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| Chris Botti, above. |
by Olga Khvorostetska, Editor-in-chief, UM Air Magazine, Ukraine
There are many talented musicians in the world, but only a few can facet their talent like a diamond, achieve the highest level of performance skill, which the fans will admire. The world-renowned trumpeter Chris Botti is one such person. He told us about the characteristics of his style, tremendous self-discipline and incredible love for the public.
Chris, have you ever thought that the performance of famous trumpeter Miles Davis that you saw when you were a twelve-year-old boy would be the first step on the way to the brilliant career of a famous trumpeter?
Chris Botti: Yes, I knew right then that I wanted to be a jazz trumpeter. But, I really believe that there is a common thread for anyone who has 'made it', that when you’re not making it, you don’t tell yourself “you’re not making it” but view every single little victory as a monumental accomplishment. For instance, early on if I was able to pay my rent that month, I felt like I won an Academy Award. So, I think you focus on putting one foot in front of the other and you don’t get too bogged down with not being a big solo artist at that point in your life.
At his time, the above-mentioned Davis, in contrast to many other jazz musicians, was not constrained to just one jazz style. He was even compared to Picasso – so multifaceted his talent was. And now you, as a musician and instrumentalist, have chosen to work at the cross-borders of genres. Have you taken on the tradition?
I can't say that I've 'taken on the tradition’; I guess that's for the critics to decide. Certainly, Miles Davis was a huge influence in my life, especially Miles in the '60s. I’ve always loved sophisticated pop music like Sting, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon or Stevie Wonder and the combination of performing jazz instrumentally with influences of sophisticated pop music has always been at the cornerstone of my music. Now, in addition to classical music, it has been the mix that works for me and I think the combination is good for the audience as well.
Your love for music goes back to your childhood. As far as we know, at first you were playing the piano, like your mother, but then you decided to set your mind on the tube. Did it ever happen to you at times that you wanted to abandon that idea and carelessly hang out with other children?
No, I was very focused on the trumpet. I just basically forgot about everything else. At a certain point, you're committed to something to an extent that you would do anything. I was really committed to practicing music, very, very ambitious and dedicated as a young person to my trumpet, and so it was many hours a day that I practiced. There's a great quote from Joni Mitchell that said «Being a musician is 1 percent God-given talent and the other 99 percent insanity».' It's really sort of a joke, I suppose, but it's really true in a lot of ways. You have to be blinded by your own dedication, and that's a real important part of it.
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| Assia Ahhatt and Chris Botti. |
You play in your band, with other well-known musicians’ bands, chamber ensembles, large symphony orchestras. Which do you like most?
Being on tour and playing for my fans. That’s what I really want to do. I’ve seen a lot of artists become successful and then they go “goodbye audience, I don’t want to tour anymore!” I just think it’s a shame. To really connect with our fans we’re on the road 300 days a year and people say ‘how do you have a life?’ I don’t, but I wouldn’t change anything, it’s just really amazing!
They say you have learned patience and love for the routine from Sting. Is this true?
Yes, what Sting does and the way he conducts his life; I try in many ways to emulate how he runs his world. It’s based on being on the road a lot, the dedication you get from music, performing the music, landing in a city and getting straight to yoga, maintaining the practice, all those sorts of things that I have picked up from him have helped me enormously in my career.
You create an incredible friendly atmosphere at the beginning of your concerts, your "Ave Maria" is amazing, and you are trying to give happiness and joy to the public. Does the public give it back to you?
Absolutely! Every time I step on stage. I also try to meet fans after my shows when my schedule permits. It’s not lost on me at all that we have fans that buy tickets, take a night off and come to the show. It means so much. I want nothing more than to continue touring with my amazing band and playing for fans around the world!
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To his concerts in Ukraine, which will be held in Kiev and Kharkov on 3 and 4 April, 2012, Chris Botti invited Ukrainian violinist Assia Ahhatt as a special guest. They last played together in the world’s most famous jazz club Blue Note in New York on 19 December, 2011. Assia Ahhatt has left her mark in history as the first Ukrainian musician to play at this prestigious night club. www.assiaahhatt.com
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