No matter what anyone says, Kotzen kicks ass and can shred with the best of them. Plus, no one has even mentioned his versatility. He has a great command of blues and funk guitar also. He also has one of the most soulful voices out there. How many other players are that versatile. Too bad the guy isn't as popular as he should be. The music industry just don't get it and probably never will.
His style is similar to Greg Howe I would say, I think Greg came first with this "jazzy fusion" style between the two, Greg is older and already had a solo album to his name out in 1987, two years before Richie released his first album. Both must be really influenced by Holdsworth style judging by their sound, so both are not really "unique" in that regard either. Greg Howe and Richie Kotzen sound so similar in playing style that you almost can't tell one from the other when listening to their jazz-fusion collab album released in the 90's
I totally agree. When I listen to that album I can’t tell the difference. Whoever thought of putting two of those guys on one album? One is scary as hell on their own.
richie is the man!!! i´ve gone to eric martin´ show, whose richie was going to headline...but after i have seen kotzen, i became his fan...poor eric martin...
Since Richie started playing on the Winery Dogs project there was a massive wave of dislikes in his old solo career songs... I suspect these were done by the butthurt Dream Theater fans that didn't cope well with Portnoy leaving the band... hard to believe people can become fanatics to such extent, and for such a sucky band LOOOL
Kotzen could have easily become a Becker clone; he was that good. No, he didn't have Jason's sense of melody but if it wasn't for Marty, neither would have Jason. lol. Anyway, I'm a huge fan of Kotzen's progression as a guitarist. His feel and note choice these days are awesome. Yeah, a lot of his stuff can be a little boring for those of you who want to see his shred antics but he has really turned into the total package as a guitarist/singer/song writer. Great video, though!
I Hope this man sometimes reads comments, because He has More GREAT Songs than Any MAN that's EVER LIVED! His songs have helped Me through life, even More than Elvis. I'm 4EVER Indebted, Drummer of 34+yrs.
@@mayorrodgers7446 People have no idea, He's the most prolific guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, etc, etc... of our time and you are correct. Normally it would be overblown & false, but as you so eloquently surmised, "Not with Richie.' Cheers Bro🍾
It's great to see that he left this shredding things and went into really great bluesy rock with his own style (not a Steve Vai copy any more). He found himself, see his latest work "peace sign".
I was one of them! I started off playing old Metallica - I was on the right track. Then I discovered Punk and realized nobody cared about ability so I never practiced. I had a lot of catching up to later when i wanted to really play.
so you disagree with me or what? I'm not a big Nirvana fan at all - I don't even listen to them. But Kurt had a knack for catchy melody over bizarre chord progressions. WTF I don't see why someone would disagree.
I'm sorry to burst your bubble but there are plenty of guitarists who demonstrate even more technical ability and more advanced sense of melody than Becker. Not to take away from how incredible an unique Becker was; he was amazing. Kotzen, in his prime of playing like he did in the 80's, could have been technically as proficient as Becker. Same sense of melody? No, but then again, without Marty Friedman, Becker would've probably sounded just like any other run-of-the-mill shredder.
@Vinniemoore89 I've heard that song. It kicks ass. But I think he's saying that BECAUSE the music industry doesn't have a clue..out of frustration.....not because he wouldn't actually want it.....just my opinion....I could be wrong. Btw, same goes with Vinnie Moore, he kicks major ass!!!!
@NOTTHATKINDAGUY i heard of the term "anti-production" in an interview. it was a backlash against the musicianship of the 80's, a minimalism mvmt in rock.
Kurt wasn't a great guitarist no - but he played some cool stuff. The Teen Spirt solo was unique how he played exactly what he sang. He busted his butt writing those great songs. His melodies and chord sequences were really different.
Why is it every time a guitarist/band video is shown on UA-cam it always turns into a childish slagging match? Guitarist X owns guitarist Y, or band Y pawns band Z; its fucking boring reading it all the time. If you like Kurts stuff than fair enough, I love Nirvana, but I also enjoy listening to Richies music too, the guys amazingly talented and extremely versatile. If you dont like his stuff why even bother watching the video or posting in this thread???
