Chris Botti - Thousand Kisses Deep
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Free Music Notes for Thousand Kisses Deep
Free Music Review: Smooth out your day/mid/night/twilight/starlight
Hit: 4 Stars
First of all, I take issue with the poster who says "this isn't jazz, this is easy-listening, pottery barn, wallpaper store background music for posers who pretend to know what jazz is." I don't think anyone REALLY believes that Dave Koz is in the same genre as Theolonius Monk. This is smooth jazz, not jazz, and anyone who knows what they're talking about knows that smooth jazz does not claim to be the same as jazz. That's as ridiculous as trying to say, for instance, that Bonnie Raitt (soft rock) tries to be in the same genre as Aerosmith (rock) just because the genres both have the word "rock" in them.That aside, Chris Botti has his own sound within the smooth jazz genre. There aren't jumpy R&B influences turned sideways like there are in other SJ artists (i.e. Koz, Sommers, Lorber, etc.) Instead, there's very subtle influences from new age/electronica (subtle, I repeat -- you're not going to hear another full-fledged Enigma or Delerium) that make Chris Botti is the epitome of smooth, with music that flows gently from your speakers to your ears. I'd even say he could pass as a chillout artist (or at least as much as Praful.)
Chris Botti has made another CD that serves his audiences well. There are no tracks as stellar as "Through an Open Window" from Night Sessions, but those only come by once in awhile anyway. What is important is that there are no tracks that are painful to the ears, and you have a long set of solid tunes suitable for any time of day.
The major difference from his previous work is that this one seems to rely a bit more on production. Now, I have no problem with production. If the talent is there (which it is here, obviously) then the production will make what's good sound even better. The first single "Indian Summer," is a perfect example of this.
However, if talent is lacking then production cannot fix everything no matter how hard it tries. Take, for instance, "The Look of Love" featuring Chantal Kreviazuk on vocals. If you listen to any of her solo songs, you'll agree that Kreviazuk has one of the worst voices in all of the music industry. Why they chose her to do vocals is not certain. Still, the production team does a remarkable job at subduing her voice just enough so that it sounds decent -- though if you pay close attention you can still hear the cracks in her voice. But, Botti is good as ever on trumpet in the song.
The other minor criticism I have is that the excellent tracks don't flow together as well as they could. Kudos for not putting "The Last Three Minutes" at the end (that would have been trite) but they could have bumped it up a few places and then moved some of the more laid-back tracks like "Back Into My Heart" to near the end. "Indian Summer" doesn't accurately divide up the CD at track one -- it would be better placed second or third.
If you liked Botti's previous work, especially "Night Sessions," then this will not disappoint.
Free Music Review: Appealing Light Jazz.
Hit: 4 Stars
I've only heard a sampling of the material on this well-known disk but the picture it brought to mind was very pleasant indeed: a soft night with the windows open, the drapes slowly billowing, candle light illuminating the duck a l'orange, a fine bottle of a mellow but slightly impudent wine, a beautiful partner across the table radiating affection and half hypnotized by Christ Botti's muted trumpet spelling out a romantic melody in its echo chamber.
Any judgment will have to be held off until I hear more of Botti's output. The man is very popular and, guessing from the photos on the covers of his albums, as handsome as a movie star. He's won awards.
But the use of the word "jazz" to describe his playing may not be appropriate. If you liked Chet Baker's later stuff and the less challenging performances of Miles Davis on "Music for Lovers," you ought to find this appealing. I haven't heard much in the way of technical control. That's not necessarily the kiss of death, but I'd need to hear him unplugged in a couple of up-tempo tunes before classifying him as an imaginative and innovative jazz artist.
Not to be too harsh. The album gets the job done and Botti's compositions are as good as many others. Let's hear him push the envelope a bit.
Free Music Review: Mesmerizes
Hit: 4 Stars
I discovered Chris Botti's music through his 2001 release and was taken with his music immediately! I was very pleased to learn about this album from auditioning "Indian Summer" on a cable music service. I knew right then that I had to add this album to my collection. The songs on this album are absolutely lovely, smoldering, and sweet(Love Gets Old). I love all the tracks on this release but was especially floored when I heard "She Comes From Somewhere"-- mystery, sensuality, and melancholy set to music...
You won't be disappointed!
Free Music Review: He did it again!
Hit: 4 Stars
Chris Botti has done it yet again. I didn't know if he could top his last CD "Night Sessions," but he did! The songs are typical of Botti's style. His CDs always have this mood that is a signature for him. A few of my favorites are "The Look of Love", "Indian Summer" and "Ever Since We Met". However, the entire CD is cool and I'm sure if you're a Chris Botti fan...you'll be impressed with his extreme talent. Chris Botti's music has a special touch that is easily identifiable and unique to him.Free Music Review: Young man with a horn
Hit: 4 Stars
A very nice introduction to Chris Botti for those who haven't yet discovered his music. "Indian Summer" is currently in heavy rotation on CD 101.9 FM, a local light-jazz station. The CD features worthy covers of "My Funny Valentine" and "The Look of Love". I met Chris a few years ago at a BLUE Nights show (Bruford-Levin), which is recommended if you like music with a rough edge. A pleasant, versatile and true artist who deserves your attention.