Italia - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Album Description
Grammy winning trumpeter Chris Botti has returned in top form with Italia, his most lushly romantic and expressive album to date. Featuring duets with some of today's biggest international stars including Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole, and Dean Martin, Botti's rich and articulate musical collection is truly beautiful, enchanting, and understatedly elegant.

Customer Reviews: Read 59 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Great album October 14, 2007
34 out of 43 found this review helpful

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.

3 out of 5 stars

Strong material, sometimes weak delivery September 27, 2007
26 out of 40 found this review helpful

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...

5 out of 5 stars

Dramatically and Irresistibly Beautiful and Romantic September 26, 2007
24 out of 40 found this review helpful

"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 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.

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 "Estate."

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.

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!

4 out of 5 stars

Brave and evocative. October 16, 2007
18 out of 20 found this review helpful

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).

2 out of 5 stars

Too many covers! October 25, 2007
18 out of 23 found this review helpful

After Rod Stewart made a mint selling 4 cds of cover songs, it seems that our leading smooth jazz greats have decided that they don't want to be bothered writing new material.

Granted there is a place for doing covers. I grew up with my parents listening to these songs. I fondly remember them and like hearing them again. These melodies should not be forgotten.

But I hope Botti and others go back to trying to generate some new material and not just repackage the old greats.

My other comment is that when Botti does the covers, it is like he is in slow motion. No, I don't want these greats to be speeded up that much. But I sometimes feel like he plays one note and I feel like taking a lunch break til the next note comes out. These are slow standards but there is a limit to how slow they are done.

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