The Very Best of Chris Botti

Chris Botti is a talented trumpeter who has recorded with some of the most celebrated stars in pop music history, such as Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, and most recently, Sting. This album contains some of the best tracks off his first three solo albums which display his light and melancholy smooth jazz sound. But Botti's sound is deeper than most contemporary, popular smooth jazz - his sound has a substance that takes it beyond Muzak, and will be admired by fans of classic jazz artists, such as Miles Davis and Chet Baker.

The selections contained on this disc are fairly representative of Botti's first three albums, with the 1997's Midnight Without You having five of its ten songs reproduced here, and three songs each from his 1995 record, First Wish, and 1999's Slowing Down the World. It does not contain any rarities or otherwise previously unreleased tracks.

Also, Sting fans should note that "In the Wee Small Hours" containing Sting's vocals is not...Read more

I first heard Chris Botti live at a free concert he gave at a shopping mall. I immediately recognized his sound from his work on various Sting albums. The music is simply beautiful.

But the thing that stayed in my mind and which prompted me to get this album is Chris himself. He's a real class act. When he was thanking his band and the audience, etc. at the end of his performance, he said a special "Thank You" to the parents in the audience who take their kids to their music leasons. I had never heard a musician say such a thing. Here's a talent who clearly appreciated his own parents taking him to his lessons, and he has the grace to thank all those parents who give their kids the gift of music. Such humbleness marks a great spirit.

So, while I really like his music and this album, I keep going back to the warm feeling I got from Botti's words of gratitude.

Want to take Chris Botti out for a test drive? This is some of his best up to the point of issue. He's recently changed labels and producing some excellent new stuff. Entertaining introduction to one of jazz's brightest new stars.