Adrian Smith, Richie Kotzen
By Mike O’Cull
Monster guitarists Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen give rock fans a huge wallop of the good stuff on their new project’s debut album Smith/Kotzen. Set to be released March 26th, 2021 thanks to BMG, the record is rooted in the free-spirited vibe of 70s rock and influenced by the blues, hard rock, traditional R&B, and more. The nine-song collection was recorded on the Turks & Caicos Islands in February 2020, produced by Richie and Adrian, and mixed by Kevin “Caveman” Shirley. Smith and Kotzen co-wrote the material, traded off lead vocals, and shared guitar and bass roles throughout these sessions. The end result of all this is a melting pot of an album that melds the two musicians’ backgrounds, talents, and life history into a blast of modern rock music that’s unique and unforgettable.
Adrian Smith is, of course, a longtime member of legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. His guitar and vocal skills are indisputable and he’s also a fine songwriter, penning some of Maiden’s most famous songs including “22 Acacia Avenue” and “The Prisoner.” Richie Kotzen is one of the USA’s best guitarists, singers, and multi-instrumentalists. He has released more than 20 albums as a leader and been part of popular groups The Winery Dogs, Poison, and Mr. Big. The two players are close friends and part-time Los Angeles neighbors, so an effort like this was bound to happen sooner or later. Both men are veterans of the world’s largest stages and deeply respect each other’s abilities. Together, they make up a perfect storm of talent, chops, experience, and musical vision.
From the first notes of the record’s opening cut “Taking My Chances,” it’s clear that this is going to be a set of outstanding rock music. Smith and Kotzen both put down mighty riffs with bigger-than-life tones and switch off lead and harmony vocal parts. Their groove and chemistry are so strong that you can’t help but be quickly swept up in the proceedings. It’s not often that we’re treated to the sound of two immense talents like these working in concert but that’s exactly what this entire record is all about. Factor in their shared devotion to a baseline of true rock and roll and you get amazing music that’s organic and motivating. “Taking My Chances” is a rocking-yet-singable song with a bit of Hendrix to the verse and a big time radio chorus. All the tight riffing and hot lead work only serve to make a great song even better.
“Running” is another killer rock song that’ll grab you by the scruff and not let go. Not only are the guitar and vocal aspects hot to the point of face-melting but it’s also one of five songs on the album on which Kotzen shows out on the drums. He’s a beyond-awesome drummer, in case you didn’t know, with a big beat and rhythmic snap that drives this track straight down the road. “Scars” is an epic and emotive tune done in the timeless light-then-heavy style that recalls the best parts of 70s blues/rock. Kotzen handles all the bass and drum parts as well as playing a tasty and melodic guitar solo. It’s an electrifying cut that demands repeated listenings.
“Solar Fire” is a tough-minded blues/rock song that features Smith’s Iron Maiden band mate Nicko McBrain on drums. McBrain throws down an aggressive groove that comes roaring out of the early 70s Golden Age of British rock and makes his presence immediately felt. “You Don’t Know Me” is a chugging mid-tempo with a UFO influence, especially in the verse. Like everything presented here, it’s exceptionally well-written, played, and vocalized. Every second of Smith/Kotzen is cool beyond words and comes off as one long love letter to the idea of rock guitar. Be sure to get it into your daily mix and keep it there.
Watch “Taking My Chances”
Pre-order link for Smith/Kotzen
This record is KILLER…enough said.
I am a long time hard rock guitarist-It has been decades since I’ve heard anything close to this-Vocals alone-shades of Coverdale-Hughes. Guitar duo worthy of Gary Moore and Scott Gorham-This is a rarity-It rocks-No excuse or FX-Put a safety belt on.