Want to know what happens when two spectacular guitarists, who also sing beautifully, get together to compose? Today's the day to satisfy that curiosity!
Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith has joined forces with Richie Kotzen of Winery Dogs , Mr. Big , and Richie Kotzen Solo , and together they have created the Smith/Kotzen .
The partnership began when the guitarists, who are neighbors in Los Angeles, became good friends, nurturing a mutual respect for each other's musicality.
“I think Richie and I complement each other very well,” says Adrian Smith. “He’s a virtuoso guitarist but has a tremendous sense of melody.”
“We both come from a classic rock, blues-based mindset. Last year, we wrote and recorded songs and I’m ecstatic with the results,” adds Kotzen.
The sound of the Smith/Kotzen project evokes classic 70s bands but with very current harmonies and guitar licks, in addition to natural virtuosity on the guitars.
The debut track “Taking My Chances” sets the tone for the collaboration between the two stars. The duo recorded it in early 2020 in the Turks and Caicos Islands, near the Bahamas, and it can be seen in the post below.
New tracks will be released in 2021 and updates on the Smith/Kotzen project can be seen here .
Listen to “Taking My Chances” with Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen:
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