CD REVIEW: THE ESSENTIAL RICHIE KOTZEN by RICHIE KOTZEN

THE ESSENTIAL RICHIE KOTZEN 
by Richie Kotzen
(Loud & Proud Records)

Let me start off by saying that I've been a huge fan of Richie Kotzen's since the 'Electric Joy' days. His premium blend of old school R&B, soul and rock combined with his amazing legato technique and rich vocal delivery is incredibly powerful. Not only is Richie Kotzen a virtuoso guitarist and a have soulfully powerful voice, he is also a remarkable songwriter. The 2 CD set and 1 DVD, 'The Essential Richie Kotzen' set encompasses Richie's iconic entire career. Richie personally curated the tracks on this set  from his 18 solo albums in order to give listeners the most comprehensive, cohesive, and concise introduction to his extensive body of work. Disc One features thirteen tracks with soulful blues rock Kotzen classics that cannot be denied, "Love Is Blind", "Go Faster", "Fool Again", "OMG (What's Your Name), "Fear" and a personal favorite the powerful, "You Can't Save Me". It also features three never before released tracks in the form of the groove laden movers in the form of,"War Paint", "Walk With Me" and the soulful sway of "Lie To Me". Disc Two features ten tracks of acoustic performances and bootleg material. New acoustic versions of "What Is", "High", "Change" and "Special" kick off disc two. The next four tracks are unplugged versions of, "Paint It On", "Holding On" and a song that is one my favorite penned Richie Kotzen songs, "Until You Suffer Some (Fire And Ice), which appeared on the Poison' s 'Native Tongue', Ritchie's vocals on this version are simply amazing and out of this world! The other acoustic track another favorite, "The Road". Just goes to show, plugged or unplugged Richie Kotzen delivers the goods! Original demo versions of "Regret" and "Damaged" close out the set.  If you are new to Richie Kotzen' s music, you will thoroughly enjoy this collection of powerful, soulful, supremely rocking music! Buy a copy of this set and give it to any music lover under the age of 30 to remind the younger generation what mainstream music SHOULD be in the 21st century. Once upon a time, there was actually a national music scene where talent, originality, and musicianship were the requirements for becoming a star. If you are a music lover and tired of being deprived of real talent in today's dreadful music scene, I welcome you to the world of Richie Kotzen as you discover the kind of greatness that is no longer allowed on the charts today. This isn't American Idol, Britney Spears, or Taylor Swift. Richie Kotzen is REAL talent...REAL musicianship....THE REAL DEAL. 'The Essential Richie Kotzen' set belongs in the collection of anyone who values what REAL talent is all about in music. Thank you Richie! - Essential 
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine