is playing (mostly) music/guitar parts that were created by another player. That doesn't mean he isn't capable. But it is a far cry from creating the music himself. The TAAB2 album/work is not what I would call JT. It is, by what I hear, as a more of an IA solo album sound to it. Past (now it seems nearly certainly) JT is over, and I think IA knows to try and duplicate the 'pure, driven sound' of JT would be a mistake. TAAB2 is not my favorite IA album as there are just too many ways to view it as attached to JT without anything more than what Gerald Bostock would do in the current age. Something, by the way was the very, very, last on my list of JT song topic curiosities. But I've digressed. FO is a fine player, but he's not interesting in a way that continually attracts my attention; meaning I don't get grabbed by what he is doing - I'm not pulled into wondering where his playing is taking me - and that is something I miss. I agree for the most part. I like TAAB2. I'm not interested in the current line up. Although, if Ian Anderson appeared on stage absolutely alone it would still look like Jethro Tull to me. With much respect for Martin Barre.
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Feb 7, 2013 1:32:22 GMT
I think it's clear that diggin Florian isn't dissin' Martin. Or that too much mo-flo promo works against Martin's return to Ian's side...plenty of room for both in the 21st century Tull tent. If it works...don't fix it...and something is working real well these days. ( Especially assistant singer dude).
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2013 1:36:14 GMT
The "assistant singer" does not work for me. Not a show for me. To each his own. Wanna fight?
|
|
|
Post by JTull 007 on Feb 7, 2013 1:56:40 GMT
The "assistant singer" does not work for me. Not a show for me. To each his own. Wanna fight? ;D Nope... I like Ryan because he portrays the character of Gerald as Ian becomes other parts of TAAB. This has a very emotional edge which is sometimes lacking when Ian sings alone. The comparison to Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins was used by some who had their minds made up. They decided if Ian could not sing the whole night, it wasn't as good. Somehow the mix of both on stage is as seamless as possible with great moments of theater. This makes the show even better for those who like more dynamic vocals. Well done Ryan!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2013 2:18:51 GMT
The "assistant singer" does not work for me. Not a show for me. To each his own. Wanna fight? ;D Nope... I like Ryan because he portrays the character of Gerald as Ian becomes other parts of TAAB. This has a very emotional edge which is sometimes lacking when Ian sings alone. The comparison to Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins was used by some who had their minds made up. They decided if Ian could not sing the whole night, it wasn't as good. Somehow the mix of both on stage is as seamless as possible with great moments of theater. This makes the show even better for those who like more dynamic vocals. Well done Ryan! ;D "Nope" made me laugh. Well done = yours to enjoy.
|
|
|
Post by JTull 007 on Feb 7, 2013 2:41:50 GMT
;D "Nope" made me laugh. Well done = yours to enjoy. LOL! Fighting over Ryan O'Donnell. ;D How could I ever explain it to my wife? Maybe if it was over Ms. Jane Eve Colthorpe she would understand. ;D That's where I draw the line. No one disses the ballerina!
|
|
|
Post by nobodyspecial on Feb 7, 2013 3:54:00 GMT
Interesting comments. I'm not sure about MB's direction either; every once in a while I get the feeling that both IA and MB are just trying to move (maybe a bit awkwardly) into the future. I say that because of the lack of a real statement to the affect of whether JT still really exists. Much of my sentiment evolves on the seeming contradictory comments. But really, I'm not wasting any sleep over it. The FO/MB thing is mute to me. MB is a true genius and FO is a gifted player. They are different beasts and IA has found some comfort there. Too, I never expected JT to last this long as it became more and more apparent, as has been mentioned, that JT tours and even IA solo events were still echoing the JT back catalog. One thing - I've never really understood why IA feels the need to perform the way he is - of course it's his choice. But I always thought that eventually, he would just get on stage and play songs by himself. After all, he doesn't have to strain his voice playing acoustic songs - when he released works with 'Anystring Goes' along with AG as seen on the available videos, it was as I had envisioned. Oh well, as I said, FO doesn't do much for my 'audio curiositiy' and that's not something I ever thought I'd say about IA pieces of music; and MB is feeling his way also delving into a back catalog seemigly reaching for something fading. He still is a trip to listen to, and I absolutely love hearing his full phrases while playing so little - the little accents that finish the meaning of many a JT song - he's just brilliant.
