Chris Botti will make an unprecedented run at the Blue Note - two weeks in December from the 10th to Christmas day, Dec. 25. Last year Sting showed up and sang with Botti, and the man is known to bring out all sorts of stars to the stage. The Blue Note Blogger will be on hand to document all of it. Anything specific you want to ask him? Post a comment and we'll get you an answer!
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25 comments:
Hi, My name is Manny Lopez from California. Chris you changed my life when i heard the first notes from your trumpet. Since my Sophmore years of highschool you changed my love of music for the better. You are Truley a great human being to me and trumpet player.
My question is how do you come up with the original songs that you make for the album's that you make?
Sincerely,
Manny Lopez
Hi, MR. Botti, My name is Denise from Baltimore, Maryland. I love your new cd "Italia". What inspired you to do this cd? Also, what do your parents think of your successful career?
LUV, Denise C.
Manuel and Denise - thank you for your comments. I will be sure to talk to Chris when he comes and get answers to your questions. For the rest of you readers, keep the questions coming and we'll set up a whole interview!
Hi Chris,
You frequently reference your start with Frank Sinatra by ending your shows with "One For My Baby". Would you ever consider recording an album of Sinatra covers, especially, "Nancy With the Laughing Face"?
Love,
Nancy M., New Jersey
Hi, Chris--thanks for taking the time to answer all the questions. I'd like to know how you go about selecting songs for a CD--for example, the "Italia" CD? I'm just curious about the specifics i.e. what brings a certain song to your attention? I love the two songs on "Italia" with Paula Cole and would love to hear an entire album of the two of you doing jazz standards. Julia
Hello Chris, this is Arianna Fanning from Virginia. I am an aspiring 16 year old jazz drummer and you are the one who turned me on to jazz. Many people talk about how hard the music biz is, and while your charisma is one of the things that keeps me going through rejection...what kept YOU going when you were facing rejection and what made you believe you were going to get that "break" someday? Thanks so much and keep changing lives with your music!
-Arianna
Hi! I envy all those of you who will attend the shows in The Blue Note. Such an amazing artist in such a great place at such a special time - what can one possibly want more?
I have zillions questions i would like to ask. Here are few that came to my mind first:
1. Music question: We all love when you're playing your own compositions. But on your latest albums there are only few tunes you have written, why? Will you write some more for your next album? Will you sing on your albums again?
2. Personal question: You often talk about how important musical education is for kids, everytime it's possible you take time to talk with them. Question is: have you ever considered having your own kids? :>
3. Silly travelling question: you prefer to sit front or back to direction? :)
4. Life-style question: You're probably the most busy person in the music industry. Don't you EVER have moments when you're tired, sleepless due to jet lag and when you simply wish you had a holiday?
:)
Forgive my English - i'm not a native speaker.
Have a great time at all those shows everyone.
Greetings from the other side of the pond,
m
Hi Chris,
I just love "Italia." I heard that you recorded several more tracks for this cd...some have been released as bonus tracks...is there any chance of us hearing more of these recorded tracks?
I also love the idea of a cd of Sinatra covers...
and the addition of "Nancy with the Laughing Face" would just be the cherry on the sundae.
...and everyone should have a cherry on thier sundae.
Thanks!
Arda
Hi Chris,
I know that you like to practice every day--is this ever a problem at the hotels? Do you practice in your own room or go to a special room in the hotel? I can't imagine anyone not enjoying your playing, but I don't think the rooms are always sound-proof.
Thanks,
Joan
Hey, Chris. Do you think you were born with a "gift" or is your success due entirely to hard work?
Linda from Michigan
Chris, it is such a thrill to hear you perform live and I have been lucky to see you in various types of venues--do you personally prefer to play in small, mid-size, or large venues? And how long a soundcheck must you do before each show? Your sound, no matter what size the venue, always seems perfect--my kudos to your audio technician! Thanks, Merry Christmas to you and your fabulous Band, and have a wonderful Holiday run at the Blue Note! Jody L.
Hi Chris! I have heard that your audiences at concerts tend to attract the more mature crowd, but did you know that you have a small, but growing, following of middle school age kids? I am a teacher at a middle school in the Chicago area and I have been playing your music for my kids while they work on assignments. A number of students have commented on how much they like the music, and some of them beg me everyday to put your music on. One boy told me he used to play trumpet and now he wants to take it up again. (There's a cute story behind that, I'll tell you some time.)
