Beyond Jazz: Evening with Chris Botti
A good jazz performance is akin to a rejuvenating massage — one that not only releases the tension from our physical bodies but also soothes our souls. Chris Botti’s concert was clearly one of those performances.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆
Midway through the concert, Chris Botti walks into the audience, enchanting us with mesmerising music notes from his trumpet, leaving a lasting impression on the audience in Taiwan.
TAIPEI, Taiwan — I’ve always loved jazz. It all started over a decade ago during my time in New York City, where I was completely captivated by its vibrant jazz scene. Jazz has held a special place in my heart ever since.
It’s hard to put into words, but there’s just something about it that speaks to my soul. Maybe it’s the freedom it exudes, with each note like a gentle breeze carrying me away. Or perhaps it’s the way those smooth melodies wrap around you like a warm embrace on a chilly night. And those upbeat tunes? They’re like little bursts of joy, impossible not to tap your feet to.
But what really gets me is the magic of improvisation. Watching jazz musicians weave their melodies on the spot is like witnessing a painter create a masterpiece on a blank canvas. It’s imagination in its rawest form, and it never fails to leave me in awe.
I mean, seriously, who doesn't love jazz? It’s like a universal language that speaks to everyone, transcending boundaries and bringing people from all walks of life to the same vibration.
Though it’s been years since my last jazz concert experience, I recently had the pleasure of attending one led by Chris Botti, an award-winning trumpeter, earlier this year.
It was a typical Friday, beginning like any other workday but ended with an unexpectedly uplifting spirit.
After sunset, I headed down to the National Concert Hall in Taipei city for the jazz concert. It had been a while since I last set foot in the concert hall, but this time, I knew I was in for something special: An Evening with Chris Botti.
I vividly recall the weeks leading up to the concert, during which I debated whether to get a ticket. My love for jazz, particularly solo wind performances, made the decision tough.
I didn’t know much about Chris Botti then, but after watching some of his videos on YouTube, I knew I had to experience his music live. So, I secured my ticket and even opted for a front-row seat (though, let’s be real, it’s more about what reaches your ears than what meets your eyes).
As with most concerts I had attended in the past, I expected a relaxing evening, where I would be washed over by soothing melodies. Little did I know, this concert led by Chris Botti would be brimming with surprises.
Chris Botti takes centre stage in the concert “An Evening with Chris Botti” at the National Concert Hall in Taipei city, Taiwan. Image courtesy of MNA.
To my surprise, Chris Botti, in addition to his role as a trumpeter, assumes the role of host, orchestrating the rhythm of the performance while engaging with the audience from the stage. Interaction lies at the heart of any jazz performance, and Botti reminds us of the significance of this connection.
Following a few performances, Botti introduced violinist Anastasiia Mazurok to the stage. Their duo rendition of a piece from Botti’s album Italia, Deborah’s Theme from “Once Upon A Time In America,” left me utterly mesmerised, showcasing the trumpet in a way I had never experienced before.
Before we knew it, Botti descended from the stage, approaching the audience to perform. The enchanting sounds of the trumpet and violin filled the air, seemingly transcending the confines of the concert hall, culminating in an intimate and almost divine atmosphere.
I was fortunate to be seated near where Botti performed, allowing me to witness the trumpeter’s artistry up close.
Many are familiar with the practice in jazz performances where each member of the ensemble may have the chance to showcase their improvisational skills through a solo, expressing their unique musical voice within the composition.
At Chris Botti’s concert, each musician in the ensemble brought their own distinct style to the stage, but I have a particular fondness for the drum solos performed by Lee Pearson. And it’s not just because I spent over 5 years playing the drums in my youth.
Pearson’s solos not only showcase his impressive improvisation skills but also his ability to push the boundaries of convention. Whether he’s balancing a drumstick on his head while playing or unconventionally taking a nearby bass as his percussion instrument, Pearson never fails to elevate the excitement of the audience to its peak.
Throughout the performance, I couldn’t help but feel a surprising uplift of spirits. I also found myself swaying to the music involuntarily. In fact, it was the first time I attended a concert at the National Concert Hall where I secretly hoped they would remove the seats and transform the space into a dance floor!
“A good jazz performance is akin to a rejuvenating massage — one that not only releases the tension from our physical bodies but also soothes our souls.”
Violinist Anastasiia Mazurok, saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, vocalist Alicia Olatuja, and vocalist and guitarist John Splithoff are the four special guests featured in “An Evening with Chris Botti.” Image courtesy of MNA.
In addition to violinist Anastasiia Mazurok, Botti also invited saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, vocalist Alicia Olatuja, and vocalist and guitarist John Splithoff as featured guests. “An Evening with Chris Botti” proved to be nothing short of spectacular.
If jazz were a person, it would undoubtedly embody the spirit of an explorer — one who ventures into the uncharted territories of creativity, expression, and individuality, driven by deep curiosity and a thirst for new experiences.
Much like an explorer traversing unknown landscapes, jazz pushes the boundaries of convention, navigating the rich tapestry of emotions and experiences to discover unexplored paths of self-expression. In doing so, its presence acts as a compass, guiding others to explore their own inner landscapes and embrace the journey of self-discovery.
Botti wrapped up the concert with a mesmerising rendition of Coldplay’s “Fix You,” followed by an encore performance of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”
While the music was beautiful, I couldn’t shake the poignant realisation of the tumultuous state of today’s world. It felt like each note played was a whisper, reminding us of the deep need for healing and a universal longing for that “better” world we once lived in.
Lee Pearson delivers an unparalleled performance on the drums for “An Evening with Chris Botti.” Image courtesy of MNA.
Someone once remarked that when Botti plays his trumpet, even a city shrouded in silence is instantly imbued with colour and light. While this sentiment is true, my personal experience leads me to believe it holds even greater depth.
A good jazz performance is akin to a rejuvenating massage — one that not only releases the tension from our physical bodies but also soothes our souls. Chris Botti’s concert was clearly one of those performances.
Leaving the concert hall with a heightened spirit, my energy soared to its peak.
By the way, I swung my way back home that night.
Jazz Night - An Evening with Chris Botti graced the stage of National Concert Hall in Taipei city, Taiwan on March 15 and 16, 2024, as part of his Asia tour.