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Chris Botti: Live (With Orchestra and Special Guests) [Blu-ray]x$12.31
  (71 reviews)
Best Price: $21.98 $12.31
December 2005. Los Angeles, California. Trumpeter Chris Botti, on the heels of his break-through gold certified album "When I Fall In Love", and the record-breaking follow up "To Love Again", plays two triumphant shows at the Wilshire Theatre backed by a full orchestra and his virtuosic band. Playing repertoire mostly culled from these two hit albums, Chris is joined onstage by some of the world's most accomplished singers and musicians (in order of appearance) Sting, Jill Scott, Paula Cole, Burt Bacharach, Renee Olstead, Paul Buchanan and Gladys Knight. Filmed for the PBS Special "Chris Botti Live With Orchestra and Special Guests"....and now available on Blu-ray Disc. Presented in full 1080 High Definition and stunning high-fidelity uncompressed surround sound.
Jazz trumpeter Chris Botti is mostly exquisite on this concert DVD, which gives old fans and new arrivals a chance to hear him apply his rich, expressive playing to a number of old standards, as well as one or two of his own compositions. Botti, along with a remarkable band including Billy Childs on piano and Billy Kilson on drums, plays six numbers as instrumentals but is joined on eight other performances by a few guests. Sans vocals, Botti warms up a delighted audience with a nice, if slightly exercised, take on "Someone to Watch Over Me," but proves magnificent on "When I Fall In Love" and especially Leonard Cohen's "A Thousand Kisses Deep." Then out glides old pal Sting (who invited Botti to join his own touring band some years ago), who has a nice go at "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?", followed by jazz-blues belter Jill Scott's terrific "Good Morning Heartache." Less effective are two appearances by Paula Cole, of which the second, "The Look of Love," doesn't work particularly well for anyone, including Botti and composer-pianist Burt Bacharach (also onstage). Renee Olstead sizzles up the joint with her kittenish "Pennies from Heaven," and Sting returns for a comic if touching "My Funny Valentine." --Tom Keogh
MPN: 708147 - UPC: 886970814799
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Customer Reviews
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Impressed
By AHEYUAUZ6GW5W on 2006-03-09
I always make fun of my friends who think their hip because they listen to smooth jazz. They drop names like Rick Braun, Kenny G and Norman Brown in the same sentences as Coltrane, Miles, Coleman and Ellington like there's no difference. Don't get me wrong- I like smooth jazz too- for what it is and what it isn't. That being said, I just watched the Chris Botti special on PBS during pledge and I am impressed with Chris Botti. Yeah, I knew he did the regular smooth jazz stuff. But he can actually play.This DVD chronicles an evening with the London Orchestra. He and his guest show remarkable range as they explore jazz standards and a couple of pop songs. I especially enjoyed Good Morning Heartache with Jill Scott and Pennies from Heaven with Renee Olstead (who the heck is that... trust me she can "SANG" !!!). I listened to ths using my Harmon Kardon's Hall setting and it sounded pretty good but no cigar. I can't wait to watch this with the 5.1 mix on the DVD.
All in all this is a nice DVD to have that showcases a smooth jazz stallworth bluring the lines to straight ahead jazz. I will certainily add this to my collection.
Re-playing the magic of a
By ABCE4OXCDHEQL on 2007-04-05
After this magic night in L.A. with an all-star cast of guest vocalists, Chris Botti took the show on the road -- minus the great singers -- and on five consecutive nights stopped in as many Canadian cities, including this one. The all-instrumental show was, to my memory, even better (than this original show) because of the extended solos by Chris himself and his brilliant, accompanying musicians.
Botti told his Winnipeg audience that, when he toured with Sting, he was urged to "find yourself the best drummer in the world - and make him the heart of your band."
"So I Googled," he said, "for 'The baddest- *ss drummer in the world,' and up came the name Billy Kilson." Then Botti told us: "What you are about to see, you will not believe." He wasn't exaggerating. The drum solo (I forget the tune -- doesn't matter) was beyond any musical experience I've witnessed since Oscar Peterson last performed here 20 years ago.