Thank you for creating such beautiful music and being an inspiration to my students! See you in Effingham.
Diane
Hi Chris,
Italia.... What an achievement!! A Grammy nomination for the album!! Bobby Colomby said that "Italia is Chris" and he was absolutely right. You said in the bonus DVD "I think we're going to pull it off." You and everybody involved did Chris! Best wishes to you and we will be all watching. But February 10th... you have a gig. What to do?
Any thoughts about performing with David Baker in the future? He loves you Chris, one of his best students!!...he said so himself. A lot of people got excited when your name came up in the summer jazz performance schedule at Indiana University early this year. But apparently there was a conflict in your schedule. Any chance in the future? You never fail to ackowledge your mentors, and you did even in Italia. This is admirable.
Lastly, you are constantly on the road and do not appear to have time for a holiday or even a short break from the looks of your tour schedule. Any thoughts of slowing down and enjoying the accolades for a moment? In the meantime, I hope you and your band have a nice holiday in NY. Your fans will continue to enjoy your music.
Best regards,
Florence
Hi Chris,
My family and I are big fans, especially my 7yr old son Andrew. He loves your drummer Billy Kilson. I have made reservations for Christmas Day at 8pm. I plan to surprise my son, daughter and husband! My son will be thrilled!!
Do you think you can take a photo with him, that would make his day!
Thanks, Nancy E.
Hello Chris, I notice how articulate you are when you speak. You talk like a professor. Have you thought about teaching someday. Just to give you a word of thought, however, I read an aricle in which you were interviewed by Trunk. You stated that you feel fortunate to travel with the 'caliber' of musicians that you take with you. You might want to be more positive in the way you describe the expertise of your band members.
Sincerely
Merry Christmas Chris and all the best for a healthy New Year! I am listening to December as I write this, it is one of the few things that really gets me in that holiday spirit. I just love "The Christmas Song," it has always been my all time favorite holiday tune! Anyway, I just read a recent interview where you mentioned again your desire to perform with Peter Gabriel. I, too, think he is a fantastic musician and was curious if anything was in the works yet for this amazing collaboration. Thanks so much for your thoughts!
All my best,
Sue from Buffalo
Hi Chris,
Welcome back to New York!
Your touring schedule is legendary (and relentless!), taking you all over the country and around the globe. Apart from Italy, which we know you adore ("Italia" is magnificent!), are there places you've performed where you'd like to spend more time as a tourist? And, along those lines, are there destinations you haven't visited that you'd especially like to see one day?
Look forward to seeing you and your incomparable band at the Blue Note again soon.
Happy holidays to all,
Leslie
Hi Chris,
Thanks for all the beautiful music. Love the sound of your trumpet. Hope this isn’t a silly question but I’m curious about your creative process. My guess is that as an instrumentalist you focus mainly on melody. However, some of the standards that you play solo have very strong, familiar lyrics, e.g. When I Fall in Love. Do they just help set the mood of the piece or are you also "singing"/translating the words through your trumpet?
Thanks,
Heather
Hi Chris,
Happy Holidays to you and your band and enjoy your summer vacation at the Blue Note!
My question is - Would you consider performing "Nancy With The Laughing Face" at the Blue Note December 14 8:00PM show?
Thanking you in advance for your consideration,
Nancy S. from New Jersey
Hi Chris!
My name is JUDE and I'm from New York.
I was at your 8 p.m. show on the 13th, and I can't stop thinking about how beautifully you played. I'm an NYU student, so I pass the Blue Note every day, and it was so great to see you there.
You're such an incredible musician, and I particularly love your rendition of 'It Never Entered My Mind" on your latest album - that's one of my favorite songs, and your interpretation brings tears to my eyes.
I'm a pianist as well as a film lover, and one day I hope to compose my own film score. I know you're a fan of Marconi's scores; I was wondering if you would ever consider composing your own film score?
I'm going to try and see your Blue Note show again - I can't possibly wait until June when you come back to New York to see you again!
