Smith/Kotzen

Smith/Kotzen is the name of a musical collaboration between musicians Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs.^[1][2]

Smith/Kotzen
Origin	Turks and Caicos Islands
Genres	Blues rock hard rock
Years active	2020–present
Labels	BMG
Members	Adrian Smith Richie Kotzen
Website	smithkotzen.com

Their self-titled debut album, released on March 26, 2021, was described by the Ultimate Classic Rock as a mix of "blues, hard rock, traditional R&B and more."^[3][4][5][6] Kotzen also added jazz fusion elements to some sections.^[7] Smith/Kotzen was supported by a first single released in January 2021, titled "Taking My Chances".^[1][2]

Both musicians share guitar, bass, vocal, composing and production duties on the album.^[1][3][4][5] Kotzen also plays drums on five tracks and Tal Bergman, Richie's longstanding friend and touring partner, replaces him on songs "You Don’t Know Me", "I Wanna Stay" and "'Til Tomorrow".^[3][4] The album also features special guest performance from Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain on "Solar Fire".^[3][4]

Discography

Studio albums

• Smith/Kotzen (2021)

Extended Plays

• Better Days (2021)

References

1. Carter, Emily (January 26, 2021). "Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen announce debut Smith/Kotzen album". Kerrang!. London: Wasted Talent. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
2. "Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen Officially Announce Collaboration; First Single 'Taking My Chances' Now Available". Blabbermouth.net. Pasadena. December 10, 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
3. "Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen Announce Debut LP". Ultimate Classic Rock. Purchase: Townsquare Media. January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
4. Roche, Sam (January 27, 2021). "Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen detail debut album Smith/Kotzen". Guitar World. Bath: Future Publishing Limited. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
5. Grow, Kory (January 26, 2021). "Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith Teams With Guitarist Richie Kotzen for Bluesy, Hard-Rock Side Project". Rolling Stone. New York City: Variety. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
6. DeRiso, Nick (February 22, 2021). "March 2021 New Music Releases". Ultimate Classic Rock. Purchase: Townsquare Media. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
7. Graff, Gary (March 22, 2021). "Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith teams with guitarist Richie Kotzen for 'Smith/Kotzen' debut album". cleveland.com. Advance Local Media. Retrieved April 2, 2021.