I turned to the person next to me and said, "This is like watching a god." At one point Billy Kilson was performing with just one hand, multiple rhythms, with alternating shadings so subtle it sounded like he was using brushes, not sticks.
The entire band stood out in the front lobby of our "Burton Cummings Theatre" and signed autographs until every last patron had gone out into that good night. I wanted to talk to other members of this all star band, comprised of Grammy-winners, including pianist Billy Childs and guitarist Mark Whitfield. Instead, I went straight for Bill Kilson.
"Who are your heroes?" Billy thought about it a minute, (he has a modest, gentle demeanor) and said, "My teacher" (a lesser-known jazz drummer - but an influential artist whose name I can't recall six months later). When he'd mentioned just that one name, I asked: "Anyone else?"
"Max Roach," he said.
The solo Kilson performs on this DVD is impressive enough; but after seeing him 'in person' on a more extended solo, I would urge jazz fans to find a way to see Billy Kilson "live and in person," -- and be prepared to re-arrange your personal pantheon of greatest-ever drummers! Good to see that the Amazon.com editorial review (above) mentions his name and the word "remarkable" in the same sentence!
The "bonus track" on this DVD concert, also happened to be Chris Botti's lone 'encore' here in Winnipeg -- a gorgeous rendition of the Arlen/Mercer classic written for Frank Sinatra. The trumpeter told us: "I worked with Sinatra for two weeks at the start of my career -- when I was fresh out of college!" It was, he said, "the greatest musical experience of my life"
For the Winnipeg audience that gave him a standing ovation, his performance of "One for My Baby" -- ALONE -- was worth the price of admission!
great show!
By A38YHDX3A889HC on 2006-03-20
I happened to catch most of this special on PBS the other night. What a lovely concert! Not at all boring. The chemistry between Chris and his guests is so apparent during their duets. You can totally feel that Chris' trumpet is an extension of him; it's his voice and, coupled with a talented singer, is truly a treat for the eyes and ears. I was a little disappointed with Paula Cole's rendition of The Look of Love; she sounded kind of like she was sick and was a little off-key. Other than that, she has a beautiful voice. But the best performance that I saw, the one that brought me to my feet, was JILL SCOTT. I have no words for how stunning her performance was. It was not a sad, slow song but it brought tears to my eyes because she was so phenomenal. She brought down the house! Sting was so-so and Paul Buchanan was so-so. I am sorry that I missed Gladys Knight. Renee Olstead has an incredible voice (esp. for someone so young) but the song she sang did not do her much justice. All in all, the concert was great- I wish I had been there. I can not wait for the DVD to come out!
Truly a night to remember...
By A3FKQG88EZ8N01 on 2006-03-16
I, too, was at the Friday night concert. I took a very special lady friend to see this show as it was her birthday that day as well. To say that we both came away from that evening impressed would be a gross understatement!! It was, without a doubt, THE best concert I have seen in years. Chris was noticeably shaky in front of the camera, but, when he played it was pure perfection!! Backed by the London Session Orchestra, his own band which includes Billy Kilson on drums and Billy Childs on piano (both awesome musicians), and a host of celebrities from Sting to Burt Bacarach that appeared on his new CD "To Love Again", Chris had the Wilshire Theatre rockin'!! Chris' horn playing and the whole evening was a standout performance and I am so glad that the DVD is finally available (I ordered three tonight) and I hope this DVD does the concert justice. I will watch the PBS special (enduring all the pledge breaks I am sure) this Friday night here in L.A., but I can't wait to fire this up at home and relive every sweet second of that night, it was truly an night to remember and it will never be forgotten. Oh yeah, my lady friend thought it was the best birthday present ever !!
Music of the Highest Order.
