Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Bravo, Botti!

I've been listening to Italia, the glorious new album by trumpeter Chris Botti. This talented and charismatic musician, composer and performer says his new collection of music is inspired by the sights, sounds, history and romance of Italy. Since Botti is a jazz artist who has crossed all boundaries, Italia includes classical, operatic, spiritual, cinematic and contemporary offerings -- everything from Ave Maria to Nessun Dorma to Deborah's Theme from "Once Upon A Time in America" to Dean Martin singing I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face.
"We try to make every song have a different feel to it but the overall record has a flavor, a thread," The thread is Botti's simple, hauting, pitch-perfect style - something which makes the record distinct. It's mesmerizing. Botti says "I believe the challenge is to make a record that's individual, finds an audience, and creates something that's meaningful to the listener."
Botti, who was born in Oregon is very proud of his Italian roots and actually spent two years in Italy while growing up.
This young man is an extraordinary artist who seems destined to be enriching our lives for a long time to come.

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