Richie Kotzen has worked hard at his art for over 30 years. So where has he been? All around is the answer. This is a guy who came out of nowhere in my music collection, yet there's a tab in my listening history, likely to both his regret and blessing.
In 1993 an album titled Native Tongue was released. It was a disappointment at the time because for one, the glam rock band Poison had reached its creative peak and tastes were changing, and two because their lead guitarist CC DeVille had been booted. Fans, even moderate fans like me, were angry about the replacement of a young unknown guitarist. The change in style and sound, and the changing times, was the end for the band sentencing them to a lifetime of nostalgic touring (still more money than I make, so it's not a bad life). That guitarist was Richie Kotzen and he too was booted from the band soon after a rift with a band member (and likely the commercial disappointment of the album).
The brief time in Poison enabled Kotzen to do his art up to this day. He's been at it building a strong following releasing albums and touring year after year. His work has been consistent despite not being recognized in the commercial rock world. He has both a voice and tremendous guitar skills in addition to song writing. The guy is a musician in every sense.
I counted 23 solo albums. 1 album with Poison. 2 albums with Mr. Big. 3 albums with the Winery Dogs. And now 2 albums with Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden. The 2021 album with Smith was my favorite album of the year and remains an all time favorite. Poison to this day only has seven albums, to put things in perspective. Kotzen's creative output has been enormous and quality.
When I heard the album with Smith I went back and couldn't believe all I'd missed out on all of these years. I'm glad I found his music. I'm glad he's still at it and seems to be living a good life.
Here's a massive playlist of a massive solo career, along with the Winery Dogs and Smith albums. I have no interest in listening to the glam albums of Poison and Mr. Big, but I'll say despite Flesh and Blood being my favorite Poison album, Native Tongue has my favorite Poison song of all time "Theater of my Soul" with the guitar work of Richie Kotzen. I'd love to hear him do a few of those songs live sometime.
Be warned, this is 14+ hours and over 170 songs, but take your time. You're digging through a lifetime of music here.
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