By A2VJT0TNZJPXRL on 2006-10-01
I don't know if this makes sense, but I find this DVD to represent music of the highest order. Chris Botti has truly distinquished himself as the finest trumpet player living. He has a style that is capable of bridging the gap between standard jazz and smooth jazz. Most folks who like standard jazz dislike smooth jazz and vice versa. However, after seeing this release, I don't see how one could like one kind of jazz and dislike the other. Both kinds of jazz are equally good; it just depends on the arrangement and the artist playing. Botti has a style that makes one appreciate both. This is another great PBS DVD. I have never given contributions to PBS, but now I feel compelled to do so because it is capturing and preserving some of the finest musical moments in American History. Featured are legendary guest artists like Burt Bacharach, Sting, Jill Scott and many others. This DVD is recorded in both 2 channel PCM and Dolby Digital 5.1. Like many other PBS DVDs, I find the best sound for this DVD being 2 channel PCM and converting that to Dolby Pro-logic. The Dolby Pro-logic sounds richer and more accurate than Dolby Digital 5.1. In any event, this is a most purchase for all who like great music. This is destined to be a classic.
- A fine alternative to being there...
By A2BD13IQQ00DHI on 2006-07-27
Too often, there are great concerts that get missed, because of a limited crowd or engagement. This is not one of them. My wife and I attended this concert, and lived through the flaws that were edited out. Nothing wrong with the performances, all the issues were accoustic or technical in nature.
What you see here in the edited version is easily the best of the best... I saw this on HD TV several months ago, and have a copy saved. I am looking forward to replacing it with a DVD with behind the scenes footage.
THIS IS A GREAT CONCERT, that deserves special recognition. A must for any Jazz collection! The incredible warmth of the performances is perfectly documented, and seem to come alive in your living/media room. Don't miss it!
- This concert was awsom
By A13SGLJMS1QZTB on 2006-03-16
I was at this concert the first night. The PBS special doesn't even come close to how great the concert was, they had to spend too much time promoting pledging to PBS (a necessary evil). I anxiously await receiving this DVD to relive this excellent concert.
- Fabulous music, wonderful performances by Chris & his guests!
By A3I9PUR2E3BSJC on 2006-09-19
Two words to describe Chris Botti's latest release: ear candy. Or maybe auditory bliss would be a more accurate description? Either way, you get my point - I love this DVD. There are no gimmicks here - this is a beautiful, slickly produced concert that first and foremost showcases Botti's virtuosic trumpet playing (which is heavenly!). Most of the musical selections are culled from his latest studio album, the duets-heavy disc To Love Again (read my review of that album on Amazon). The duets are truly duets in every sense of the word - Botti's playing partners with each vocalist perfectly, and the two work to compliment each other, resulting in first-class performances. My favorite duets performances are Paul Cole singing "My One and Only Love," Renee Olstead singing "Pennies from Heaven" (amazing vocalist!), and Gladys Knight singing "Lover Man" (a fantastic performance, very classy). The weakest vocal is Jill Scott's on "Good Morning Heartache" - I love the studio version, but her vocal improvisation here is somewhat jarring, to say the least - but the song is still a great vehicle for Botti's playing and I love the lyric. Sting also appears for two songs - "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" and "My Funny Valentine" (it's a nice touch when Botti serenades Sting's wife sitting in the audience during the latter number). The program also features some swoon-worthy solos from Botti, especially "Someone to Watch Over Me," "When I Fall In Love," and "One For My Baby." His improvisation on these tracks is absolutely stunning, and the songs provide the perfect showcase for Botti's tremendous talent. The arrangements for all of the tracks sparkle, and it's fun to see and hear Botti and the band cut loose and have some fun with the music. This DVD comes packaged with a bonus CD featuring all the songs from the concert. This is an excellent live recording and a great document of Botti's skill with the trumpet. Now...not to sound (too) impatient or anything, but I am so ready for a new studio album!
