Chris Botti is an American trumpeter and composer. He is best known for his solo albums and collaborations with other popular musicians, including Sting, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Barbra Streisand.
Botti was born in 1962 in Portland, Oregon. He started playing the trumpet at age 12 and was inspired by his father, who was an amateur trumpeter. He attended the University of North Texas College of Music and majored in studio music and jazz. After college, he moved to New York City, where he became a member of the jazz fusion group Steps Ahead. He also played with various jazz and rock bands, including Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, and John Mayer.
In 1995, Botti released his debut album, First Wish. The album was successful and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Album. He followed up with his second album, Midnight Without You, in 1998. The album was even more successful, with two songs reaching the top ten on the Billboard jazz chart.
In the 2000s, Botti began to collaborate with other popular musicians, including Sting, Herbie Hancock, and Paul Simon. He also began to perform at high-profile events, such as the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2005. His collaboration with Sting, Symphonicity, was released in 2010 and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album.
In 2011, Botti released his album, Impressions. The album was a mix of jazz and classical music and featured collaborations with Andrea Bocelli, Mark Knopfler, and Steven Tyler. In 2012, he was the featured soloist at the Academy Awards with his performance of “Over the Rainbow”.
Botti has continued to perform and record to this day. He has released eight studio albums and two live albums. He has also performed with some of the world’s most renowned symphony orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops.
Chris Botti is one of the most renowned contemporary jazz musicians. He has been praised for his unique style, which blends elements of jazz, pop, and classical music. His collaborations with other popular musicians have helped to make him a household name. He continues to tour and perform around the world, delighting audiences with his music.
