Review of Chris Botti : Night Sessions
Three of the biggest instrumental pop hits ever recorded were by trumpeters Hugh Masekela, Herb Alpert, and Chuck Mangione. Botti's fourth album comes equipped with more than enough catchy and light melodies to compete with that legacy, but it will probably be "All Would Envy," one of the two vocal tunes on Night Sessions, that will help this disc dent radio and sales charts. It's a song given an irresistible Brazilian lilt by its composer, Sting, who Botti has toured with, and sung hauntingly by Shawn Colvin. Like those aforementioned horn players, Botti does put an emphasis on rhythm on upbeat groove tunes like "Miami Overnight," "Streets Ahead," and especially "Blue Horizon," which has more than a hint of Europe's drum & bass sound, and features killer keyboard work by Billy Childs and album producer Kipper. But it's the Alpert-influenced "Through an Open Window," with its rock guitars and slick melody line that many may consider the hottest track. Most of the other tracks consist of Botti's crisp clear tone cutting through the kind of atmospheric, heavily padded keyboard music that has gotten him on smooth-jazz radio and Hollywood soundtracks. --Mark Ruffin

Users's Reviews - Chris Botti : Amazing, The trumpet is very much alive.
Chris Botti, totally smooth right? Is it possible to be smoother?? Yep, and Chris proves it. Teaming with the brilliant Kipper, he throws the charm on within the first 2 notes. It's a total straighforward slick and sound release from Botti. I can't imagine anyone but music snobs dissing this one.

Your latest reviews - Chris Botti : Easy to listen to and write about...Chris Botti in December
December is...the beginning of a beautiful season and a time to reflect on all the things that are good about life. It's a CD composed of thirteen songs of the season performed by Chris Botti, one of the preeminent trumpeters in contemporary jazz today. Whether you have a collection of Christmas music or none, this CD is not to be missed.

December is...a time when snow can fall in places where it's cold enough for it to actually land on the ground and accumulate so as to be fun and a hazard at the same time. It's not just music for fans of Chris Botti; rather it's a CD that anyone can put in the player and relax to as you listen and absorb familiar tunes such as Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow. Even if you live in the tropics and never see snow, you can close your eyes and picture Chris's brilliant tone ascending to the heavens and coaxing down the flakes. Let It Snow is a beautiful arrangement for a classic jazz quintet with Billy Childs on piano, CJ Vanston on synthesizer, David Carpenter on bass while Peter Erskine applies the brushes to snare drum and cymbals. The Little Drummer Boy is a playfully enjoyable rendering featuring Brandon Fields on tenor sax joining Chris with Vinnie Colaiuta taking over on drums; this is a great tune to light your fire on a cold night.

December...contains a chill out song that's oh so mellow called Hallelujah, the fourth tune on the CD. It's performed by a trio of Botti on muted trumpet accompanied by Shane Fontayne on guitars and on bass is Jon Ossman of Chris's band; this song has the power to move you.

There is so much to like about this collection. I'll Be Home For Christmas is just the sort of arrangement that will remove the stress of too much hustle and bustle and replace it with joy; put this song on repeat and let Chris's muted trumpet evoke in you an emotion that'll get you going for the rest of the year.

Have fun, enjoy life and December.