@stevieVantanna Damn...you actually called that singing...I can play Mary Had a Little Lamb and sing it at the same time. But I wouldn't put it on a record....I made stuff like that up when I was 12...and I also thought it sounded like shit....'til I actually learned to play.....When he died....thank god he took grunge with him...
Of course there are thousands of better musicians that Kurt - what's your point. There are different kinds of talent. He could write a good song and had an ear for melodies.
@santacruezz That sounds like excuses for lack of ability...That's like that crap about not keeping score....as long as you have fun playing the game....nobody loses.....bull!!! Michael Jordan isn't revered because he enjoyed playing average...nobody would care if that's all he did. It's because of his talent.....not lack thereof..
@NOTTHATKINDAGUY I apologize. I can't remember exactly what I said since the person who uploaded this video removed my comment due to the fact he/she can't take criticism. The guy has skills no doubt. I just prefer the bands that prove you can have passion and not have to play like Eddie Van Halen. Sorry if I offended anyone (Sure I did) I just prefer bands that meant something more than looking pretty.
It's just that your comment is completely relevant to what is in question here. I know thousands better musicians than Kurt Cobain and dont come trolling to youtube videos.
hehe...No..it is YOU people who dont know anything about music. You can get up there and play 50,000 notes a second or you can get up there and play 1 chord..and if that 1 chord has heart then it still means something. Kurt Cobain is a hero..this guy is just..well..forgotten,
@eesloan4 There's a difference between simple music and not playing your instruments properly or in tune even. Simple music I can listen to. Not knowing how to play, I can't. Nirvana falls in that category..
@stevieVantanna I guess vomitting sounds like a melody to you....cause that's what Kurt sounded like he was doing....what songs are you listening to. Grunge was anti-melody and anti-playing. Which equals anti-talent. That's why it sucked...
This guy is a total shlock rocker. lol. Long live Kurt Cobain and the Grunge Movement and thank god Kurt Cobain ended the days where you had to look and sound like this. God awful!
No matter what anyone says, Kotzen kicks ass and can shred with the best of them. Plus, no one has even mentioned his versatility. He has a great command of blues and funk guitar also. He also has one of the most soulful voices out there. How many other players are that versatile. Too bad the guy isn't as popular as he should be. The music industry just don't get it and probably never will.
The first time Jason Becker saw Richie Kotzen play said man this guy kicks my butt, Richie's playing is top notch.
...And as ALL Should know, Jason's Transformative!
he played at the same year as Jason at Aim. Jason said they was friends and Jason co-produced his first album.
He was shredding like this in clubs when he was 17! I was there.
Omg
No one plays like Kotzen, he is unique
His style is similar to Greg Howe I would say, I think Greg came first with this "jazzy fusion" style between the two, Greg is older and already had a solo album to his name out in 1987, two years before Richie released his first album. Both must be really influenced by Holdsworth style judging by their sound, so both are not really "unique" in that regard either. Greg Howe and Richie Kotzen sound so similar in playing style that you almost can't tell one from the other when listening to their jazz-fusion collab album released in the 90's
I totally agree. When I listen to that album I can’t tell the difference. Whoever thought of putting two of those guys on one album? One is scary as hell on their own.
richie is the man!!!
i´ve gone to eric martin´ show, whose richie was going to headline...but after i have seen kotzen, i became his fan...poor eric martin...
