On February 12th, 2011, renowned trumpeter Chris Botti (pronounced boat-tee) born October 12, 1962, stopped at the American Music Theater in Lancaster, PA while on his 2011 tour. That night was the most unforgettable night for me and the audience because Chris invited me on stage with him and his band to play the last song of his set. It was truly an act of fate.
Who is Chris Botti?
Chris Botti studied jazz at Indiana University alongside jazz educator, David Baker and trumpet teacher Bill Adam. After leaving during his senior year to work with Frank Sinatra and Buddy Rich, Chris began touring with such names as; Sting, Josh Groban, Yo-Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, John Mayer and many more.
Botti, known for his tone and versatility, released his solo album debut, “First Wish,” in 1995. His prominence gained with his 2001 recording, “Night Sessions.” On December 4th, 2009, Chris was nominated for 3 Grammys including Best Pop Instrumental Album and Best Long Form Video. He has had four number one jazz albums thanks to his work with PBS.
An Act of Fate
My mother, being an avid listener of the Smooth Jazz channels Chris is aired on, had some of his CD's around the house. I never listened to them because I never really took notice and didn't even know they were there.
My trumpet teacher introduced me to Chris during a lesson when he was describing great tone. He said, "To me, great tone is relative to great control. And Chris Botti has both." I went home and played Chris's albums and instantly fell in love with his tone and his style. When I explain to non-musicians why I like Chris so much I say, "Chris sings with his trumpet. He puts all of his emotions in that horn and no matter what he is feeling, you can feel it too."
I was beyond ecstatic when my mother asked me if I would like to go see him for a Valentine's Day gift because she saw in the newspaper that he was coming to the area. I, of course, said yes.
Chris Brings His Signature to AMT
That night, Chris walked out on stage, while the background music for “Ave Maria” played. Chris had the audience hooked from his first note. “Ave Maria,” written by Franz Schubert, has been one of Chris’ signature songs. During that night’s performance, he held out the last note during “Ave Maria” for over a minute. Sustaining a note, that high above the treble register, is not an easy feat for any trumpeter. But it is one that he is well known for.
Botti’s versatility ranges from jazz influenced by Miles Davis and pop music and also includes classical - but he is best known for his fusion of both pop and jazz. He is played on many smooth jazz stations but does not consider himself a strictly jazz trumpeter. At his American Music Theater performance he even joked after asking me what kind of music I play, jazz or classical and I said, “I’m trying to do both,” and he responded, “so am I.”
Learning to Let Go
As I soon as I sat down in the blue-tinted theater, I could feel the energy. From the crowd, from myself and my mother and most of all, the musicians backstage before they came on. He started out with the subtle and mournful “Ave Maria” but quickly got the audience heated up with some notable jazz songs including some tracks he performed with Grammy vocalist, Lisa Fisher. “The Look of Love,” was the first track they performed together and it was nothing short of breathtaking. Lisa's opening vocal score and the chemistry of the two together had the audience leaning in their seats waiting for more.
Chris stopped frequently to talk to the audience and was very personable. After one of his songs, he asked the audience if anyone likes Miles Davis. There was a roar from the audience and one voice stood out. My own.
I never scream at sports events or plays but tonight something got into me. I screamed so loud that he asked the theater to turn the house lights on to see where the person was that was making so much noise. The house lights were turned on and he asked me to stand up. I thought he was joking at first but my mother and the woman sitting next to me, in hushed whispers, told me to "stand up!"
After asking me some basic questions, including what music I like to play and what instrument I played, Chris went back to the stage and continued his set. Then, before starting the last song of his set, "Nessun Dorma” found on his “Italia” CD, he asked where the trumpet player was that he spoke to earlier. He invited me on stage to play the drums along with the band during that track. I thought he as joking. He wasn't.
I was excited and nervous but Chris was warm and welcoming during my time on stage. It wasn’t a hard drum part, just some minor cymbal work but it was electrifying to be on stage with Chris, his band and his guest stars, Lisa Fisher and violinist Caroline Campbell. I was so in awe that I forgot to take the drum sticks Billy Kilson had given me to take home as a souvenir.
Chris’ concerts are well worth going to see and not costly at all. He plays off of the audience and makes the audience feel like they’re a part of the show.
Setting the Stage for Madeleine Albright
On Valentine’s Day, two days after his stop at the American Music Theater, Chris played at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. During his performance, he also asked 64th U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright to come on stage to play. During the video, she is seen smiling and enjoying herself and was led off the stage carrying the two souvenir drumsticks that Billy Kilson had given her. Chris makes it a point to involve the audience in his concerts and I felt like I was part of something wonderful.
Chris plays approximately 300 days out of the year, so if you ever get a chance to see him on tour, make sure you do! It will be a night you will always remember! And don't forget, if he asks the audience a question, make sure he hears you because it could turn into your most memorable night ever!
Sources:
* Chris Botti, Biography, accessed 5/2/2011.
* "Madeleine Albright plays Drums at Chris Botti Concert," accessed 5/2/2011.
