24 Hours

A monster instrumentalist who can do everything, Richie Kotzen plays tough, swaggering hard rock without apology. His incredible technical abilities are beyond most mortals, and he finds plenty of openings to slot in his dexterous guitarwork. “Help Me” has a guitar solo that climbs up one side of a mountain before rappelling down the other. “OMG (What’s Your Name?)” jams out a vicious funk. Kotzen’s days with Poison and Mr. Big inform his songwriting. He can write catchy when he needs to. His days with Stanley Clarke inform his playing, and his solo work is a showcase for his immense instrumental talents. Fans of guitar work have plenty to chew on here. Kotzen writes some difficult chapters with the slash and burn of “24 Hours” and the bluesy southern rock of “Love Is Blind,” which also features Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell. Kotzen now plays without a guitar pick, giving him an unusual freedom. He’s even a bit of a soul singer; the sensual “Tell Me That It’s Easy” evokes memories of Rod Stewart.