Richie Kotzen‘s career has been a whirlwind of musical evolution, from blazing solos in Poison and Mr. Bigto the intricate tapestries of The Winery Dogs. His latest solo venture, Nomad, comes after a successful collaboration with Adrian Smith in Smith/Kotzen, adding yet another chapter to his substantial discography. The time between his last solo release and Nomad has been filled with tours, collaborations, and relentless creativity, setting the stage for an album that’s both a reflection of his journey and a bold statement of his present.
From the get-go, Nomad grabs your attention with “Cheap Shots”. The track opens with a riff that immediately hooks you—captivating and energetic. Kotzen’s vocals exude warmth and confidence, setting a high bar for the album right from the start. The harmonies are tight, the guitar work is impeccable, and it leaves you wanting more.
“These Doors” follows, bringing an infectious funk groove that is hard to resist. The bass lines are deep and rhythmic, paired with striking clavinet touches. Kotzen’s ability to blend different instrumental sounds into a cohesive and enjoyable track is evident here. It’s a masterclass in merging genres that might seem divergent but flow seamlessly under his expert direction.
“Insomnia” offers a darker, grittier feel, with a shuffle that gives the song a haunting quality. The spoken word sections add depth, leading into an expansive chorus that contrasts beautifully with the verses. Kotzen’s technical prowess on the guitar is on full display, with clean, rapid solos that elevate the track further.
The title track, “Nomad”, stands out not just for its Eastern-inspired riffs but for its sophisticated narrative arc. The lyrics and vocal delivery navigate intricate bass lines and drum grooves—courtesy of guest drummer Dan Potruch—giving a sense of wanderlust and introspection. The bebop-inspired solo in the middle is an audacious yet fitting touch, showcasing Kotzen’s jazz influences.
“Escape” brings a rock groove that’s both laid back and suffused with emotional urgency. Kotzen’s vocal range shines here, transitioning from smooth verses to soaring choruses that capture a craving for freedom. The track’s structure is minimalistic but impactful, proving that sometimes less is more.
“On the Table” is a groovy, driving force that feels like a perfect blend of The Winery Dogs’ energy and Kotzen’s solo finesse. The mid-section volume swells add unexpected depth, making the song’s climaxes all the more rewarding. It’s a track that’s bound to get stuck in your head, thanks to its catchy and singable chorus.
“This Is a Test” shifts gears, showcasing Kotzen’s softer side with an acoustic arrangement. His warm vocal harmonies take center stage, pulling you into an intimate, almost confessional space. This track illustrates Kotzen’s ability to strip things back while still delivering emotional resonance.
The album closes with “Nihilist”, a track bursting with offbeat shuffle rhythms and complex abstraction. The orchestration here is daring, filled with intricate legato licks and dynamic vocal and instrumental interplay. The jazz-fusion middle section is an exhilarating detour, reestablishing the song’s groove in a fascinating, unpredictable way.
Nomad is an album that showcases Richie Kotzen’s multifaceted talents—he’s a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, all wrapped into one. Every track offers something different, yet it all coheres into an experience that’s quintessentially Kotzen. The only lament might be the brevity of the album with just eight tracks, but quality over quantity certainly applies here.
Brett’s Rating: 9 out of 10
Order ‘Nomad’ now: https://richiekotzen.lnk.to/NomadPR
TRACKLISTING
- Cheap Shots
- These Doors**
- Insomnia
- Nomad*
- Escape
- On The Table
- This Is A Test
- Nihilist
- Dan Potruch plays drums on “Nomad”
** Kyle Hughes plays drums on “These Doors”
U.S. FALL TOUR
SEP 13 The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano CA
SEP 14 Whisky a Go Go West Hollywood CA
SEP 19 Goldfield Trading Post (Roseville) Roseville CA
SEP 20 Tower Theatre Fresno CA
SEP 21 Count’s Vamp’d Las Vegas NV
SEP 25 The Black Sheep Colorado Springs CO
SEP 26 HQ Live Denver Denver CO
SEP 27 Barnato Omaha NE
SEP 28 Knuckleheads Saloon Kansas City MO
SEP 30 City Winery St. Louis St. Louis MO
OCT 2 The Blue Note Harrison OH
OCT 4 The Magic Bag Ferndale MI
OCT 5 The Arcada Theatre St. Charles IL
OCT 7 Jergels Warrendale PA
OCT 9 The Ridgefield Playhouse Ridgefield CT
OCT 10 Iridium New York, NY
OCT 11 Iridium New York NY
OCT 12 Iridium New York NY
OCT 15 City Winery Boston Boston MA
OCT 17 Tupelo Music Hall Derry NH
OCT 20 The Suffolk Theater Riverhead NY
OCT 22 Rams Head on Stage Annapolis MD
OCT 23 Sellersville Theater Sellersville PA
OCT 24 The Beacon Theatre Hopewell VA
OCT 25 Backseat Bar & Grill Winchester VA
OCT 29 City Winery Atlanta Atlanta GA
OCT 30 City Winery Nashville Nashville TN
NOV 1 The Haute Spot Leander TX
NOV 2 Granada Theater Dallas TX
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