Christopher Stephen Botti (born October 12, 1962) is an American trumpeter and composer known for his smooth, warm tone and his ability to bridge jazz, pop, and orchestral music. He was born in Portland, Oregon, U.S. and began playing trumpet at a young age. Botti studied music at Indiana University, where he deepened his jazz foundations.
Early in his career he performed with jazz and pop legends including Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Sting, experiences that helped shape his musical versatility. Over the years, he’s collaborated with huge artists like Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli, and Michael Bublé. Botti’s music blends jazz improvisation with lyrical melodic sensibilities — he’s often praised for his expressive tone and emotional depth. He’s also performed with symphony orchestras and at major venues worldwide, from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House.
Music
First Wish (1995) — Debut album blending contemporary jazz elements.
Midnight Without You (1997) — Continued his melodic, smooth-jazz direction.
Slowing Down the World (1999) — Third solo album exploring jazz-pop textures.
Night Sessions (2001) — Helped establish his reputation in the jazz world.
December (2002) — A holiday-themed release.
The Very Best of Chris Botti (2002) — Collection of highlights.
A Thousand Kisses Deep (2003) — Expanded his stylistic palette with lyrical jazz.
When I Fall in Love (2004) — A #1 jazz album with lush arrangements.
To Love Again: The Duets (2005) — Features vocal collaborations.
Italia (2007) — A tribute to Italian-influenced melodies.
Chris Botti in Boston (2009) — Live album capturing his dynamic performance.
Impressions (2012) — Grammy-winning album blending jazz and pop.
Vol. 1 (2023) — His latest album on Blue Note Records, featuring a return to small-group jazz standards.