Travel Tip: Jazz in United States
Chris Botti

Though best-known as a contemporary jazz performer, trumpeter Chris Botti made his initial splash on the pop music scene.

In the studio and on stage, Chris Botti has worked with such leading singer-songwriter/composers as Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Sting and film composer John Barry. Inspired by the sounds and atmosphere of Italy, Chris Botti’s new release is called "Italia". The songs on Italia are drawn from sources ranging from classical opera to the soundtracks of Ennio Morricone.

Botti is a native of Oregon who was born in Portland, 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 began playing trumpet at age 9 and, after hearing a recording of Miles Davis playing "My Funny Valentine," realized the instrument was his key to "doing something meaningful with my life."

He pursued his music studies with a succession of teachers including Professor Bill Adam and Dave Baker in Indiana, and--following a move to New York City in 1986--the late trumpet master Woody Shaw.

Chris Botti
FEATURING:
Chris Botti, trumpet
Mark Whitfield, guitar
Billy Childs, piano
Robert Hurst, bass
Billy Kilson, drums