Richie Kotzen Break It All Down (2000)

Richie Kotzen as guitarist and songwriter is what you'll find on his 2000 release, "Break It All Down". 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 he handles all vocals and production (Richie Zito does help on production on one track). Highlights on "Break It All Down" include the bluesy, Vaughan-like soloing of "I Don't Belong", "Live A Little", the haunting "Some Voodoo" and "The Feelin's Gone". Essential listening for fans of this many-faceted recording artist.

A must have collection from the world renowned singer/songwriter and musician Richie Kotzen. The 3 CD box set contains the albums, 'Break It All Down', Something To Say', and 'What Is' plus bonus tracks from the album Wave Of Emotion. Kotzen has used Fender electric guitars for most of his career, most notably his signature model Telecasters and Stratocasters, as well as other custom-made models. Born in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1970, Richie Kotzen is an American singer/songwriter and world renowned musician. Considered by many as one of the greatest ever to pick up a guitar, Kotzen possesses the rare talent of adapting his playing style to suit all genres of music from jazz and blues to pop and rock. This ability stemmed from his early years; when at the age of seven Kotzen first took up the instrument, keen to follow in the footsteps of the band Kiss. He spent several years honing his own unique sound and playing style, tirelessly working to perfect the art, and it paid off when he was signed by Shrapnel Records at the age of 19. Kotzen has released a long series of more than twenty albums with musical influences ranging from Rock, Hard Rock, Pop, Blues, Blue-eyed- soul, R&B and Funk to Jazz Fusion. He was a member of many successful bands including Poison, Mr Big and The Winery Dogs.

"24 Hours" marks Richie Kotzen's 23rd album since 1989 – including a live album, one under the banner of Wilson Hawk, one with Forty Deuce and two collaborations with Greg Howe. Throw in all the albums he did with Mr. Big, Poison, and Vertu, as well as 'Best Of' compilations, all the guest appearances and the tribute albums he has appeared on and the number exceeds 125… easily! Beyond sheer numbers, Kotzen's catalog of recorded material runs the gamut from hard rock, pop, blues, soul, funk, R&B and even country!

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.

"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.

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).

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."

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!

"Electric Joy" was Richie Kotzen's third album for Shrapnel Records and documents his incredible growth as a musician. The album delivered a collection of original instrumental compositions rich in tasteful melodies and contemporary guitar techniques, that further cemented RK position in the music world as a guitarist's. For the first time, Kotzen was in the studio producing himself with complete creative control. Since he was preparing a vocal record for Interscope around the same time, he chose to make this an all instrumental record.