It begins with the opening phrase of Gounod’s Ave Maria – just the solo voice – long, languid, perfect tones, with only the slightest improvisation that let’s you know this is something special. A Chris Botti concert. The voice is his trumpet – and he sings it in his own personal, once – heard -never- forgotten style.
The crowd is already in high spirits, in anticipation of what they know (either from previous experience or acute instinct) what the next 90 minutes is going to be. They are in the presence of excellence, of deepest heart and purest soul – maybe as close to God as we humans can expect on this earth – wonderful music.
It’s not just Chris himself, although that would most certainly be enough to ignite transcendence. But, he is a magnet for the excellence of others. His band includes Mark Whitfield on his bright red guitar, Carlos Puerto on bass and the amazing, thrilling, according to Sting “most bad ass drummer ever” Billy Kilson. Just seeing him on the stage tells you this performance is going to be over way before you want it to be. On keyboard and piano are two more of Chris’ friends – Andy Ezrin and Geoffrey Keezer – and it is obvious they are having the time of their lives! Special guests are the stunning vocalist Lisa Fischer and violin virtuoso Caroline Campbell. I mean, REALLY!
Folks, we are at The South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset – a small town south of Boston; not in the center of Manhattan. I only hope everyone realizes what a gift this evening is!
The concert is a selection from old favorites and some newly discovered favorites! One of the cool things about including locals and different guests is that even the numbers that travel from concert to concert around the world are a little different via the interpretations and abilities of the guests. Being on the road for seven years, 300 days a year, I’m thinking this changeup must keep things fresh and fun for the regular band members. For sure, they do not look bored. Or tired. No, they also are obviously having the time of their lives.
They play with the abandon that is available only to those exceptionally skilled at their craft. They have achieved Musical Zen. As is the way of Jazz, they take turns showing their stuff, play off each other, to each other, feed and nurture each other, sometimes break into spontaneous laughter of joy at what they are creating together! And, the joy just ripples out through the audience, ecstatic to be taken along on this magic carpet ride.
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In the end, we are gently landed back where we began – the stage is empty except for Chris with Geoffrey at the piano. Chris tells us his story of being a young boy and hearing Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis playing My Funny Valentine. As he tells it, that was the moment he decided he was going to play trumpet. They complete the evening with the iconic melody, an homage to that turning point in his very young life.
As I write this, my heart is beating a little faster, remembering Saturday night… how I felt before; how I felt after. Not a small miracle, this. The ‘world’ didn’t change. The headlines Sunday morning were still grim The world may not have changed, but I HAVE!
True, I’m not any younger. My back still hurts. I still need remedial wardrobe therapy. My checking account shows the same balance. But, I have received a transfusion of the highest form! Music is in my heart again! I have been in the presence of greatness and life is good. I’ve been reminded that – all my life – it has been music that has ‘saved me’. It will always be thus. For this miracle, I am once again, so grateful.
You Tube Video of Chris at South Shore Music Circus August 2013: