A Thousand Kisses Deep

I don't understand the logic behind SONY MUSIC not promoting this artist/product to mass market. UMG nurtured KENNY G until his career arrived at levels of "LARGEST INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST" and "Top M.O.R ACT" on the planet.
BOTTI with his scope of material and talent could easily surpass the "KENNY G" status and be crowned modern day HERB ALPERT.

The brooding musical sound of CHRIS BOTTI and his compositions are both unique yet marketable (possibly due to his musical link with STING).

If you're an avid fan of instrumental music (I'm usually not), Herb Alpert or you love to discover what's new in music (I do); I highly recommend purchasing this product.

It's one that you'll play forever and keep in your collection for years to come. This CD is timeless !

That aside, Chris Botti has his own sound within the smooth jazz genre. There aren't jumpy R&B influences turned sideways like there are in other SJ artists (i.e. Koz, Sommers, Lorber, etc.) Instead, there's very subtle influences from new age/electronica (subtle, I repeat -- you're not going to hear another full-fledged Enigma or Delerium) that make Chris Botti is the epitome of smooth, with music that flows gently from your speakers to your ears. I'd even say he could pass as a chillout artist (or at least as much as Praful.)

Chris Botti has made another CD that serves his audiences well. There are no tracks as stellar as "Through an Open Window" from Night Sessions, but those only come by once in awhile anyway. What is important is that there are no tracks that are painful to the ears, and you have a long set of solid tunes suitable for any time of day.

The major difference from his previous work is that this one seems to rely a bit more on production. Now, I have no problem with production. If the talent is there (which it is here, obviously) then the production will make what's good sound even better. The first single "Indian Summer," is a perfect example of this.

However, if talent is lacking then production cannot fix everything no matter how hard it tries. Take, for instance, "The Look of Love" featuring Chantal Kreviazuk on vocals. If you listen to any of her solo songs, you'll agree that Kreviazuk has one of the worst voices in all of the music industry. Why they chose her to do vocals is not certain. Still, the production team does a remarkable job at subduing her voice just enough so that it sounds decent -- though if you pay close attention you can still hear the cracks in her voice. But, Botti is good as ever on trumpet in the song.

The other minor criticism I have is that the excellent tracks don't flow together as well as they could. Kudos for not putting "The Last Three Minutes" at the end (that would have been trite) but they could have bumped it up a few places and then moved some of the more laid-back tracks like "Back Into My Heart" to near the end. "Indian Summer" doesn't accurately divide up the CD at track one -- it would be better placed second or third.

If you liked Botti's previous work, especially "Night Sessions," then this will not disappoint.

The trumpet appearing with Chris on the cover photo of this release is a rare 1940 Martin "Hand Craft" Committee trumpet that just happens to be the very model played by Miles Davis and Chet Baker. In Botti's own words, Davis and Baker are his heroes. Evidently, it helps to have heroes you look up to and emulate, and, on this CD, it would appear that Chris has strived to go above and beyond his heroes with a melodically sure-footed attack that sparkles and reflects pure musical genius.

Upon hearing the beautiful tone that Chris elicits from his instrument, whether open or muted, the listener will experience a mood that is at once warm and romantic, brooding and melancholy. This is just one way the trumpet can be played in a solo or lead role. It's not someone else's style so much as it's Botti style. The tunes "Ever Since We Met", a song showcasing a very mellow vocal by Bridget Benenate, and "If I Could", featuring a simply excellent organ underpinning by Jim Cox, are two of the most notable offerings on this CD and together they represent the ultimate in Chris's chill out music and are worth every second of indulgence.

"My Funny Valentine", a song that is oft done in jazz circles, seems to be dedicated to the influence of Baker and Davis, and it's beautifully executed with just the piano accompaniment of Billy Childs. Botti seems to be saying to his idols, "Listen; this is just a little thank you for your influence in my life."

Pick up this CD, enjoy "A Thousand Kisses Deep," and "if you come to a fork in the road, take it." All the best of life to you!