|
|
tullist
Master Craftsman
Posts: 478
|
Post by tullist on Feb 7, 2013 4:51:49 GMT
The "assistant singer" does not work for me. Not a show for me. To each his own. Wanna fight? Love it. Kudos. The gloves are off eh? This time I get to be Basil McRae. Or maybe John Ferguson. (Obscure hockey players, at least, outside of Canada and parts of the USA), from the time of Tulls "heyday", goons, though I believe McRae went to an ivy league school, at least one of the major goons did. And if you ever saw a picture of those guys they looked the part, McRae just looked dangerous and Ferguson looked like Snidely Whiplash. Just displaying my talents for taking an innocuous comment and perverting it into something nearly unrelated but salving my sports/Tull obsessions. This too is allowed on this board.
|
|
tullist
Master Craftsman
Posts: 478
|
Post by tullist on Feb 7, 2013 4:58:04 GMT
Well I'm not on your 'bus'; FO is a gifted player, but it has yet pass my ears on the basis that he is playing (mostly) music/guitar parts that were created by another player. That doesn't mean he isn't capable. But it is a far cry from creating the music himself. The TAAB2 album/work is not what I would call JT. It is, by what I hear, as a more of an IA solo album sound to it. Past (now it seems nearly certainly) JT is over, and I think IA knows to try and duplicate the 'pure, driven sound' of JT would be a mistake. TAAB2 is not my favorite IA album as there are just too many ways to view it as attached to JT without anything more than what Gerald Bostock would do in the current age. Something, by the way was the very, very, last on my list of JT song topic curiosities. But I've digressed. FO is a fine player, but he's not interesting in a way that continually attracts my attention; meaning I don't get grabbed by what he is doing - I'm not pulled into wondering where his playing is taking me - and that is something I miss. I have no disagreement with those who feel that Martin created alot of the Tull sound and music. His work will always be cherished by me. I have doubts about his current direction with an extra guitarist (Pat O'May). I wish things had not been so hard for some of us to accept. Florian is not to blame for that. I just realized in 2010 that Ian began to look like he was re-energized by having Florian around. Ian's solo work was becoming more of a Tull concert every time. Just look at the setlist. It's why we love this music, because it matters so much. I feel if it's good enough for Ian, it works for me too. Hey there buddy, welcome to this side of the fence. I dunno, are you sure you have heard Martin since he started playing with that guy who looks like he is in the Cheiftains playing the wind instruments?. Most impressive. Actually not certain that he may not have been there a few months earlier too, but I had not noticed him, and he makes just the right foil for this Martin avenue, near as I can tell. Additionally Martin was done no favors by the You Tubes from those earlier shows down south I suspect, just as alot of the Tull You Tubes pretty much suck, or are far beneath what Ian would find admissable. Why people even bother with the cellphone stuff is a mystery to me, what, like look where I was? In fact part of my impression from the You Tube in Manchester I think, was , o no, Martin might be having too much fun with this to answer the Ian call, which will be coming. I still happily stand by my long assessment that there is zero falling out between Martin and Ian. They are old men with a 44 year working relationship of splendid return, leave them alone for chrissakes,lol. Was playing Martin's first solo album the other day, I recall their was some credible stuff on there, but the first track, Before Your Time I think, exceeded the level of lameness I can accept in my field of notice, largely those gizmotrom keyboards to blame, but was not a fan of those girls with him at the time, I would say...embarrassing. What he is up to now, defintely not embarrassing. I hope he scorches Cropredy.
|
|