- Once in a Life Time
By A2YTZROPG23DAD on 2006-02-15
I can not wait until this Dvd releases. If it's anything like the concerts, it will be amazing! Though it will not be able to do Chris and the guests justice, it'll be good to relive. Billed as a 'once in a life time event', these documented evenings were incredible and I can't wait to share the experience.
- This Blu-ray disc is a winner
By A2REUE8KYS33XP on 2007-07-03
Chris' own performances are top-notch, his guest musicians (such as Gladys Knight) are a knock-out, and the video and audio quality of this Blu-ray disc are stunning. The 24-bit PCM 5.1 audio track is absolutely reference-quality in every regard. Demo-material at its best, especially given the fantastic performance material.
- A Dream Concert
By A1D44YT0P8Q8XL on 2006-12-15
"When I was growing up learning how to play the trumpet, not in a million years did I ever think that tonight will be possible. For an instrumentalist to have his own special, to be onstage with an incredible orchestra, a beautiful hall, and most of all to share the stage with perhaps some of the most distinctive voices in any kind of music - Sting, Gladys Knight, Jill Scott, Paula Cole, Paul Buchanan, Rene Olstead and Burt Bacharach. Everyone's here to join me onstage for this event, which I think is the greatest musical night of my life." ~ Chris Botti ~
Flashback: December 2, 2005 at the Wilshire Theatre was to me a fabulous night to remember. And that memorable event is eternalized in this DVD. How great it was to be at that concert - the dreamiest of concerts, and it was so fulfilling to be able to watch Chris Botti perform live in concert with his very special guests - Sting, Gladys Knight, Paula Cole, Paul Buchanan, Jill Scott, Rene Olstead and of course, Burt Bacharach. He acknowledged the presence of David Foster and Jeremy Lubbock from among the audience. My only regret is that I wasn't able to meet the trumpeter-extraordinaire and let him sign my CD booklets as my friend was rushing to leave right after the concert.
Not only Chris Botti does his craft in a creatively exceptional manner but also has a very excellent showmanship. All throughout the concert, he showed a terrific stage presence. All the performances are backed by a full orchestra conducted by Gil Goldstein, and Mr. Botti's awesome band members - Billy Childs (piano), James Genus (bass), Mark Whitfield (guitar), and Billy Kilson (drums). In "Why Not" Billy Kilson showed off his artistry in drums. Chris Botti believes that the "foundation of any music really comes from drums." And he quips, "I may not be Sting, but I have Billy Kilson in my band."
Who wouldn't be mesmerized with his hauntingly beautiful solo performances that show off his exquisite trumpet playing? And these beguiling tunes are "When I Fall In Love," "Someone To Watch Over Me, "Cinema Paradiso," "One For My Baby" and "A Thousand Kisses Deep."
One of the show's glorious moments is the special appearance of a living legend, Burt Bacharach, on one of the most stunning performances, well-applauded, a standing ovation and his own composition, "The Look of Love," which showcase his piano skills and Paula Cole's great vocal style. And Chris Botti has the most wonderful praises about the great composer and I quote: "Burt has not only written so many incredible songs but musicians love him. He is loved by the public and musicians. When you can capture the elements of both things - to be loved by the public and to be loved by musicians, you probably are in a crew of three to four people."
Sting adds glitter to the show with his performances on "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?" and "My Funny Valentine," which elicited laughter from the audience whenever his look was directed to Chris as he sings ... "Your looks are laughable, unphotographable" and "Is your figure less than Greek? Is your mouth a little weak?" After the song, Chris Botti acknowledged and gave credit to Sting saying that if it were not for him, he wouldn't be standing onstage that night. It was Sting who asked him to join his band in Spring of 1999, and he thanked him and his wife, Trudy, as well. Yes, she's the lady from the audience being serenaded by Chris Botti on the intro of "My Funny Valentine."
