When I Fall in Love

The best way to describe what I hear when I listen to Chris Botti is a slow burn. The whole cd simmers with soft but intense sensuality. This is my favorite kind of music: exceptional melodies, respected and true to their origin but uniquely interpreted by extraordinary combinations of understated but undeniable arrangements. The traditional orchestral sounds are sophisticated and fresh creating a tapestry of genuine, gentle jazz sounds (try "My Romance" to understand what I mean). These standards he chose to include are truly some of my most favorite melodies of all time and he gives each song so much controlled passion it's delectable. The combinations of bass and trumpet for "What'll I Do?" could not be more perfect. "Let's Fall in Love," is swinging and true to Big Band reverence but Chris's interpretation is strikingly original. Sting's "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets" is the single to release with it's lush, latin mood. The unaffected vocals of Paula Cole are a well chosen...Read more

This isn't the most fantastic jazz-trumpet-standards CD I've ever heard - that distinction belongs to something like Clifford Brown With Strings - but it's still a real solid effort from Chris Botti. His tones on these songs are as clear and pure as a mountain spring, and the song selection is well designed for those who want to get "in the mood for love." I like the fact that there's a mix of traditional standards and more modern romantic songs. Thus Sting's "No Ordinary Love" appears right after "What'll I Do?" and so on. I think Botti has been unfairly labeled as a "Smooth Jazz" artist (a now ultra-bland subgenre that no self-respecting musician wants to be a part of - although they'll gladly take the sales...). Certainly on this album his backing is more likely to satisfy classic jazz fans - no funky rhythm section and synthesized dance beats, just an orchestra, big band or acoustic ensemble. And his straight-out horn blowing on songs such "Let's Fall In Love" (cool jazz...Read more

I have enjoyed Chris' other recordings -- "Slowing Down THe World" is my personal favorite -- and his other work with other artists. With this cd I can't help but get the feeling that Botti wanted to exercise his "musical muscle". He can simply flat out play. He's got the chops.

I hope people will sit down and listen to it and not dismiss it as the usual "smooth jazz" shlock that has clogged the airwaves these days. WHEN I FALL IN LOVE is soo much more than that!
THere are no slick and cool beats accompanying CHris. (except for his verson of ORDINARY LOVE -- which is ok) THis is beautiful, and lush and as "straight ahead" jazz as you're going to hear these days. Smooth jazz stations may not know what to do with this cd.

All of these jazz standards get Chris full and beautiful tone ... his expression is flawless. The best tune on the cd is ONE FOR MY BABY. I can feel the vibe of the smokey bar, and the dirty bar glasses, and the familiar ring...Read more