Customer Reviews

Italia

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Chris Botti has the integrity of Miles Davis, the sexiness of Chet Baker and sells records like Kenny G. It's a triple combination." ~ David Foster ~

The whole-page ad from last Sunday's L.A. Times Arts & Music Section on this latest offering from my all-time favorite trumpeter-extraordinaire states that . . . "No one can resist the pleasures of Italy." It is especially true! And this irresistible CD/DVD Special Edition is the very essence of beauty and romance of Italy captured in a variety of songs and melodies recorded in Los Angeles, London and Italy in the most superb renditions, arrangements and orchestrations. This collection is an excellent combination of classical music, jazz standards and film scores. Featured guest artists who graced this wonderful recording are also my favorites, Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole, and not to mention a special "magical collaboration" with the great Dean Martin.

It has a bonus DVD that shows the "Making of Italia," which features behind-the-scene footages, photo sessions and performances with the star-trumpeter, Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole, interviews with Bobby Colomby (producer) and David Foster (pianist and composer of "Italia").

The CD dramatically spins off with a charming tune by film composer, Ennio Moriccone "Deborah's Theme" and followed by the title track "Italia," an original composition by Chris which he co-wrote with David Foster and lyrics by Lorenzo Cherubini. Andrea Bocelli's stirring vocal artistry is the perfect match for the dramatically beautiful trumpet of Grammy winner Chris Botti. He sings with a style so powerful and very romantic.

One of the loveliest tracks, and my absolute favorite is "The Very Thought of You" with Paula Cole's gorgeous and sensual vocal flair. Hers is the kind of voice that is so beautifully moving. She has been in Mr. Botti's recordings of "When I Fall In Love" and "To Love Again" and according to him, "she does everything in one take." Here, Chris Botti is again in full control of the resources of his trumpet, as he did in my all-time favorites "The Way You Look Tonight," "It Never Entered My Mind" and "Estaté."

Prepare to be hypnotized by his mesmeric take on a favorite classical piece of mine and a very memorable one since it was sung during my wedding ceremony, Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria." And likewise his delivery on Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" from the opera "Turandot" that has irresistible charm that makes you want to listen endlessly!

Dean Martin graced this recording with what I call a magical collaboration between two great artists where his great vocals harmonized with Chris Botti's smooth, silky, sophisticated and elegant trumpet ingenuity. According to Chris it was Capitol Records' idea to do this duet, "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" and it turned out to be a listening delight.

The bonus tracks of "Emmanuel," "Flamenco Sketches" and two of my all-time favorites, "If I Loved You" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" are equally satisfying and pleasing to the ears. Paula Cole once again has proven her vocal prowess in "If I Loved You" by perfectly complimenting the trumpeter's silky and velvety tone. How I wish they would record a duet CD of standards. I would love to be in-charge with the song selection! In "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" Chris Botti flawlessly shows off his poetic musicality to the fullest. There's no denying that this is one of the very best instrumental versions of this classic gem from Jerome Kern. These tracks can be downloaded at Chris Botti's web site, or you may opt to receive a CD on the bonus tracks to be mailed to you.

One of my most cherished and memorable musical moments was the first time I watched Chris Botti perform live in concert at Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills a few years back and in my book, he is truly one of my top favorite musicians of all-time. He plays his favorite instrument like no other. He has an expressive range and depth of a truly remarkable trumpet player. Not only a gifted trumpeter but a composer as well, he communicates his passions thru his beautiful music, which is exceptionally heartwarming - the kind of music that stays with you forever.

With my heartfelt recommendation of a CD that deserves to be in your music library to be enjoyed now and forever. It's dramatically and irresistibly beautiful and romantic.

Have a lovely listening experience!

This album is everything life should be: fun, soulful and passionate. It may be my favorite of all his CDs! And two years ago you couldn't drag me to a jazz club. The outfit angst alone would keep me locked in my house. Seriously, jazz music seemed so sophisticated and chic, all those notes and not even a word to sing along to.

I'm the ultimate Pop Princess. The Kareoke Queen. I could name any Top 40 tune in 3 disco beats or less. Then last year my boyfriend got tickets for a Chris Botti concert. I suspected he was subtly suggesting I broaden my musical horizons (we'd only been dating a few months so I was still in the "campaign phase" of the relationship, naturally I said, "Oh my god, I love jazz!") Of course, quietly I thought with any luck we would be sitting in the back in case I nodded off. I got unlucky, we were right up front. But Chris' music completely enchanted me. He played jazz classics, most of them I didn't recognize, and only a few had vocals but somehow it didn't matter. His trumpet sounded better than any voice I'd ever heard, you could imagine the words. After the show he greeted the fans. I tripped over the feet of two teenage groupies to get to him. I bought To Love Again and When I Fall in Love.

So to any of you who think jazz is too sophisticated buy one of his albums and you will fall in love with the music, and his talent so impressive you will think of jazz in a completely different way. I'm a disco queen convert! I'm not saying I don't listen to a little Rick James from time to time but now when I go to a jazz club I put on a pair of jeans, my awesome '84 Survivor Vital Signs concert tee and have a great time. I highly recommend "Italia". Bravo!

Oddly enough - it's the instrumental tracks that shine most on this latest effort from Botti. The material choosen for this session is strong - but his chops are still kind of weak in places. Lack of vibrato - and his 'swinging' is sub par - but when Botti plays to his strengths - he shines thru those clouds like an operatic super star. Some of the songs are fantastic - some of his best ever, maybe (like the first and last tracks - and 'it never entered my mind'). Other tunes are embarassingly fluffy... Regardless - I still think it's money well spent.

Botti, play to your strengths - the R&B stuff - the orchestration on occasion - but leave the swinging stuff to Wynton...

~T

This CD is phenomenal! You can feel his love and passion for his music. It is peaceful and fun and filled with enjoyment!! I have a few other Botti CDs but this is by far my favorite!!

I think this is Chris's best CD to date! I love every single track on it though "Italia" is my favorite! Chris & Andrea together is simply magical!

Botti has sustained the maturing, enhanced development of his style...and substance. This is not necessarily the high water mark of his musical instincts and presentation, but certainly deserves top billing within his ultimate body of work

Having recently visited and fallen in love with Italy, I look for music to keep me in that Italian state of mind.
This cd is a winner. I play it any time I want to relax and think back on my visit but I find that it is perfect for just about any time of the day or night. I think this is Chris Botti's best effort. I am betting any one who listens to him playing along with Dean Martin singing "I've Grown Accustom To Her Face" will smile for the rest of the day.

Not as good as most of his others. Enjoyed the music, but he just didn't seem to be into it.

This is a great listening CD, mellow, calming. My only criticism is that there wasn't more Italian music on it.

This recent Chris Botti album"Italia" is just wonderful. He is currently the Best Trumpet player around. This album captures the essence of his heritage with great tunes and added vocals for all to enjoy.