Chris Botti is ready to jazz up Montclair!
To the average music fan, Chris Botti might not be a name that jumps out at you. That could be because jazz is marginalized from mainstream music, or because Botti, regardless of his seismic success, is not a man that relishes the spotlight.
Botti was born in Portland, Ore., to a mother who was classically trained in piano. From an early age, Botti was introduced to fine music and developed an ear for it. He started playing the trumpet at nine years old, and soon after became one of the seemingly uncountable mass of musicians that are profoundly affected by the original rock star, Miles Davis. Throughout the course of his career, Botti has continuously cited Davis as one of his biggest influences and inspirations.
Chris Botti’s entire career has been riddled with success, and this success found him oftentimes witnessing and learning from great musicians. As a teenager, Botti received two endowments from the National Endowment for the Arts. This led to him studying with all-time great jazz musicians Woody Shaw and George Coleman for two consecutive summers. Through hard work and commitment to his art, Botti created an unparalleled foundation from which he could launch his career from.
Botti attended the Indiana University School of Music until his senior year, when he left for short touring spells with both Frank Sinatra and Buddy Rich. Since then, Botti has had an undercover meteoric rise through the ranks of music reverence.
Botti’s visit to Montclair will be welcome amongst jazz fans and music fans alike. One longtime fan and former musician, Pedro Dellavasquez from West Orange, said, “It is so exciting to have someone like Botti come and play. He is a living legend in the jazz community, and while many people might not know of his talents, this is a perfect opportunity for people in North Jersey to become enlightened by him.”
The praise that constantly surrounds Botti may seem overblown until you listen to his music. Botti has won one Grammy and has been nominated for four more, no small feat for somebody who prefers his name stay out of the press.
The show on Oct. 21 is set to be a wonderful night. The combination of Botti’s masterful music and The Wellmont’s intimate space is sure to satisfy anyone that decides to attend. Chris Botti‘s concert at The Wellmont is on Oct. 21 and doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at The Wellmont Theater. The Wellmont Theater is located at 5 Seymour Street.
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