Trumpeter
Chris Botti, known for weaving pop and jazz melodies, has gained a solid reputation for being a fine classical musician. His latest album,
Impressions, features ballads supported by an array of top musical talent.
Botti is a generous musician. His guest lists have become legendary, and his new recording is no exception. There’s a pleasant duet with guitarist Leonardo Amuedo on “Over The Rainbow". His interpretation of Randy Newman’s “Losing You,” features country singer Vince Gill.
Surprisingly, Botti's first instrument wasn’t the trumpet. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he learned to play piano from his mother, a part-time classical piano teacher. Performing jazz in clubs around Portland, Oregon, led to two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, allowing Botti to study with jazz veterans Woody Shaw and George Coleman. He subsequently moved to New York City, where he found success as a session musician on numerous albums, soundtracks and compilations.
As a soloist, Botti often taps into the Great American Songbook, as is evident on his rendition of George and Ira Gershwin’s “Summertime.” Botti teamed up with David Foster on the song.
The trumpeter and his seven-piece band are spending much of 2012 on tour. Botti's concert schedule is currently booked through the middle of June 2013.
Other collaborators on
Impressions include Andrea Bocelli, Mark Knopfler, violinist Caroline Campbell, and jazzman Herbie Hancock, who joins Botti on “Tango Suite.”