Jason Becker Co-produced his firts Record man!!!!
why theres so much dislikes to kotzens videos? ... hes one of the virtuosos of the 80s , maybe some slash fans that cant do that
slash for the people without brain jajajajaja
It's because Rikki Rocket has 49 UA-cam accounts
53 now...that bastard
Will Dragon 55 now in 2020
Since Richie started playing on the Winery Dogs project there was a massive wave of dislikes in his old solo career songs... I suspect these were done by the butthurt Dream Theater fans that didn't cope well with Portnoy leaving the band... hard to believe people can become fanatics to such extent, and for such a sucky band LOOOL
Kotzen could have easily become a Becker clone; he was that good. No, he didn't have Jason's sense of melody but if it wasn't for Marty, neither would have Jason. lol. Anyway, I'm a huge fan of Kotzen's progression as a guitarist. His feel and note choice these days are awesome. Yeah, a lot of his stuff can be a little boring for those of you who want to see his shred antics but he has really turned into the total package as a guitarist/singer/song writer. Great video, though!
better than vai better then satriani.
I kept rewinding this vid at every sick little lick he pulls off, kind of amazed. So it took a while to get through.
I Hope this man sometimes reads comments, because He has More GREAT Songs than Any MAN that's EVER LIVED! His songs have helped Me through life, even More than Elvis. I'm 4EVER Indebted, Drummer of 34+yrs.
Normally I would say that this kind of comment is an over the top exaggeration but not with Richie
@@mayorrodgers7446 People have no idea, He's the most prolific guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, etc, etc... of our time and you are correct. Normally it would be overblown & false, but as you so eloquently surmised, "Not with Richie.' Cheers Bro🍾
I can't believe either that he is now 110 years and still singing and playing the guitar! :-)
Does exist any video from the recording sesions in studio between Richie and Jason¿?
Richie kotzen said , at the time we jamming most of the time
It's great to see that he left this shredding things and went into really great bluesy rock with his own style (not a Steve Vai copy any more). He found himself, see his latest work "peace sign".
Never a vai copycat there playing styles weren’t that similar if you look at the types of legato licks and other techniques kotzen would use
Great video that capture early Richie Kotzen.
Do you have any kotzen live of him playing tracks from fever dream. ?
I couldn't believe he was ninety at this vid... Great !
BEAST!
and in this video he's awesome and this vid is very old like 1984-90.
Awesome!!!
he looks great for ninety. =)
awesome
exotic play...
I was one of them! I started off playing old Metallica - I was on the right track. Then I discovered Punk and realized nobody cared about ability so I never practiced. I had a lot of catching up to later when i wanted to really play.
richie is too good at legato
Like his sound better with humbuckers.
nice to see richie with an ibanez.
I LOVE IBANEZ¡¡¡
I can't determine if he's talking himself that much seriously or if he's being a master troll of sarcasm in levels never seen before LOOOOL
4:17 dinosaur screaming noise HAHAHAHAHA
This guy is comedy gold I'm telling ya, he can't be 100% serious there
is the same clinic ....jason becker play serranaa!!
underrated
Same year too! I think Jason was there with him. Anyways Jason coproduced the album this song is on.
so you disagree with me or what?
I'm not a big Nirvana fan at all - I don't even listen to them. But Kurt had a knack for catchy melody over bizarre chord progressions.
WTF I don't see why someone would disagree.
I'm sorry to burst your bubble but there are plenty of guitarists who demonstrate even more technical ability and more advanced sense of melody than Becker. Not to take away from how incredible an unique Becker was; he was amazing. Kotzen, in his prime of playing like he did in the 80's, could have been technically as proficient as Becker. Same sense of melody? No, but then again, without Marty Friedman, Becker would've probably sounded just like any other run-of-the-mill shredder.
post some more videos of this show
I wasn't comparing the two at all.
yes I just creamed my pants.
@Vinniemoore89 I've heard that song. It kicks ass. But I think he's saying that BECAUSE the music industry doesn't have a clue..out of frustration.....not because he wouldn't actually want it.....just my opinion....I could be wrong. Btw, same goes with Vinnie Moore, he kicks major ass!!!!
@NOTTHATKINDAGUY i heard of the term "anti-production" in an interview. it was a backlash against the musicianship of the 80's, a minimalism mvmt in rock.
