[TPIN] Chris Botti

[David Arndt]

Jumping in... (slightly off topic, but following up on Tim's comment)...

Chris Botti was on the New Jersey Network earlier this year (Tuesday night
jazz), along with Roy Hargrove and Phil Woods (if memory serves).

In the interview, he mentioned that a lot of bebop and similar styles just
"moved to fast for him".  He said his agent told him - "Play your style, and
I'll sell it".  

At that point, Roy Hargrove turned to him (humorously) and said "How do I
get in contact with this agent of yours?"  <g>

I was impressed with Chris Botti's candor. It might be a good message for
all those college age players trying to be "the best at everything" and
constantly beating themselves to play higher, faster and louder: Instead,
relax a bit and be true to what you're really good at.

Not a bad lesson.

(now, as for an agent trying to pass him off as Chet Baker... I wonder what
Botti would say about that, trumpet-player to trumpet-player?)

Cheers,

- Dave


-----Original Message-----
From: tpin-bounces at tpin.okcu.edu [mailto:tpin-bounces at tpin.okcu.edu] On
Behalf Of Tim Swensen
Subject: Re: [TPIN] Chris Botti

Tim,
   
  I think he is playing a vintage Martin Committee, though I didn't see the
program.
  He is definitely marketed in an overly slick way, but I think he plays
quite well.
  The record company is selling him like Chet Baker.  Oh well........
   
  Tim Swensen