With a career lasting multiple decades, and experience performing solo and with multi-platinum bands, it’s clear that Richie Kotzen’s Nomad was going to be a good one.
Released late last month, Nomad is a fairly short album, but what’s lacking in quantity, is there in quality. Nomad is a classic rock album, giving the old 70s sound of rock with a funk fusion. It’s full of gritty vocals singing catchy lyrics, and powerful solos.
I get a sense of familiarity when I hear it. Not in a ‘I’ve heard this album a thousand times’ way, though. It’s a comfortable feeling, sounding like the music my parents would have on while I grew up. The music now that we go listen to by local musicians. It’s good music, no overpowering effects to distract you or take away from the listening experience. The only song that felt weak, ironically, was the title track.
One of my favourite tracks would have to be This is a Test, due to its softness. There’s nothing complicated, but the change in tone helps it to stand out against the other songs. Another would be On the Table. I wish I could say it’s for some deep, meaningful or technical reason, but it is (for lack of better phrase) purely for the vibes.
Nomad is a less-is-more album, that I probably would choose to listen to. It’s out now to buy and stream!