Richie Kotzen - Return Of The Mother Head's Family Reunion (2007)Frontiers Records

This is another Richie's solo release reviewed at the Department of Virtuosity. As you can remember, he is famous for Poison, Mr. Big and Vertu (alongside a jazzman Stanley Clarke). Richie can play on many instruments, but this time he focused on a guitar, mandolin and singing. Other musicians from the line-up are the following: Arlan Schierbaum (keys), Virgil McKoy (bass guitar), Franklin Vanderbilt (drums, percussion) and Richie's daughter - August Kotzen (additional background vocals).

This release is a continuation of "Into The Black", so you can expect the music in blues rock and funky style. As always, Richie's tracks are well-arranged and balanced, and guitar solos are condensed and played occasionally. Even though here are some quiet ballads and such hit tracks like "Fooled Again", it's not light music. It is still rock work, yet accessible enough and listener-friendly. Some compositions are opiumed, other ones are southern rock strokes.

The music on "Return Of The Mother Head's Family Reunion" isn't revealing, however probably it wasn't Richie's musical goal. His music is uncomplicated and filled with straight riffs and modern sound. Thanks to this ear-catching CD, Richie still establishes his strong position in the guitar world. It's the album for wah-wah muic devotees.