Chris Botti@Kavli Theatre 01.19.10
By George W. Harris

There is no doubt that, among the “jazz cognoscenti,” that trumpeter
Chris Botti has gotten a bad rap by being labeled a “Smooth Jazz”
artist. Judging by his two hour performance in front of the well-heeled
Thousand Oaks audience, there was little difference between the bona
fide jazz vibes in this large theatre and a second set at a place like
Spazios, Catalinas or Charlie Os. Botti even surrounds himself with
the best jazz artists around with the propelling drumming of Billy
Kilson, and guys that are stars of other bands, or lead their own in
Billy Childs/p, Geoffrey Keezer/key, Carlos Henriquez/b and Mark
Whitfield/g.

A musician like Botti is NOT “smooth” when he can squeeze out gorgeous
long tones on “Ave Maria” and rapid note runs on “When I Fall In Love”
or deliver an abstract extravaganza in Miles Davis’ “Flamenco
Sketches.” The engaging Botti is able keep the crowd interested in
these artsy pieces, although they probably identify better with the jam
session during “Cinema Paradisio” that included a medley of Black
Sabbath’s “Iron Man” and the O’Jay’s “(For The Love Of) Money.” Botti
is able to do this because he connects with the audience musically,
verbally and emotionally. Like the hip uncle, he gives interesting
stories and facts about each song, making you want to enjoy it, which
made his romantic duets with the enchanting-toned violinist Lucia
Micarelli on tunes like “Manuel” all the more enticing. He won the
crowd over to his side by inviting some younger fans up in the balcony
down to some empty seats in the front row, so they could better
appreciate Sy Smith on stage for a funky Headhunters inspired take of
“Good Morning Heartache” which combined Smith’s husky voice, Keezer’s
searing synthesizer and Botti’s punching trumpet spikes to a toe
tapping delight. The pop the clutch into overdrive reading of “Indian
Summer” segued into a gentle closing duet between Botti and Childs of
the Sinatra’s “One For My Baby” making the audience feel that they were
all in the saloon together. No, not smooth…polished. And there’s
nothing wrong with that!