Artist: Richie Kotzen CD Title: "Slow" Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli Reviewed: 6/21/02

     Richie Kotzen is back with another guitar driven masterpiece.  This time he hits you with an even more bluesy and soulful CD.  From start to finish it will have you rockin' your socks off.  It has a great blend of blues, rock, funk, R&B, and soul.  This has been on of the most energetic guitar release I've heard in a long time.  I know for a fact if your looking for a new angle on guitar playing, Richie will deliver on hell of a smack in the head!  This cd is 150% radio friendly and any music fan could enjoy this wonderful work.  I was impressed as always by his soulful and bluesy approach to guitar playing.  This album has a very cheerful outlook, and its a obvious that this album will go down in guitar rock history. 

     Track one "Ohio", is short little bluesy intro that sets the stage for the rest of the CD.  Can you hear those pentatonics calling out your name?

    "Scared of You" song two, is one groovy jam.  Kotzen's guitar playing is really hot and heavy.  This song has a bluesy and funk feel to it, so put on those dancin' shoes and get going.  Richie sings his heart out on this song one for sure.  He has a extremely good voice, with a superb pitch.  Kotzen can not only tear up fretboards, but he'll wow you with his singing abilities.  The main guitar solo knocked me out of the chair too.  He really tore it up with some bluesy speed picking. 

     Song three, "Gold Digger" is defiantly one of my favorite tracks from the cd.  Its got a killer main melody line.  I also loved how he used a interesting blend of guitar effects to create a machine like guitar tone.  The lyrics in this song a real fun, and have an interesting point to them.  I know this will be one of your favorites too.  Check out the lead break at 2:40, it really makes a statement.  I recommend jamming to this one in your car at all costs, and don't forget to blare it!

     "The Answer" track four, opens with a clean toned guitar rip fest.  After hearing this you'll really get a feel for how clean of a player he is.  There's never a dull or bad note.  Also, the speed and intensity that he plays with clean tone is amazing.

     "Slow" song five, is defiantly a radio single tune.  It has everything it takes to get on the radio and more.  A great melody line, cool sing along lyrics and one bopping bass line.  This song really defines Richie's essence as a guitar player.  He's not afraid to stray from the norms.  I totally dug the main lead, it has lots of soul and it really fits into the vibe of the song.  Along with that, please pay attention to the walking bass lines that Kotzen schemes up.  He always has consideration to detail and knows that each instrument can be a vital part of a great song.

     Song six, "Don't Wanna Lie" has a slower more R&B feel to it.  Great vocal harmonies drench the songs main groove.  Kotzen is a true all around guitar player.  I'm convinced he can play any style and that is what sets him apart from his counterparts.  The main lead is nothing but soulful.  I'm amazed how much feel Richie puts into his playing.  All guitar players should stride to be in tune with emotional playing, and we all could learn a thing or two from him.

     Track seven, "Got it Bad" is another phat jam session.  Can we say house party time?  This number keeps Richie's groove thing going strong.  The guitar tone is defiantly one thing to check out.  Throughout the record he dials in some interesting tones, and I wish I had the processors to do it too!  Check out the watery sounding phrase at 2:10 to fully understand what I mean.  Great song writing and production really gave this song the pro feel it has.  I was impressed by the non stop groove fest most.

     "I Can Make You Happy" opens with a little mini shred solo, that leads right into Richie's captivating vocal styling.  I liked the lyrics in this song, they're super radio friendly.  Richie never ceases to amaze me with his wide range style.  His songs go a long way and never get old.  This is one song that will never be worn out.  I also enjoyed his phrasing of guitar lines, he brings in the funky blues vibe that we've grown to love from him.  Don't forget to suck up his ending lead!

     Song nine, "Sapphire" is a short nylon string masterpiece.  It's overly melodic and clean.  I would have liked to hear more nylon string playing on the cd, so Richie how about another on the next album?

     "Come Back" (Swear to God) track ten is another smooth Kotzen number.  It is a very melodic song with a happy feel.  Come to think of it, this whole album is happy sounding.  I love happy and energetic players.  He doesn't drown you the whole album with minor soloing.  Kotzen keeps his playing real because he plays from the heart.  Songs like this make buying guitar driven CDs worth ever penny. 

     Track eleven "Rely on Me", is a real cool feeling tune.  Check out the atmospheric intro solo and it's even more wilder guitar tone.  This tune is another radio friendly number.  I can just imagine hearing this groovy tune on the R&B radio station.  I really think his vocal work really stands out on this track as well.  Its a real fun and upbeat tune that will leave you dazed and amazed.

    "Lets Say Goodbye" is the "Doin' it song", excuse my French!  So go grab your significant other and start making some luuuuvvvveee. LOL  It has a very romantic feel to it, what can I say.  So remember to put this song on during your next candle light dinner.  Richie soul pours out his hands and into your ears for a very pleasant listening experience.  Also, check out the main solo, he picks up the pace and shreds a little bit, which was a total shock to me, seeing this song was a slow moody one.

     Ok you Jazz nuts "Conflicted" song thirteen is for you.  I think Richie should have entitled this song "COMPLICATED" instead.  He just rips his fretboard to shreds with his jazz phrasing.  He starts out with a clean tone then after awhile takes it up a notch with some distorted guitar.  This song is a most own for jazz or fusion nuts.

   Last but not least the bonus track "All I can" will really rock down your house.  Richie belts out some hardcore soul playing.  I know the old saying goes white boys don't play with soul, but Richie has got enough soul for all of us that's for sure!  He tears it up with another over the top performance.  Check out the great bendy lead break at 02:34. That's what Richie's playing is all about.

     So guitar nuts, what much is there to say other that this CD is legendary.  This is a must own for any guitar player.  Even if your not a blues, fusion, or soul fan.  This CD is hittin' the airwaves and should be hittin' your CD player immediately.  Kotzen has outdone himself once again, and takes another giant step forward breaking new ground for guitar players alike.  I keep saying this CD is amazing, inspirational and a must own.  There's one simple explanation for it, IT JUST IS!  I've never had to opportunity to review such a heavenly piece of work.  "Slow" redefines soulful guitar playing, and how to write a total radio friendly song.  So please drop by his killer website and check out his other works.  Please pick up this CD at your local retailer or online at www.guitar9.com, andwww.lionmusic.com.