São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, with a city population of about 11 million and almost 20 million in its metropolitan region. It is the capital of the Southeastern state of São Paulo, and also a beehive of activity that offers a jovial nightlife and an intense cultural experience. São Paulo is one of the richest cities in the southern hemisphere. Historically attractive to immigrants as well as Brazilians from other states, it's one of the most diverse cities in the world. It also has also played host to a number of great musical artist.
One night in September of 2007 Richie Kotzen and his band put on a memorable show that the beautiful people of São Paulo will remember for a lifetime. Touted as one of the best guitar players in the world, blessed with a voice on par with some of the greatest rock and soul singers and creative songwriting, Richie Kotzen has had an incredible journey in the world of music. Two years ago Richie Kotzen openend up for the legendary Rolling Stones' 'A Bigger Bang Tour' in Japan. That's the Rolling Stones he opened for folks! Lucky for us that magical night was captured on Richie's first official live release, 'LIVE! IN SAO PAOLO!' A live recording that truly captures the passion and fire in one man’s soul. For an added incentive, Richie Kotzen will be releasing a companion DVD. Two nights after rocking the House of Blues in Hollywood, The Rocker and I spoke with Richie about his new release and this is what he shared with us.
AAM: Richie, congratulations on recording your first live album.
RICHIE KOTZEN: Thank you guys. Yes, this is the very first live album that I've ever done and very proud of it. I recorded it in San Paolo, Brazil, around September of last year. There will be a companion DVD that will be released very soon as well. This was actually the first time we had a chance to record a live album with the proper equipment. So we were really lucky recording this album.
AAM: Was this live recording a one shot recording, or did you record different shows and put all together?
RK: We recorded all the tracks at one show, the Sao Paolo show. There is no compilation going on. There is only three of us, so there is no overdubs. It’s a true live record. I told the label, look if I like what I hear, I'll put it out , if not, I'll trash it. After listening to what we captured from that show, I was really pleased with what was recorded.
AAM: What is amazing about 'Live In Sao Paolo', are the song arrangements. The studio versions are hot, but live, they become a whole different monster. There are 12 songs on the album, is that pretty much the set list we'll see when you tour?
RK: It's funny how my band works. We are a trio and in a live setting we do a lot of improv.
We play the songs true to form, but when it comes to the solo parts we definitely go on this journey. It’s fun for me and it keeps it exciting. You know having to play the same songs every night can wear on you at times. For this kind of music and the way we approach it, it can really get old. Doing it this way, we get inspired because every time we play, it is going to be different experience for us.
AAM: You mentioned the DVD companion coming out soon. How different is it going to be compared to the CD?
RK: The DVD is going to have 12 tracks, plus a "Behind The Scenes" and a picture montage included in the package. Another difference is the songs on the DVD are much longer. I am really excited about it and looking forward to getting it out to the fans.
AAM: This being your first official live album, are you happy with the end result?
RK: I really believe that we did an amazing job. Like I said, if I wasn't happy with what I heard, it would have never been released. We really got lucky and got it right.
AAM: Was there a rush for you to put out a live album by the label?
RK: I've stopped doing that way as far as being told what kind of album I should put out. There were times when I was rushed and recorded songs that I would have never recorded, but I needed a bonus track to put on a record. In the last few years, I've come to the conclusion that I am not going to put out a record until I like it and I am not going to write a song unless I am inspired.
AAM: You mentioned albums that you've recorded that you felt rush, what album did not feel rushed or pressure from the label.
RK: The first record that I really felt free of being rushed or pressured that was, 'Into The Black'. I remember when I did that record, I did a couple of songs. Then I didn't write for a couple of months, then I did few more. Then of all of a sudden, I thought, you know what? I have enough here for a record, I like what I've got. I think to approach it like that, creatively and artistically you get more of a true statement of where you're at. That is kind of my feeling now. It's very important to me is if I am going to create music, that it's honest and not forced. I feel lucky lately and feel that I've been doing my best work these last few years. I don't have any expectations other than creating music and expressing myself.
AAM: Why Sao Paolo to record your first live album? Were there other places considered?
RK: Not really. What happened was I was doing the tour in Brazil. I believe it was an eight show tour. We decided that the last two shows we would record. One was in Argentina and the other was in San Paolo. For some reason I did not get the files from the Argentina show. The promoter there kept them for some reason. So I really have no idea how that show sounded. Being that we had both the audio and video from the San Paolo show, that is what we had, so that is what we used.
AAM: What other projects are you working on other than the solo stuff?
RK: I am just doing what I've been doing. I'm lucky in a sense that I've kind of had this interesting career. I am obviously not a mainstream artist. I've never had what people would consider a hit record. But my career is still on the rise as it relates to me working. Seven years ago I wasn't able to do international tours. Now, I will have done over fifty shows in Europe before the end of this year. I'll be back in Europe in July for a month and a half. Also planning to go back to South America this year. So I am really grateful that I've been able to do what I love doing.
AAM: Last time we spoke you were having work done on your pool, any new home projects?
RK: (laughs) The pool is all done. As far as new projects, my house is constant work in progress. Since I talked to you guys last, I remodeled my kitchen and a bathroom. In fact I am in the process of fixing up another bathroom. I find it being creative, so its a good thing for me. When I am not touring or playing shows, I am taking care of things around the house and being with my daughter. That is my world right now. The live album is out and a DVD is coming soon. So I am really excited.
AAM: Basketball? Do you play any pick up games here in L.A.?
RK: I love playing ball. I haven't played any pick up games here in L.A. Here is a story for you, it's funny you mention basketball. After the gig at the House Of Blues. A good friend of mine, Greg Howe and couple of my friends came back to my house. This is around 2:30 a.m., we've been drinking and one my friends said, 'let's play some ball.' So I turn on the court light, which was blocked by some trees. So we're playing and Greg passes me the ball and I hit the ground hard. Drinking and playing basketball, doesn't mix at all. Check out my myspace page, you see what happens when you do (laughs).
AAM: With that note Richie thank you for your time. As always it such a blast talking with you.
RK: Thank you guys for all your support.
Take in from two guys who have witnessed Richie Kotzen live first hand. If you appreciate music created by a musician who’s truly passionate about making it, then Richie Kotzen delivers the goods. While Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Richie Kotzen brought the city of Sao Paolo together with his univeral gift of music and brought them all together. The Rocker and I along with All Access Magazine would like to thank Richie Kotzen for taking the time to talk with us. Cheers Richie!
For more info: www.richiekotzen.com
