Critically-acclaimed novelist D.H. Lawrence once described Italians as the epitome of romance. He said,“That is how they are… They catch each other under the chin, with a tender caress of the hand, and they smile with sunny melting tenderness into each other’s face.”

In this one night only concert at the Esplanade, take a stroll along the romantic streets of Italy with the world-renowned contemporary jazz trumpeter, Chris Botti. He stops in Singapore on May 20 with his amazing band and vocalist to lull the Singapore audience with his sexy, melancholic tunes of Italy.

His Influences

Born on October 12, 1962 in Oregon, USA, the jazz virtuoso grew up listening to the sounds of Miles Davis, who later became the source of inspiration for his music. In an interview with Jazz.About.Com, Botti was quoted saying that he listens to “Miles Davis, Miles Davis, Miles Davis over and over and over” on his I-Pod.

Before slating his own career path, Botti performed alongside the ranks of Sting, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Rod Stewart. These experiences gave him the musical credits that boosted his career.

The Latest Release

Botti released his latest album, Italia in September 2007. In an interview with UrbanWire, he explains that Italia was “inspired by Italy in all of its beauty and romance”. This album captured the mainstream audiences and was nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album at the Grammy Awards
in December 2007.

Prior to that, he received awards for #1 Top Jazz Album for When I Fall In Love (2004) and To Love Again: The Duets (2005).

A Sensory Treat

Held as part of the Mosaic series by Esplanade, Chris Botti’s concert promises an unforgettable night. As the Italian epic poet and philosopher Dante once said, “Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always.” Let the sensual trills of the Botti’s trumpet allure you for the night and you’ll soon develop a lifelong soft-spot for Botti’s compositions.

With such lilting tunes to lull you after a day of hard work, it’s no wonder that Botti’s music penetrates deep into the hearts of his audiences. Known for his clever improvisations, the concert will definitely be an auditory treat to the senses.

Jazz Fusion

Botti started out with pop jazz but now his music has almost mellowed down to more melancholic love ballads with his band. He cleverly fuses his contemporary jazz with classics like Dean Martin’s “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face”, capturing the hearts of young audiences. Although this fusion can be safely classified as smooth jazz, Botti’s compositions are still arguably of its own standing above much of the jazz genre.

The Perfect Setting

Botti shares with UrbanWire the idyllic setting for listening to his music.

He said, “The sound of my records is best [heard] late at night, penthouse setting, romantic and moody lighting, and surrounded by great architecture.”

If you do not own a penthouse or the moody lightings described by Botti, UrbanWire suggests taking this golden opportunity to hear the jazz maestro “live” instead.

Esplanade Presents: Chris Botti will be staged at the Esplanade Concert Hall on May 20, 7:30pm. Tickets are sold at SISTIC from $58 to $118. Concessions are available for students, NSF and senior citizens.

Photos courtesy of the Esplanade Co. Ltd.