Kurt wasn't a great guitarist no - but he played some cool stuff. The Teen Spirt solo was unique how he played exactly what he sang. He busted his butt writing those great songs. His melodies and chord sequences were really different.
hes 17
It is too bad he does not embrace the awesomeness that is the original
JESUS!! REALLY?! :O!
agreed. but this video is not his best performance. he was young here tho
Cobain tried to copy Hendrix? This is news to me.
He he talent in songwriting and melody (Cobain).
woah slow down their better than Satch i think not
By technicality Kotzen is miles beyond Satriani, and the only album of Satriani that went all out great was Surfing with...
Someone has the tabs??? please!!
Why is it every time a guitarist/band video is shown on UA-cam it always turns into a childish slagging match? Guitarist X owns guitarist Y, or band Y pawns band Z; its fucking boring reading it all the time. If you like Kurts stuff than fair enough, I love Nirvana, but I also enjoy listening to Richies music too, the guys amazingly talented and extremely versatile. If you dont like his stuff why even bother watching the video or posting in this thread???
@stevieVantanna Damn...you actually called that singing...I can play Mary Had a Little Lamb and sing it at the same time. But I wouldn't put it on a record....I made stuff like that up when I was 12...and I also thought it sounded like shit....'til I actually learned to play.....When he died....thank god he took grunge with him...
@NOTTHATKINDAGUY mmmm you think that jerry cantrell or chris cornell have lack of talent...??? because they re grunge??
yep they suck
Yes
Of course there are thousands of better musicians that Kurt - what's your point. There are different kinds of talent. He could write a good song and had an ear for melodies.
@6662sides2die666 I have bowel movements that sound better than the grunge movement.....nuff said...
@6662sides2die666 Nothing personal....just wanted to put in my two cents worth...everybody has a right to their opinion..
LOL
ı think ritchie was good when he was young,ı like his old style,but nowdays he chanched his style of playing...don t like ritchie's new style...
@santacruezz That sounds like excuses for lack of ability...That's like that crap about not keeping score....as long as you have fun playing the game....nobody loses.....bull!!! Michael Jordan isn't revered because he enjoyed playing average...nobody would care if that's all he did. It's because of his talent.....not lack thereof..
@NOTTHATKINDAGUY
I apologize. I can't remember exactly what I said since the person who uploaded this video removed my comment due to the fact he/she can't take criticism. The guy has skills no doubt. I just prefer the bands that prove you can have passion and not have to play like Eddie Van Halen. Sorry if I offended anyone (Sure I did) I just prefer bands that meant something more than looking pretty.
It's just that your comment is completely relevant to what is in question here. I know thousands better musicians than Kurt Cobain and dont come trolling to youtube videos.
@stevieVantanna That's called..........not knowing how to play!!!
COBAIN wasnt a talented guitarrist his solo are noise n he tried to copy to Hendrix but was really sad
his surname gave me a lol
hehe...No..it is YOU people who dont know anything about music. You can get up there and play 50,000 notes a second or you can get up there and play 1 chord..and if that 1 chord has heart then it still means something. Kurt Cobain is a hero..this guy is just..well..forgotten,
@eesloan4 There's a difference between simple music and not playing your instruments properly or in tune even. Simple music I can listen to. Not knowing how to play, I can't. Nirvana falls in that category..
Kotzen vs Becker
they played together a lot in their teens
Not even the same style... it would be more like Kotzen vs Greg Howe
@stevieVantanna I guess vomitting sounds like a melody to you....cause that's what Kurt sounded like he was doing....what songs are you listening to. Grunge was anti-melody and anti-playing. Which equals anti-talent. That's why it sucked...
wow I love RK but no need to say he Kurt wouldn't want to live over your " thought-to-be " crappy guitar shredding.
Grow up man
This guy is a total shlock rocker. lol. Long live Kurt Cobain and the Grunge Movement and thank god Kurt Cobain ended the days where you had to look and sound like this. God awful!
Zack_Magic oh and your videos of your playing are diarrea
Could not disagree with you more, but #free_speech