Chris Botti

Growing up in Corvallis, Oregon, Chris Botti fell in love with the trumpet at age 9, and his accomplishments as a teen were noticed. He was selected to be part of the McDonald’s All-American High School Jazz Band. He studied classical music at the Indiana University School of Music, and with Woody Shaw and George Coleman through NEA grants. He left college during his senior year to tour with Frank Sinatra and Buddy Rich.

After relocating to New York City in 1985, he did session work, then toured and recorded with Paul Simon, including the landmark concert in Central Park in 1991, documented in the live album “Concert in the Park.” He toured with a long list of stars including Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, and Joni Mitchell.

Botti toured with Sting for two years (1999-2000), an experience he considers life changing. In 2001 he recorded “All This Time” at Sting’s estate in Tuscany. One of his 10 albums, “Impressions” (2013) won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. In 2018, PBS aired “Great Performances: The Chris Botti Band in Concert.”

In February 2024, Botti will launch his first jazz cruise, “Chris Botti at Sea.”