Chris Botti - Italia
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Free Music Notes for Italia
Free Music Review: Dramatically and Irresistibly Beautiful and Romantic
Hit: 5 Stars
"Chris Botti has the integrity of Miles Davis, the sexiness of Chet Baker and sells records like Kenny G. It's a triple combination." ~ David Foster ~
The whole-page ad from last Sunday's L.A. Times Arts & Music Section on this latest offering from my all-time favorite trumpeter-extraordinaire states that . . . "No one can resist the pleasures of Italy." It is especially true! And this irresistible CD is the very essence of beauty and romance of Italy captured in a variety of songs and melodies recorded in Los Angeles, London and Italy in the most superb renditions, arrangements and orchestrations. This collection is an excellent combination of classical music, jazz standards and film scores. Featured guest artists who graced this wonderful recording are also my favorites, Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole, and not to mention a special "magical collaboration" with the great Dean Martin.
The CD dramatically spins off with a charming tune by film composer, Ennio Moriccone "Deborah's Theme" and followed by the title track "Italia," an original composition by Chris which he co-wrote with David Foster and lyrics by Lorenzo Cherubini. Andrea Bocelli's stirring vocal artistry is the perfect match for the dramatically beautiful trumpet of Grammy winner Chris Botti. He sings with a style so powerful and very romantic.
One of the loveliest tracks, and my absolute favorite is "The Very Thought of You" with Paula Cole's gorgeous and sensual vocal flair. Hers is the kind of voice that is so beautifully moving. She has been in Mr. Botti's recordings of "When I Fall In Love" and "To Love Again" and according to him, "she does everything in one take." Here, Chris Botti is again in full control of the resources of his trumpet, as he did in my all-time favorites "The Way You Look Tonight," "It Never Entered My Mind" and "Estaté."
Prepare to be hypnotized by his mesmeric take on a favorite classical piece of mine and a very memorable one since it was sung during my wedding ceremony, Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria." And likewise his delivery on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" from the opera "Turandot" that has irresistible charm that makes you want to listen endlessly!
Dean Martin graced this recording with what I call a magical collaboration between two great artists where his great vocals harmonized with Chris Botti's smooth, silky, sophisticated and elegant trumpet ingenuity. According to Chris it was Capitol Records' idea to do this duet, "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" and it turned out to be a listening delight.
One of my most cherished and memorable musical moments was the first time I watched Chris Botti perform live in concert at Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills a few years back and in my book, he is truly one of my top favorite musicians of all-time. He plays his favorite instrument like no other. He has an expressive range and depth of a truly remarkable trumpet player. Not only a gifted trumpeter but a composer as well, he communicates his passions thru his beautiful music, which is exceptionally heartwarming - the kind of music that stays with you forever.
With my heartfelt recommendation of a CD that deserves to be in your music library to be enjoyed now and forever. It's dramatically and irresistibly beautiful and romantic.
Have a lovely listening experience!
Free Music Review: "Prolific Trumpeter ... Chris Botti ... Sony Records (2007)"
Hit: 5 Stars
Sony Records presents "ITALIA" --- Prolific trumpeter Chris Botti has personified Italy through his latest release, "Italia" --- Employing outstanding singers Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole and a posthumous duet with Dean Martin --- the result is truly extraordinary --- On September 25, 2007, Botti released his new album "Italia" --- The album places focus on Botti's Italian roots through such songs as "Ave Maria", "Venice", "Estatè", and the title track "Italia".
