A recent trend in music is for an artist to record an album of duets with a special guest. Frank Sinatra recorded a duets album, as well as Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Kenny G, and now, jazz trumpeter Chris Botti.
Sometimes it helps to have friends in high places. In the music business, it's almost a necessity. For Chris Botti, coming up with a wish list of guest musicians was simply a matter of flipping through his address book, filled with names like Sting, the British rocker who lends his vocals on this jazz classic.
Sting turns in a melancholy performance of "What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life," on Chris Botti's album To Love Again. Chris and Sting are virtually old friends, collaborating first in 1999 on Sting's album Brand New Day, and then again on the trumpeter's two most-recent releases.
It's not the first time Chris has accompanied vocal sensation Michael Buble. He sat in on Buble's 2005 hit album It's Time. On this album, top contemporary jazz stars, Michael Buble and Chris Botti, recorded "Let There Be Love."
Chris Botti is originally from Portland, Oregon where he first learned to play piano. Deciding to pursue the trumpet, Chris made his way East to study with the late jazz trumpeter Woody Shaw. Recording sessions followed, with Chris appearing on dozens of albums, compilations, soundtracks, and when there was time, turning out several solo releases. Reviving the classics seems to be what Chris enjoys doing most. His foray into jazz and pop standards has proven highly successful. When TV host Oprah Winfrey featured him on her show, sales of his CDs went through the roof.
Chris is getting a similar celebratory reception with To Love Again.
Former choirgirl Paula Cole, who sang the hit song "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone," reveals her softer side on the romantic ballad "My One And Only Love."
Without missing a beat, Chris Botti has already begun a world tour in support of To Love Again. Just back from Britain, he will spend the next four months in the U.S., performing some concerts with saxophonist David Sanborn, some with symphony orchestras, and others with his touring band.
