There’s probably not two or three trumpet players you can name off the top of your head, but there’s one who’s become something of a sensation in the last few years. He’s Chris Botti, and he’s heading to San Antonio this month.
“This particular concert we’re doing in San Antonio slots right between our Japanese tour and Mexico City, so we’re doing a little drive-by and I’m thrilled to be there with my band," says Botti.
Arts San Antonio is bringing Botti to the Laurie Auditorium on Friday, October 24th. He describes his concerts this way.
“We do a very, very high-end musical variety show, for lack of a better word, variety being the key" he said. "You know we have two very good singers with us and a classical violinist, and then a fantastic rhythm section.”
I had read that he was first inspired to make trumpet a lifestyle choice by Miles Davis. He said that was true.
“When I was twelve I heard Miles Davis play for the first time. It made me think I want to be a trumpet player for the rest of my life," said Botti. "I knew that the connection to the instrument was very powerful and that’s what I wanted to do, and I’m one of the lucky ones.”
I told him about a video I'd seen where Mark Knopfler, Vince Gill and Andrea Boccelli were all singing his praises. I asked Botti "How do you keep from getting a big head?”
He laughed, thought about it and said "Well, maybe of all the things that I’ve been able to accomplish, respect from your peers is something I’m most proud of.”
Botti first came to most peoples' attention when he was with another person’s band. I asked him about that.
“My relationship with Sting and being in his band really spring boarded my career. That relationship has done SO much for me, both professionally and personally.”
He's had a pair of PBS Specials that were quite popular. I asked “Does that put you in front of an audience that might not otherwise have discovered you?”
“Absolutely! It really came out good and I’m proud of those two specials and hopefully we’ll do another one next year.”
We’ve more on Chris Botti here.
Ticket information is here.
