Slowing Down the World

Chris Botti | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 22, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 22, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B00000JBFS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,470 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Whether his trumpet is open or muted, Chris Botti is an artist of the subtlest detail, able to draw an emotion with the briefest phrase. Sometimes even a single note--a sudden high, a muffled half valve, or a burred aside in the lower register--can be telling. On Slowing Down the World, he's consciously invoking the quiet moments, creating limpid pools of melody and reflection. That attention to the nuance of mood is apparent in his solo on "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," when he begins with a welling, rising phrase that illuminates the mood created by vocalist Sting. Botti is supported throughout by top-rank musicians like bassist Tony Levin and drummer Peter Erskine, and the London Sessions Orchestra, arranged and conducted by Anna Dudley, creates a plush carpet of sound on four tracks. Bob James contributes his distinctive electric piano lines to "The Open Touch," and Botti sings on Randy Newman's "Same Girl," adding an intimate and plaintive tone that might suggest Chet Baker, who Botti pays homage to on Playing by Heart. --Adam Rains

From Jazziz

Trumpeter Chris Botti is unique among the musicians you'll hear on smooth-jazz radio. Although Slowing Down the World was liberally strewn with synth-pad undercoatings, the main thrust is real-time, acoustic instruments doing the atmospheric work on top. Botti tapped veterans from L.A.'s studio scene, such as Bob James, Jeff Lorber, and Peter Erskine, for the date, but what shines most of all is the gentle arc of his own horn's sound. It's easy to see why pop stars like Paul Simon and Sting have recruited Botti for their tours. And it's easy to hear that this young trumpeter has his own take on the pop-jazz blend.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hit The Jackpot, April 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Slowing Down the World (Audio CD)

I took a chance on this CD because I love smooth jazz trumpeters, who are pretty rare amid the flood of sax and piano artists. I had the choice between Slowing Down The World and Midnight Without You and had never heard of Chris Botti before. I noticed Slowing Down The World was characterized as very smooth and sensual on the liner notes so I chose it. "Smooth and Sensual" is quite an understatement!

I was euphoric when I played Slowing Down The World the first time and I still can't stop playing it. What a delightful album; consistent and excellent all the way through. I will be buying all of Chris Botti's CDs. Creed Taylor would surely have signed Chris up 25 years ago and he would have been another Freddie Hubbard on the superb CTI label.

My favorite track is number 5, The Open Touch. This is clearly the zenith track and must be heard several times all the way through for full appreciation. It is a Smooth Jazz #1 calibre track. Slowing Down The World has the obligatory Michael Franks-type vocal track and Sting's vocal appearance is OK, but I really wish smooth jazz albums would be purely instrumental. Why mar such instrumental elegance and spoil the mood? Leave the singing to pop and rock.

Botti is extremely soulful and sensuous and each note is clearly evocative of intense mood; he is to smooth jazz trumpet what David Gilmour is to rock guitar. Botti's notes and textures are rich and sophisticated, his phrasing and rhythms reassuring and elegant, and the overall atmosphere created in the CD is very polished, classy, and richly detailed.

A great album for two lovers to savor over chilled glasses of wine in a romantic setting like a candlelit bubblebath or while making slow passionate love. This will truly be one of the albums many satisfied fans will treasure for many hours of exquiste enjoyment.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blissfully smooth!, March 11, 2000

By 

"kathrynmarie" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slowing Down the World (Audio CD)

This is the fourth Chris Botti CD I have bought and I just can't say enough. His music just makes you feel content, sensual and happy. I never tire of his trumpet style. On this CD I love all the songs, but two in particular stand out. Under a Painted Sky and Irresistable Bliss. He never disappoints.

I rank his CDs in the following order:

First Wish, is my favorite. Midnight Without You, is a very close second place. Caught, was the first CD I bought of his and I enjoy it. Slowing Down the World, is the most recent and I also enjoy it.

You can't go wrong with any one of these. Keep em coming Chris.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Irresistable Bliss....captured by Chris Botti, January 29, 2002

By 

Linda Hartley (Arizona, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slowing Down the World (Audio CD)

Listening to music and my heart felt every note and loved how it felt as the music flowed effortlessly and beautifully as Chris shared his heart through his music. Touched by the subtle expressions so softly, yet felt so profoundly, this is beautiful music to Slow Down Your World and be in the moment! Just beautiful Chris thank you for sharing the love.