If you are stressed out from exam revision, try Chris Botti's latest album Italia. Botti is a trumpeter who plays smooth jazz that's a level or two cooler than Kenny G.
Botti is known for teaming up with big-name singers for some memorable duets. He has performed or recorded with artists such as Sting, Frank Sinatra, Chaka Khan, Steven Tyler, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart and Burt Bacharach.
The title track on Botti's 10th solo album is a wonderful duet with famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. The song has a smooth mellowness, and Botti's trumpet playing comes over like a jazz saxophone. Bocelli delivers his customary passionate performance.
Estate is a typical smooth jazz piece with Botti taking centre stage backed up by a soft orchestra and piano. It's a nice relaxing piece that could be relegated to lounge music, or even muzak, if it wasn't for Botti's immense talent and style.
The CD also contains two more amazing duets. The Very Thought of You with Paula Cole and Dean Martin's I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face are both a treat to listen to.
This is the perfect CD to help wash away those exam blues. Lose yourself in the magic of some really good jazz.