Gladys Knight's dazzling performance on "Lover Man" received an enthusiastic response from the audience. There was a prolonged standing ovation. The lady who was seated next to me at the concert said that she was there mainly for Gladys Knight. Rene Olstead gives "Pennies From Heaven" a fresh interpretation that is so stylishly jazzy. Jill Scott's delivers "Good Morning Heartache" with creativity and elegance. Paul Buchanan's heartfelt and emotional performance on "Are You Lonesome Tonight" is so moving. And a show-stopper, Paula Cole's "My One And Only Love."
I truly enjoy watching this DVD as much as I've enjoyed the live concert a year ago. It's one gem of a DVD. It's a collector's item and one of my most precious collections of recorded live concerts ever. It also features clips from recording sessions, interviews with Chris Botti and his musicians, Sting, and some of his guest artists plus a special performance of "Message In A Bottle" by Sting.
Wholeheartedly recommended for your viewing pleasure. It's truly a dream concert.
- WOW! How good is this? As good as it gets!!!
By A1FO9G1QNEKW03 on 2006-09-08
I've been waiting for this since I saw the PBS special in february of this year. The DVD is a great concert and the special features give terrific insight into this star musician especially those not familiar with his skills. The CD is a wonderful addition to the collection and THERE ARE NO BAD SONGS ON THIS DISC! It would be easier to pick the song or two I don't kinda don't love than to list the other 12 that I can keep in heavy rotation indefinately. Buy it, don't burn it and get it NOW!!
- I Was There!!
By AUPVPMWZTALH2 on 2006-09-13
I have been to a lot of concerts but this was one of the all time greats. "Jazz History Was Made" read one review. The PBS special did not do it justice because it did not include the great drum solo, "Why Not" and the incredible Finale. This is a great gift for anyone of any age. Don't miss it.
- Chris Botti and his best
By A2SCG70MDBOO7J on 2006-10-12
This DVD is not only excellent to view but the sound is wonderful. While you'll enjoy the many guest stars (I most enjoyed seeing and hearing Gladys Knight again: where has this woman been? Her voice is still the same after all these years). Chris's band is outstanding. This is the same band Chris has been touring with this year and they are tight and excellent. Add an orchestra and you have magic..
- Refreshing Enjoyment!
By AL8ENJ95YXMQI on 2006-11-13
It has been a long time since you could put on a dvd or cd and know immediately that you are going to enjoy the whole show. Chris Botti has a sound not heard vert much. Each entertainer will cause your expectation to build from one song to the next. Jill Scott, Gladys Knight, Sting,
stirs you up. I received my copy on the day of my friends birthday party and put it on not knowing that the party would become centered around the tv! I think everyone there ordered a copy. Awesome. You cannot go wrong on this with gift giving especially with the dvd & cd.
- Very Talented Musician
By A2ZV522BBSQTRI on 2006-11-13
I recently discovered Chris Botti and he is without a doubt a very talented musician - up there with all the greats! The other performers,
Sting, Gladys Knight, and others were also superb. If you love jazz and
appreciate an extremely talented trumpet player this DVD is for you.
- Great Combo - CD & DVD
By A2BB4L3W2QK2LG on 2007-02-24
You get 2 (CD & DVD) for the price of 1.
Great music and cast. Two-thumbs up!!!
- Chris Botti
By A2GVA4TVZFYTF1 on 2007-03-23
Chris Botti is a master and this album is super. A great value with both the CD and DVD included.
- Superb audio and visual
By A3E10L05V5KF89 on 2007-08-02
Bluray players have just been launched im my part of the world naturally experiencing a bluray disc movie has been an eagerly awaited event.When I popped in this disc into my Sony BDP-S1E,hooking it up to my newly installed 7.1 surround sound system,my,I have just seen and heard the very best of a `live` performance.So real you can just feel Chris Botti is blowing right in front of you.Performance by various guest artiste is simply wonderful you just want to spin this disc over and over again.If you love concert music and just got yourself a bluray disc player this is certainly a worth buy.
