Italia

I'm a pianist, and only listen to HIGHLY DYNAMIC music. "The Very Thought of You" --MEANINGFUL AND DYNAMIC! There's a lot of silliness on iTunes i.e. wannabes and the like - but this, THIS IS VERY GOOD!👌🏽

When I listen to Italia it transports me into a totally different world. Stress free and peaceful. Listening to it always makes my day. It reminds me of the true beauty of life

Excellent work that allows you to escape into your own peace. Each selection builds with Ave Maria and closing with Nessun Dorma. Andrea Bocelli and Paula Cole add the surprises needed to make this easily a 5 star performance. A touch of Dean Martin gives the listner the appeal Chris has to truely understand his audience. This is a must for your collection.

Chris Botti completely re-defines the romantic side of the trumpet in this masterpiece! Italia is a must have for everyone…

Beautiful music, I especially love "The Very Thought of You", that song reminds me of someone very dear. Great work Chris!

Chris without a doubt delivers the trumpet with such finesse, charisma, and passion; he remains in a league of his own. What is there not to love about this man! I remain in awe. MTD

The opener, “Deborah’s Theme” (from Once Upon A Time In America) and “Gabriel’s Oboe” (from The Mission) are work of the accomplished Italian composer Ennio Morricone. While Morricone’s original “Deborah’s Theme” is entirely classical with a full orchestra, Botti interprets it with very little accompaniment, letting his trumpet shine on this shorter version. The title track is a duet with one of Italy’s greatest tenors, Andrea Bocelli. Bocelli’s passion for music and his homeland bring this song to a higher level. Having the Tuscany-born Bocelli here is a wonderful addition to Botti’s tribute to Italy. Paula Cole, a frequent collaborator of Botti’s, offers her sensual vocals to a new rendition of Ray Noble’s “The Very Thought Of You.” Botti’s trumpet adds a touch of magic to the 1957’s vocal recording of “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face” by Dean Martin. Had Dino been alive to hear this, he would’ve been as pleased as Botti must be. Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” from the opera Turandot gets a stunning interpretation on Italia. “Ave Maria” is done so beautifully here; there’s a choir to create the religious and breathtaking characteristics of Schubert’s masterpiece. Italia will transport you to the lushness and romance of Italy with the very first note. Mr. Botti brings new life to old standards and adds something extra to already perfect compositions. His work only continues to improve with each new release. Italia is masterful and quite beautiful, and evidence that Botti is the premier trumpeter of his time.

What else can be said...Chris is a superb musician, in my estimation the best trumpet player of my generation, and arguably of all times. The selection of the classic songs intertwined with the original works along with Cole and Bocceli are masterfull. My family and I will see him,(again) up close and personal in Boston this November and I can't wait...Ci vediamo caro mio!!

This truly is such pleasure for the ears! Andrea Bocelli on the beautiful "Italia" track, co-written by Chris and David Foster--just breathtaking! "Nessun Dorma"--exquisite perfection! "The Very Thought of You" with Paula Cole takes the meaning of "yearning" to a new level with her emotional nuances! This is definitely the Chris Botti CD that will whisk you away to the romantic shores of Italy with the notes of "Caruso" and "Venice" softly wafting in the background! I would also recommend picking up the Deluxe Edition of "Italia", which includes 4 bonus tracks, and enjoy the additional Paula Cole track "If I Loved You" and than Chris playing alone on of my faves, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".

This music is so meditating. It relaxes all my senses. I have a copy in my car, at work, and at my office. Thank you Chris for your wonderful work.