Hmm, Do you see a pattern here?
Paul Gilbert leaves
Mr. Big and
Richie Kotzen takes over his spot.
Paul Gilbert releases an all acoustic album -
Richie Kotzen releases an acoustic album. Hmmm.
Of course I am only joking and actually "Acoustic Cuts" by Kotzen has been available some time at his web-site before Frontiers took the album under their portfolio.
Paul Gilbert's acoustic CD was a loose and unpretentious live recording - Richie has chosen to record ten of his best songs in the studio only accompanied by an acoustic guitar. The reason why this album succeeds even though the sparse arrangement is Kotzen's strong voice which really oozes lots of expression. The song
What Is really comes alive with its mixture of riffs, chords and Kotzen's voice.
Don't Ask is very stripped back, since Kotzen plays the riff without any accompaniment. However, it's still a cool version of one of my favorite Kotzen compositions. Kotzen also proves what a fabulous guitarist despite "Acoustic Cuts" focuses on the sing/songwriter tradition and is recorded without guitar solos.
Where Did Our Love Go from 1994's "Mother Head's Family Reunion" sets the record straight since this great acoustic version displays Kotzen's multi talent. The guitar follows the vocal line and the song keeps its energetic drive performed acoustic.
Kotzen has a special tone to his voice that gives him the ability to put much emotion to his songs - the touching
I Would is among his finest moments.
Overall this is a great acoustic CD from Kotzen that will please his fan base. So light some candles and open a bottle of red wine - this is a CD perfect for seduction or just a neat addition to your
Richie Kotzen collection.
Written by
Michael Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Show all reviews by MichaelRatingsMichael: 6/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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