See you soon (I hope),
JUDE
Botti Brought Me Back to Life
Thanks for a spectacular show on Tuesday at the Blue Note! I'd gone there to celebrate my birthday. I almost didn't make it. Me ex bailed out on me, left me flat and depressed (on my birthday!), but I went anyway, alone, and was so glad I did. The mustic went right to my soul...it helped to heal me and even cured me of my writer's block. I'd been working on a book--what I hope will end up a smash hit and movie--and was stuck. Now I'm playing Botti's CD's all day, everyday, and have been writing non-stop ever since!
Thanks, Mr. Botti, for the inspiration...for sharing your music, your beauty (caramaba! you're gorgeous!) your warmth and huge talent with the world. You will win that Grammy on February 10th!!!!!
With love and best wishes to you, your band and crew.
Tessa
Hi Chris,
I must say that during my second visit to the Blue Note that you inspired me to admire the trumpet again. As a young girl, in high school, I had a choice to pick up an instrument to play in my hs orchestra. I was one of the very first and few in my class to pick up a trumpet since it really wasn't a "girl's" instrument to play as most teenagers would contend at the time. My first lick at playing an instrument was the piano. My family didn't have much money and like you, I started learning about chords and music with piano lessons. My second instrument was the trumpet and I played very well. I even auditioned and was chosen to play at Carnegie Hall, but things changed and unfortunately, I do not play anymore. I wished I was as dedicated as you had stated in the LA Sun. I saw you play on Dec 20th at 8pm and what an amazing show it was. I actually went to the bathroom and was coming down the stairs and saw you coming up the stairs. I thought it was you since you had the blonde spikey hair. We actually didn't look at one another, but actually just caught a glimpse or aroma of perfume or cologne...lol...anyhow...you are magnificent with your music...keep it up and have a wonderful tour.
Veronica
Hi Chris,
I must say that during my second visit to the Blue Note that you inspired me to admire the trumpet again. As a young girl, in high school, I had a choice to pick up an instrument to play in my hs orchestra. I was one of the very first and few in my class to pick up a trumpet since it really wasn't a "girl's" instrument to play as most teenagers would contend at the time. My first lick at playing an instrument was the piano. My family didn't have much money and like you, I started learning about chords and music with piano lessons. My second instrument was the trumpet and I played very well. I even auditioned and was chosen to play at Carnegie Hall, but things changed and unfortunately, I do not play anymore. I wished I was as dedicated as you had stated in the LA Sun. I saw you play on Dec 20th at 8pm and what an amazing show it was. I actually went to the bathroom and was coming down the stairs and saw you coming up the stairs. I thought it was you since you had the blonde spikey hair. We actually didn't look at one another, but actually just caught a glimpse or aroma of perfume or cologne...lol...anyhow...you are magnificent with your music...keep it up and have a wonderful tour.
Veronica
Chris, you are an incredible entertainer and I enjoy your fun energy! I came to see you perform in Meridian, MS in May of this year (I was the blonde from Florida who told you that "you are more talented than Miles Davis"). YES, I truly believe that you are! In meeting you after the concert, I was impressed by your friendliness and warmth in talking to each of us. You seemed interested in what we had to say and you listened to each of us. It is rare to meet an entertainer who is friendly and down to earth. The further you go in your career, I hope that you don't loose your warmth and down to earth charm.
My question to you is will you be coming to the Gulf Coast area-preferrably Penascola, Destin, Panama City, Florida or the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2010?
Rhonda in Pensacola, FL
rewrhondawhite@yahoo.com
Chris, you are INCREDIBLE!
You delivered a very energetic and fun performance! I saw you perform in Meridian, MS this past May 21st and your concert was rocking and very entertaining! I especially loved hearing your story about your experience playing for Frank Sinatra and how you were so nervous auditioning that your hands shook (as well as your trumpet) while you were playing. Great story! Loved it! It was a delight (actually a dream come true) to meet you and to have you autograph my "Italia" CD. You were so much fun and down to earth! It was an awesome experience to have met you and I'll treasure that particular concert forever! The further along you go in your career, I hope that you never lose your down to earth charm! Oh yeah, like I mentioned to you in Meridian, you are way more talented than Miles Davis! :-)
Question: I unfortunately will not be able to enjoy your playing at the Blue Note in December; however, I would like to know if you ever come to the Gulf Coast area- Pensacola, Destin, Panama City in Florida; Mobile, AL region or the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Possibly in 2010?
Rhonda in Pensacola, FL
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