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Richie Kotzen personally curated ""The Essential Richie Kotzen"" from his 18 solo albums in order to give listeners the most comprehensive, cohesive, and concise introduction to his extensive body of work. “I’ve really changed and grown as an artist and as a person,” he goes on. “I hand selected a bunch of songs so newcomers can get into my music and learn who I am as a artist.” In addition to the requisite hits, acoustic performances, bootleg material and music videos, ""The Essential Richie Kotzen ""boasts two brand new songs “War Paint” and “Walk With Me.” “War Paint” builds from an opening bluesy riff into a bombastic chorus punctuated by Kotzen’s gravelly delivery and impeccable lead playing. He explains, “It was a challenge to make a studio sound like a live band with only one musician playing all the instruments. I think I accomplished that on this track.” At the same time, “Walk With Me” sees Kotzen evolving once more and incorporating a Theremin, an antique electronic instrument, into an emotive and engaging anthem. “There was a specific sound I was hearing in the song,” he reveals. “I realized it was a Theremin, so I bought one. I spent a couple of weeks learning it. I used that where the lead guitar would normally go. It was a really rewarding departure for me.” With his 20th full-length solo album on the horizon for 2015 and countless gigs, Richie Kotzen’s legacy is only continuing to expand. “When you perform, record, or write, you go to a different place,” he concludes. “It’s another world. I love hearing people react to the music and lyrics. That’s the best bonus. I can’t wait to give the world even more songs.” The Essential Richie Kotzen is available in an exclusive 2CD+DVD set.