Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brave and evocative., October 16, 2007
The ninth abum by the handsome trumpeter has an Italian theme and has been recorded in in London, Los Angeles, and Italy.
"Italia" is an object lesson in how to expand the range of small-group jazz.
Botti's knowledge of the jazz tradition is absolute, but the interest here lies in his integration of other forms like pop, classical, soundtracks of Ennio Morricone and opera.
Usually that type of experimentation can be a messy, muddled business.
Moulded with controlled eloquence and subtle dissonances, the tracks have a peculiar, surprising beauty, each one affecting the next, and creating a meditative yet majestic symphony : "Italia".
Generous spirited and open, with impeccable ensemble blowing and superb singing by Paula Cole and Andrea Bocelli, the high points are the vibrant "Venice" and the delicate "The Very Thought of You".
Botti stands revealed, surprisingly, as an innovative visionary, blending his eloquent and bold trumpet with some charismatic compositions from the opera and from the world of the movies' soundtracks.
"Nessun Dorma" (Italian for "Let no one sleep") is an aria from the final act of Puccini's opera titled Turandot and has been recorded and made famous wordwide by late legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, but also recorded by pianist Ramsey Lewis, vocalist Sarah Brightman and and several others , even by an incredible...Aretha Franklin Ultimate Divas...
"Caruso," written by Italian singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla 21 years ago to honor the famed Italian opera singer, has been recorded by many, including Luciano Pavarotti, trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, guitarist and vocalist Oscar Castro-Neves, vocalist Josh Groban and Russell Watson.
"I've Grown Accustomed to her Face", featuring a 1957 vocal by the late "forever cool" Dean Martin, is lovely and nostalgic.
All in all, it's an enchantig new step forward from the hottie Chris (the front cover by the elegant star photographer, Italian Fabrizio Ferri -- who has done almost all Sting's and Botti's photos -- is gorgeous).
Personnel include: Chris Botti (trumpet); Dean Martin, Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole (vocals); Tom Scott (soprano saxophone); Gil Goldstein (Fender Rhodes piano); Christian McBride, Brian Bromberg (bass instrument); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums).
|
|
|
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Totally enjoyable!, November 19, 2007
I'm not much of a jazz fan, more classical, and I never listened to Chris Botti play before listening to Italia, but after listening to Italia, I am lost for words to describe how much I enjoyed his music. I do admit that Bocelli helped me decide to purchase the CD. I'm a Bocelli fan. I usually pass up the Jazz section in the store but I found Botti's CD in a Walmart store mixed in with the small classical CD section. I always believed that gifted performers, such as Bocelli, will choose to perform with other gifted performers and my theory was proven correct. Chris Botti is truly a gifted performer and am happy to add his music to my library.
|
|
|
37 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great album, October 14, 2007
I am a Botti fan from way back. And was critical of his last effort. But boy, is this one good. Not any jazz to my ear, but straght forward playing of beatiful melodies in the smooth Botti style. The theme is Italy, as you would deduce from the title and nicely carried through. Three tracks with vocals, one with Dean Martin in one of those post retirement duets that seem to be in vogue, but well done, none the less. That particular song is on a new Martin Album of duets. Good, no great, stuff here. Quite moving really.
Got to believe this will be the big romance album of the year. Another notch on Botti's horn for a job exceedingly well done.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Chris Botti 
