Chris Botti is a Grammy Award-winning American trumpeter, composer and bandleader who often tours with high-profile guest vocalists. As one of the best-selling jazz instrumental artists of the last two decades, Botti has developed a reputation for putting together fantastic live shows with A-list collaborators. So who exactly is touring with Chris Botti in 2023?
Chris Botti’s 2023 Tour
In 2023, Chris Botti is embarking on an extensive tour across North America to support his latest album. The tour kicks off on January 6th in Las Vegas and runs through April 2nd where it wraps up in Los Angeles. Along the way, Botti will be playing major venues like Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Some of the singers slated to join Botti on tour in 2023 include Sting, Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, and Gladys Knight. Having such marquee names share the stage shows just how respected Botti is by the greatest voices in music. Audiences are in for a real treat getting to see these iconic performers trade off songs with Botti’s soaring trumpet solos.
Sting
Sting and Chris Botti have an established history of successful collaborations, including the song “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?” from Botti’s album When I Fall In Love. As one of the most distinguished and versatile musicians of the last 40 years, Sting brings instant star power to any show he’s a part of. The former frontman of The Police has racked up 17 Grammy Awards over his career thanks to hit songs like “Roxanne,” “Every Breath You Take,” and “Fields of Gold.”
Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé is the undisputed king of contemporary big band swing, so he’s a natural pairing with jazz trumpet master Chris Botti. The Canadian crooner is sure to have audiences swooning with his smooth-as-silk vocals on charming standards like “Fever” and “Hold On.” Bublé has sold over 75 million records worldwide thanks to his revival of the Great American Songbook and will add a real sense of nostalgia and romance to the tour.
Andrea Bocelli
The celebrated Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli reached global superstardom bringing classical crossover to the masses. He’ll no doubt deliver goosebump-inducing performances of classics like “Con Te Partirò” and “Nessun Dorma” while touring with Botti. Bocelli has also collaborated with Botti numerous times over the years, so fans can expect seamless musical chemistry between the trumpet player and opera singer.
Gladys Knight
The legendary Gladys Knight provides an injection of vintage R&B and soul flavor into Botti’s jazz orchestra. Nicknamed the “Empress of Soul,” Knight rose to prominence as lead singer of Gladys Knight & The Pips in the 1960s and 70s. With an amazing catalog of hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Knight will likely have everyone dancing in the aisles when she joins the tour.
Supporting Acts
In addition to the A-list guest singers, Chris Botti always surrounds himself with top-notch jazz musicians in his touring band. Some of the world class instrumentalists joining Botti on the road in 2023 include:
- Mark Whitfield – Guitar
- Carlos Henriquez – Bass
- Billy Kilson – Drums
- Andy Ezrin – Piano
- Marcelo Woloski – Percussion
- Lisa Fischer – Background vocals
- Sy Smith – Background vocals
With those kinds of chops backing him, Botti has ample musical firepower to pull off lush arrangements that run the gamut from jazz standards to full-blown pop productions. Whether he’s trading solos with the guitarist, harmonizing with the backup singers, or leading the band through an orchestral swing number, Botti is guaranteed to sound fantastic all tour long.
What to Expect From a Chris Botti Concert
Seeing Chris Botti in concert is a uniquely thrilling experience for music lovers. The atmosphere is elegant, yet welcoming, thanks in part to Botti’s laidback stage presence and effortless charm. From the moment he walks on stage in a tailored suit, Botti commands attention with world-class trumpet playing marked by gorgeous tone and soaring melodies.
Throughout the night, Botti builds excitement by seamlessly segueing between his original compositions, jazz covers, and songs featuring his guest singers. One minute he’s blazing through intricate jazz improvisations, the next he’s nailing epic high notes while Andrea Bocelli sings an Italian aria. Botti also makes sure to highlight each of his musicians with solo spotlights.
Of course the real magic happens whenever Botti is trading solos with Sting, Michael Bublé or Gladys Knight. The musical chemistry between Botti and these iconic singers is truly special. Hearing Bublé put his own twist on Miles Davis’ “My Funny Valentine” while Botti adds sultry trumpet flourishes is worth the price of admission alone.
In the end, a Chris Botti concert feels like both a trip back in time to the golden age of jazz and an inspiring look into the genre’s future. The crowd leaves entertained and uplifted, eagerly awaiting Botti’s next visit to their town.
Set List Samples from Previous Tours
To give an idea of what to expect, here are some songs Chris Botti commonly includes in his live set lists:
- “Emmanuel” – Original composition featuring soaring trumpet
- “My Funny Valentine” – Miles Davis cover with guest vocalist
- “The Look of Love” – Burt Bacharach classic
- “When I Fall in Love” – Duet with guest vocalist
- “Flamenco Sketches” – Miles Davis cover featuring Spanish guitar
- “Caruso” – Andrea Bocelli song spotlighting his operatic voice
- “Everything Happens to Me” – Jazz standard featuring piano solo
- “The Lady in My Life” – Michael Jackson cover with vocals
- “Nessun Dorma” – Puccini aria sung by Andrea Bocelli
- “Every Breath You Take” – Symphonic version of the Police hit with Sting
Conclusion
Seeing Chris Botti on tour in 2023 is an opportunity for fans to witness one of jazz music’s biggest stars performing with some of pop’s most acclaimed vocalists. The atmospheric, romantic concerts will feature a first-class band and plenty of improvised instrumental brilliance from Botti on trumpet. With hitmakers like Sting, Andrea Bocelli and Gladys Knight taking turns at the microphone, every show on this tour is sure to create unforgettable memories.