- Chris Botti: Live (With Orchestra and Special Guests) - Blu-ray Info
By AHABFECTNE15I on 2008-10-09
Version: U.S.A / Region A, B, C
MPEG4-AVC BD-50 / 1080i59.94
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Running time: 1:29:01
Movie size: 31,01 GB
Disc size: 41,14 GB
Average video bit rate: 28.91 Mbps
LPCM 5.1 13.8 Mbps 96Khz/24-bit
DD AC3 5.1 640Kbps
DD AC3 2.0 640Kbps
Subtitles: None
#Chris Botti Live: Behind the Scenes - Documentary (1080i / 30 min)
#Interview with Chris Botti - Featurette (1080i / 19 min)
#Meet the Musicians - Featurette (1080i / 10 min)
- Pretty good, missing one important song
By AQQIEEL6VZTIR on 2006-09-13
This is a great cd- the performance, the audio quality, just about everything.
I was very disappointed though that he did not include his most popular song Indian Summer. This song is what even got me hooked on Botti's music in the first place.
This would be a 5 star for me, except for the very notable omission. If that song doesn't do much for you, then you will really enjoy it.
- A fantasic consert
By A3LP35A3A92AMW on 2006-11-05
We really like to recomend this consert, great sound and a very nice mixture of songs. It must also be metioned that it's not only nice to listen to it,when you watch the consert it is allmost like you where there.
Regards VMJ-Sweden.
- Great Listening and Viewing
By A91WIGB7ACW7U on 2006-11-05
Anything you get with Chris Botti in it will be great. High quality picture with great shots.
- You MUST see this dvd!!!!
By A2P66QBC4PPR65 on 2006-11-10
Miles Davis is applauding in his grave. Chris Botti's soul gushes out of his trumpet with the most mesmerizing tone -- this is a transporting, magical dvd to watch. And you also get the extra treat of seeing him do duets with amazing artists like Sting and Jill Scott. After you watch it, you'll want to buy it as gifts for your favorite people. Enjoy it!
- The Perfect Gift
By A259AMJKXX4BN1 on 2006-12-26
This cd is on of the few gifts under $500 that will make you look sophisticated and thoughtful. Chris achieved his status as a result of his smooth, sensuous trumpet playing on tour with Sting (who often appears on Chris's cds). Chris has the gift of bringing a fresh, cool feel to jazz and pop favorites while honoring the mood and melody of the original. His versions are new and distinctive, but he doesn't change the emotion of the piece by being too improvisational or edgy. Everyone associates Saxaphones with jazz. Playing jazz on a trumpet requires much more subtlety, and this CD is rare and refreshing example of trumpet-based jaz.
- Chris Botti - Live
By A1GH2K1G8S61OY on 2007-01-09
I bought this for a gift for my father. The music CD was BLANK!!!
- smooth and vibrant
By A27PL646ZYI6NA on 2007-01-13
not everyone knows what licks you can get out of a horn--and with good camera angles, nice voice and a good selection of tunes, you might be among the converted.
- Wow, Whatta Sound!
By A261AMLS9H5XV4 on 2007-01-16
You'll get goose bumps just soaking in the teriffic sounds of this fabulous trumpeteer. Combined with his special guests, this is a DVD you'll watch again and again.
Don't pass this up!! It's the next best thing to paying $200 for a live performance front-row seat.
- FANTASTIC
By A2UY1K67ED4EEL on 2007-01-17
I wasn't sure about this when I ordered it, but it was a HIT! Its a new favorite, and everyone who hears it, raves. Beautiful stage, great music!
- A pearl in my collection
By A14MWQFQ0CTS1W on 2007-01-19
I bought this CD and some other by Chris Botti after having heard one of his tunes on the radio. It fullfilled all my expectations. The music spans over jazz to rock in a way that Sting is a master of. And yes, Sting appears on the CD and is a musical colleague of Chris. The music is stylish but with soul. Chris has lots of technical ability but he never uses it to show off. It is smooth jazz at it's best.
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