Special Footnote, Christopher Botti or Chris Botti (born October 12, 1962) is a trumpeter and composer; born in Portland, Oregon and raised in Corvallis, and spent two years of his childhood growing up in Italy --- His earliest musical influence was his mother, a classically trained pianist and part-time piano teacher --- He plays a Martin Committee Handcraft trumpet made in 1940, and uses a 3 silver plated mouthpiece from Bach made in 1926, having recently retired his 1920 3C Bach mouthpiece --- In college, Botti studied under David Baker and Bill Adam at Indiana University --- As of 2006, Botti has recorded eight solo albums --- His first few efforts could safely be classified as smooth jazz, though critic Alex Henderson argues that Botti's music was a cut above much of the genre; reviewing his 1999 effort, Slowing Down the World, Henderson writes "it would be a major mistake to lump it in with the outright elevator muzak that Kenny G, Dave Koz, Najee, and Richard Elliot were known for ... Botti is capable of a lot more." --- Though still featuring heavy contributions from pop music singers, Botti's more recent albums have found him exploring more traditional jazz territory, with lush orchestral arrangements even earning comparisons to Gil Evans. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Italia - (Track Listings)
1 Once Upon a Time in America/Deborah's Theme [2:51]
2 Italia - featuring Andrea Bocelli [5:34]
3 Venice [4:31]
4 The Very Thought of You - featuring Paula Cole [4:53]
5 The Mission/Gabriel's Oboe [4:16]
6 I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face - featuring Dean Martin [3:10]
7 Caruso [3:59]
8 The Way You Look Tonight [4:16]
9 It Never Entered My Mind [4:53]
10 Ave Maria [5:46]
11 Estaté [4:06]
12 Turandot/Nessun Dorma [3:50]
Hats off to Sony Records --- strongly recommend this CD to all music lovers and others who need to hear some great classical, Jazz and American Standards --- Chris Botti, please stand up and take a bow for this well deserved rare gem you've given us --- this is a keeper!
Total Time: 73 mins on 16 Tracks ~ Sony Records ~ (9/25/2007)
Free Music Review: The best yet for old Botti fans, great place to start for new ones
Hit: 5 Stars
Having been a fan of Chris Botti since first seeing him live with Sting some time ago, like many, I look forward to each new disc more each time. This one is the best of what I like in particular- mostly easy songs, simple melodies, and the best way to relax in any number of moods.
I am not a professional critic, and don't pretend to rank Chris' work with any unique perspective on his place in history. I do know that if you enjoy this type of music, including any of his previous work, you absolutely will not be disappointed in this new set. I think that his ability to promote music of this quality and artistic value in the mainstream is good for all of the other so-called jazz maestros that others (like on the message board here) would rather profess to be better than Botti. So be it, but just enjoy the music, anyway!
The title track, with Andrea Bocelli, is nearly perfect music to this listener- it pours right through your body with simple purity of sound. I was never a big Andrea Bocelli fan, but this combination of his singing, with Chris' trumpet tone, and this song is a perfect match.
Warning to anyone buying the deluxe set with the DVD anywhere (don't see it on Amazon)-- they might have botched another of CB's CD's: while the package notes the bonus audio tracks, they are nowhere to be found! (Remember the original fiasco with the XCP spyware class action suit on 'To Love Again'?) If you put the new bonus DVD in your PC and go online, his website seems to know you bought it, allowing you the choice of downloading the four bonus tracks or having a CD mailed to you. I look forward to those extra tracks to round out what is a phenominal record.
Highly recommended, as is seeing Chris in concert if you have the chance.
Free Music Review: Exceptional, again
Hit: 5 Stars
Only furthers Chris Botti's status as masterfully playing his instrument as he intends and never acquiescing to the potential capacity of a trumpet to play him. Without excessive volume or speed he creates a trumpet tone with exactly the personality it deserves. One listen to "Gabriele's Oboe," mt favorite track, and the music fervently describes itself. The physical control reminds me of a classical ballet where every note lands as gently as does a dancer with the greatest physical strength who leaps and then contacts the floor without a hint of weight on impact. That kind of precision is not easily found in brassy tones.
"The Way You Look Tonight" has never sounded brighter or arranged more inventively as here by Gil Goldstein at track 8. The stroke of greatest genius and zeal is in the collaboration with Andrea Bocelli and David Foster for "Italia;" an ardent, sentimental song.
As magnetic as recordings may be his live performances are absolutely a formidably stunning experience, so don't miss an opportunity to score a ticket and indulge.
Free Music Review: Chris Botti's Italia
Hit: 5 Stars
Chris Botti's CD, "Italia," contains some compositions by my favorite film composer, Ennio Morricone. What a pleasant surprise. I never fathomed such a magnificent performance of classical adagios could come from a trumpet -- a brass instrument. Botti's interpretation of Morricone's "Deborah's Theme" is the most tender and soulful rendition I have heard of this work. This includes the interpretation of world-renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, who recorded "Deborah's Theme" under the composer's own direction. I play "Italia" over and over again. It is one of the most enjoyable CDs I have heard to date. Most CDs have only one or two good cuts; the rest aren't worth listening to. I stopped buying CDs for this very reason. This isn't the case with "Italia." It is a compilation of back-to-back perfect performances.