Vol. 1

by Chris Botti

Overview

Chris Botti's first studio album in over a decade, 2023's Vol. 1 is an ardently delivered standards-and-ballads recording that feels like a distillation of his cool romantic aesthetic. Produced by David Foster, the album follows 2012's Impressions, for which he won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Pop Album. However, where that album was an extravagantly produced affair full of guest singers and verdant orchestral arrangements, Vol. 1 takes a much more back-to-basics approach. For much of the past 20 years, Botti has held down a yearly residency over the Christmas holidays at the Blue Note in New York City. Those shows usually find him backed by his adept small group and playing through some of his favorite songs. Working with Foster, Botti applies a similarly intimate approach to Vol. 1, sinking into cozy renditions of classics like "Danny Boy," "Two for the Road," and "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered." Here, he is joined by his most current touring ensemble, featuring pianist Taylor Eigsti, bassist Zach Moses, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Pianist Foster also joins in on several tunes, including "Someday My Prince Will Come," where his playing works as a pleasant contemporary contrast to Eigsti's more traditional, post-bop style. There are also gorgeous contributions by guitarist Leonardo Amueda, saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, pianist Esteban Castro, and acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell, the latter of whom jumps on board for a tender rendition of "My Funny Valentine." In fact, it was Miles Davis' classic version of "My Funny Valentine," used as the title track to his 1965 live album, that purportedly first inspired Botti's passion for jazz trumpet. Certainly, Davis' influence looms large over Botti's career, and Vol. 1 is no exception. Along with "My Funny Valentine," he also offers his own muted, close-eyed take on "Blue in Green," one of the key modal ballads off Davis' iconic Kind of Blue. Yet, as with all of his playing on Vol. 1, Botti builds upon his influences, transforming each song with an elegance and warmth that is singularly his own. ~ Matt Collar

Product Details

Release Date:	11/10/2023
Label:	Universal
UPC:	0602455165893

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Chris Botti   Primary Artist,Trumpet
Zach Moses   Bass (Electric),Bass
Gilad Hekselman   Guitar
Taylor Eigsti   Piano
Thomas Morgan   Bass
Leonardo Amuedo   Guitar
David Foster   Piano
Joshua Bell   Violin,Featured Artist
Patrick Warren   Strings
Shane Fontayne   Guitar
Chad Lefkowitz-Brown   Saxophone
Julian Pollack   Piano,Fender Rhodes
Esteban Castro   Piano
John Splithoff   Vocals,Featured Artist
Vinnie Colaiuta   Drums

Technical Credits

Mack Gordon   Composer
Richard Rodgers   Composer
Will Champion   Composer
David Foster   Producer
Brandon Duncan   Engineer
Chris Martin   Composer
Chris Walkden   Arranger
Randall Slavin   Photography
Jochem van der Saag   Editing,Vocal Editing
Dedette Lee Hill   Composer
Todd Gallopo   Design
Jeremy Plotnikoff   Project Supervisor
Nate Haessly   Mixing Assistant
Gabriel Johnson   Executive Producer
Allen Sides   Mixing,Engineer
Bernie Grundman   Mastering
Larry Morey   Composer
Frank Churchill   Composer
Lorenz Hart   Composer
Jonny Buckland   Composer
Rob Mathes   Arranger
Miles Davis   Composer
Guy Berryman   Composer
Harold Adamson   Composer
Henry Mancini   Composer
Vincent Youmans   Composer
George Janho   Mixing Assistant
John Splithoff   Composer
Caroline Salvia   Art Direction
Patrick Weatherly   Composer
Willard Robison   Composer