The color of music cascaded onto Long Island University's Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on this stormy Saturday evening. Couples under umbrellas dressed in black tie and gowns eased into the gala event featuring Grammy Award winning jazz performer Chris Botti. After an eye popping cocktail hour of the most delectable hor deurves and bottomless bottles of crisp champagne the doors opened to the belly of the Tilles Center Theater where 2,242 attendees took their seats unexpected of the magic that would be unleashed by this man and his trumpet.
The house lights dimmed to a sky blue lit silk drop which floated effortlessly with splashes of white and red illuminating the full orchestra on stage. The Tilles Center welcomed Grammy Award winner Billy Childs on piano, the beautiful Sy Smith on vocals, Billy Kilson on drums, Mark Whitfield and Chris Botti to the stage where the 47 year young movie-star like trumpeter opened the night up with the most tantalizing version of Caruso setting the mood for love throughout the audience.
Couples collected each other in embrace of tenderness as Chris shared his passion of music effortlessly with an array of tracks off his latest album titled Italia such as Once Upon a Time in America (Deborah's Theme), Turandot/Nessun Dorma, and The Very Thought of You sung flawlessly by Sy Smith. Her voice not only captures your imagination in a colorful spectrum of intimacy but delivers vivacious notes that kiss your soul. The perfect combination of voice and trumpet was one of a number of highlights which included two unforgettable performance by Lucia Micarelli (Josh Grobin - Violinist).
The beauty created by this night ignited new love for young love and old love alike. Chris's ability to connect with his fans is honest and deep leaving his fans in laughter and tears. Highlights of the night for me were the performances of Flamenco Sketches, Italia, and the theme to Cinema Paradiso. The colors pouring out from the lights painted the silk curtain weaving and intertwining itself into a visual display of stimulation and artistry.
It is my opinion that Chris Botti is not only the hardest working man in Jazz. His music brings out the softer sensual side needed to make any night a night to remember sealed with a gentle hand sweep on my arm, a glisten in her eyes, and a kiss that said, "yes." With over 200 performances this year alone that gave us a recent DVD release and live CD release Chris will be continue his performances in the US now scheduled into October 2009. Don't miss your chance to renew your eyes and ears to the faded colors in your mind.
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