Richie Kotzen is a name that has instant recognition among Rock-n-Roll lovers. In the game now for nearly forty years, some may recall his time with Poison between 1991 and 1993 (where he played on 1993’s Native Tongue), taking over on lead guitar for C.C. DeVille. This is while others may remember his contributions to Mr. Big between 1999 and 2002 (where he performed on 1999’s Get Over It and 2001’s Actual Size), when he was the lead guitarist in place of Paul Gilbert. Then some know him from his work as lead vocalist and guitarist of The Winery Dogs, alongside Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan and Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy. Finally, a select few put him with Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith, when they teamed up together in 2021 for a full-length album (Smith/Kotzen) and EP (Better Days).
While there are a lot of projects to attach Kotzen with, ultimately, he should always be seen for his solo material. First putting out his self-titled solo debut in 1989, since then he has released an unprecedented twenty-one albums through to 2020’s 50 for 50. The epitome of prolific, now in 2024 Kotzen is back with his twenty-second overall studio album, Nomad. Released on September 27th through BMG, once again it showcases Kotzen’s diverse guitar playing which matches his highly underrated songwriting abilities.
Someone by and large associated with Hard Rock music, Kotzen has done a fine job of showcasing he is more than a one-trick pony over time. Perhaps part of the reason he has released so many albums is an attempt to satisfy each of his creative itches, and Nomad only continues the long-running story. Eight songs in total, you get straight-up Rock with “Cheap Shots,” some Funk on “These Doors” and “Insomnia,” plus exceptional Jazz playing on the title-track. The tip of the iceberg, you also have Blues passion felt in “Escape,” and a hybrid of tones in songs like “Nihilist.”
Ultimately Kotzen runs the gambit of sounds on Nomad. An aspect that would lead you to believe the album might be disjointed… Nomad is anything but such. In fact, it is quite cohesive as a progressive mix of fusion that should please long-time followers and even attract more mainstream Rock fans. It is a balance between splendid songwriting, where each song has a memorable melody, but also dazzling musicianship, carefully honed guitar tone, and some fantastic vocal chops. A great, smooth-sounding album, Cryptic Rock gives Richie Kotzen’s Nomad 4 out of 5 stars.
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