CD: Vol. 1

"Less is more" is a truism. That it always hits the nail on the head is proven by "Vol. 1," the new album by Chris Botti, one of the world's most successful trumpeters. Botti has recorded as an accompanist with an astonishing number of pop and crossover superstars in his career to date, and has also invited famous guests and symphonic accompaniment to his own albums, several of which have reached gold and platinum status. On his Blue Note debut, he now rigorously scales back such efforts and presents himself with only a small but fine cast. The result is pure musical magic.
"Vol. 1" takes Chris Botti - on the world's best-known jazz label - back to his jazz roots. His almost meditative, deeply relaxed interpretations of standards and ballads like "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "Old Folks," "My Funny Valentine" and "Someday My Prince Will Come" bring out the melodic beauty of the originals, Botti circling them with elegant trumpet tone, almost as if he were singing on his instrument.