Open Poison

Richie Kotzen as guitarist and songwriter is what you'll find on his 2000 release, "Wave Of Emotion". You'll find a wealth of sounds on the CD from melodic, bluesy material to honest rock and roll in reminiscent of the Rolling Stones or the Black Crows. Of course, you get Kotzen's superb guitar work and wah-wah laden leads, and he handles all vocals, production and recording (drummer Atma Anur does assist on production on two track).

In 2004 Richie is back with another riveting album entitled “Get Up”. This cd has already been compared to Richie's 1994 cult classic on Geffen “Mother Heads Family Reunion” and definitely adds more strength to the amazing Richie Kotzen reputation as guitar player and songwriter!

Something To Say is the fifth album by guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen. Reviewer Chris Galambos on Richie Kotzen's CD, "Listening to "Something To Say" is like seeing a new friend that you haven't seen for a long time. All of the music is instantly recognizable and highly enjoyable. Richie's phrasing is superb, his tone is buttery smooth and his bluesy vocals are rich and full of lyrical content."

WIth legendary rhythm kings, bassist Stuart Hamm and drummer Steve Smith, 18-year-old "Richie Kotzen" delivered a set of highly complex instrumentals featuring guitar solos steeped in technique and attitude. Co-produced by Jason Becker, Kotzen's debut album features unpredictable guitar work and lyrical songs. Released in 1989 during the Shrapnel Records shred metal heyday, this CD has been hard to acquire ever since. Prior to the album's release, at the age of 17, Richie had traveled back and forth across the United States, playing in excess of 500 shows. It was during that year that Richie released "Richie Kotzen" on Shrapnel Records and graced the cover of several publications including Guitar World Magazine. Richie's style on this recording travels across rock, fusion and shred, which was initially popularized by Greg Howe on his Shrapnel debut.

Slow is the tenth album by guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen. Richie Kotzen: "This is the first solo CD I have released in over two years. I was able to spend a lot of time on the CD. In the past, I have made records that have varied in style, however I think on the CD Slow I have finally settled into a direction that I feel represents who I am as a solo artist."

"Change" is the tenth album by guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen. Richie Kotzen returns to a slightly more hard rock format on "Change", with strong songs, gutsy vocals and healthy doses of his own signature virtuoso guitar work. The collection of songs ranges from classic and melodic hard rock to acoustic interludes (the album includes also an unplugged reworking of the last Mr.Big hit, "Shine") and a short instrumental piece, "Unity (Jazz Bee Bop Instrumental)". Definitely his best solo album to date, "Change" will please both Mr. Big diehards and his existing solo career fan base. Everything on "Change" is written, performed and produced by Mr. Kotzen himself, except for help on drums on one track, and backing vocals on another.

"Into The Black" is the twelfth album by guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen. It's the only Kotzen's album with a parental advisory sticker on it. The oh so talented guitarist Richie Kotzen channels early Led Zeppelin and 90's Soundgarden for a nostalgic trip through the sounds of classic Hard Rock.

Richie Kotzen's latest release "Bi-Polar Blues" is a retro blues vocal album which showcases Richie's versatility as a gifted songwriter and guitarist. A veritable blues guitar fest, this album is comprised of popular blues standards mixed with strong original compositions that showcase Kotzen tearing it up on his guitar. After a solo deal with Interscope, one with Geffen and over 20 CD’s released over a 20 year span, Kotzen has developed a healthy following and continues to release a new record a year and tours throughout every year.

Limited and numbered edition of 1,500 copies! R&B in DC - Bear Family Records® presents the rise of rhythm 'n' blues in Washington, D.C. - music from the swing era, classic doo-wop of the 1940s and 1950s, rocking rhythm & blues, rock & roll and soul of the early 1960s. Classics such as Love Potion No. 9 (The Clovers), Wedding Bells(The Senators) and Georgianna(Lloyd Price), supplemented by local hits, long-forgotten obscure tunes and sought-after rarities.

Announcing the Optimo Music launch party for:
Cease & Resist - Sonic Subversion & Anarcho Punk In The UK 1979-86
Featuring DJs playing a selection of Anarcho Punk records; Q&A Panel featuring a number of significant figures from the scene and two exclusive photography and archival exhibitions.