303
|
|
|
|
okay, if he did get one dollar for every time getting asked what his name means in germany language, he possibly could settle down on the Bahamas for good. But he won't do that, because he's much to busy. Concerning his name.... he accepted it, - I mean that fact, what it means in german. It's a fact, that Mr. Richie Kotzen belongs to the most underrated artists in the business. His name is knows in insider circles and also in the Rock'n'Roll Biz, thanks to his contribution in Poison and Mr.Big. And he started recording soloalbums aged 18. Yes he's been in Europe before, but only as member of the just mentioned bands, never as a soloartist. This here is the very first time, so the echo ain't that big. There are only two dates in the rider settled for Germany. And the booked venues don't have exactly the size of our Olympiahalle. Never mind, it's most important, that the american wonderkind has actually found his way across the ocean to Europe on his own. The only little problem is, that some musiclovers still asocciate Richie Kotzen still with Poison or with Mr.Big. but that, my friends, is completely wrong. Because this man is an allrounder and has found his destination mainly in fusion, Blues and Soul. And I bet, quite a view percent of the audiance of the current european dates, are pretty much surprised, that the musical style goes quite a bit in a different direction. But on the other hand, it is exactly this, what makes this guitarist to something special and very interesting.
After about 8 hours drive from Budapest and an
additional 2 hours wait on the austrian-hungarian border, the band has
arrived at the Village in Habach. It's quite a unique place, and first of
all you get the impression, that this is the end of the world. Actually
it's only a 30 minutes drive from Munich. But in fact, this place has got
quite a reputation, and many musicians have been here before. Mr. Kotzen
also had a strange feeling in the first place, but later on, - as he says
so - the feeling developed, that this could become a very good evening.
After just a few tunes, you
can realise, that these are great musicians doing their thing in a small
atmosphere. And no, it's not glamrock, but more or less bluesrock with a
little funk. Formerly Mr. Kotzen just did instrumental music. But at some
point he must have realised, that instrumental music only doesn't sell
that well, as if it is accompanied by vocals. And yes, he's got a voice,
though it reminds me very strongly on Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson.
The setlist leads through Richies soloworks, some co-productions with
other artists and for instance a great cover of 'I'm loosing You' from the
Temptations. While doing the song 'Shine' the audiance is asked to join in
singing. It takes a bit to get the crowd a bit loose.
Thank
you for a truly entertaining evening including a brilliant performance
full of undertatement, and including Jack Daniels on ice. It's a night to
remember. |
|
|
click
Picture below for even more Live Images |
|
