Cultural Corner
Chris Botti – Smooth Jazz with a Punch
by Glenn Swift
Chris Botti had two epiphanies at the age of 12 – and millions of jazz lovers would be forever grateful.
“I suddenly realized that I was never going to be the best second baseman in the world,” cracked Botti.
His second profound realization came just a few months later.
“I heard Miles Davis for the first time… and my life would never be the same.”
Botti had been playing the piano under his mother’s tutelage since age 6 and the trumpet since age 9 after meeting Doc Severinsen, but hearing the signature wail of Davis’ trumpet was truly a life-changing experience.
“I knew at that moment that I wanted to be a professional trumpet player.”
As for what it was about the late master’s technique that made him so special, Botti said this: “Davis had a melancholy, hypnotic quality combined with an incredible vision. His was the greatest trumpet sound ever.”
Unlike many musicians, Botti doesn’t mind being labeled, and he is comfortable with being referred to as a smooth jazz artist. However, most critics and aficionados would certainly agree that his music is a far cry from the elevator muzak mix of Kenny G. and Dave Koz.
“Labeling doesn’t scare me, if it helps sell records,” laughed Botti, whose last two CDs represent a new direction artistically from his first 10 albums.
“I’m finally doing in the studio what I’ve always been into musically,” said Botti, whose 2007 release, Italia, is an eclectic mix of many different styles that places focus on his Italian roots with jazz interpretations of several of classical opera’s greatest masterpieces, Schubert’s Ave Maria and Puccini’s Nessun Dorma.
His most recent CD, Chris Botti in Boston, features collaborations with a number of pop music icons, Steven Tyler, Josh Groban and Sting to name to name but a few.
“I’m a jazz musician who came up the ranks of popular music,” said Botti, who credits Sting with making his career. “I routinely use elements of popular and classical forms in my work,” said Botti, who readily acknowledges that the “meat and potatoes” of his music is “rhythm and blues with a rock backbeat.”
Although Botti is widely heralded as one who has truly mastered his instrument, the famed musician and composer is quick to say that there’s a lot more to being a great trumpet player than playing fast and blowing hard.
“Technical skills are important, but there is nothing more powerful in music than a great melody.”
When asked about the difference between playing before a live audience and recording in a studio, Botti replied: “There’s a lot more planning with a record, and because there’s no audience to respond to you have to step back and see what kind of an emotional impact you’re making.”
Botti then added, “Of course, in a live show you have to amp it up.”
Amping it up is just what Botti’s live performances are known for. Featuring a brand of music with wide audience appeal, Botti’s concerts routinely sell out. Despite his ever-increasing popularity and climb to the top of the jazz world, Botti is not one to boast. In fact, he had a very special message for his fans.
“I’m very fortunate that I can do what I love to do, and I want to thank everyone who has found my music.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the world’s most renowned trumpet players live and in person when Chris Botti takes the stage at the historic Sunrise Theatre in downtown Ft. Pierce on Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, call (772) 461-4775 or visit www.sunrisetheatre.com.
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