Chris Botti (born October 12, 1962) is an American trumpeter and composer known for a polished, lyrical style that brings together jazz, pop, smooth jazz, and orchestral music. His playing is marked by a warm tone, carefully shaped melodies, and an emphasis on atmosphere and emotional directness. Although often associated with contemporary jazz, Botti has built a career that moves comfortably between instrumental music, popular song, classical presentation, and high-profile collaborative work.
Born in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Corvallis, Botti began playing trumpet at the age of nine. His mother was a classically trained pianist, and music was part of his early home life. At 12, he became committed to jazz after hearing Miles Davis perform "My Funny Valentine." As a teenager, Botti performed in local clubs and was selected for the 1981 McDonald's All American High School Jazz Band, an honor that included a performance at Carnegie Hall. He later studied at Indiana University under jazz educator David Baker and trumpet teacher Bill Adam. During this period, he also received grants that allowed him to study with trumpeter Woody Shaw and saxophonist George Coleman.
Botti left Indiana University before completing his degree after receiving professional opportunities with Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra. He subsequently moved to New York, where he developed his reputation as a versatile studio and touring musician. In 1990, he joined Paul Simon's band and remained with Simon for several years. His work during this era also included appearances and collaborations with artists such as Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, and the Brecker Brothers. These experiences placed Botti in a wide range of musical settings and helped establish the adaptable approach that would define his later career.
As a bandleader, Botti made his recording debut with First Wish in 1995. Albums including Caught (1996), Midnight Without You (1997), and Slowing Down the World (1999) explored a crossover sound that combined jazz trumpet with pop-oriented production and atmospheric arrangements. His association with Sting became an important turning point. Botti joined Sting's touring band for the Brand New Day era and appeared on the live project ...All This Time, recorded in Italy on September 11, 2001. The experience encouraged him to rethink his musical direction and contributed to the more expansive sound of Night Sessions (2001).
Botti reached a wider audience with When I Fall in Love (2004), an album built around standards, orchestral textures, and guest vocalists. Its success was followed by To Love Again: The Duets (2005), Italia (2007), and the concert recording Chris Botti in Boston (2009). These releases established his signature blend of romantic balladry, jazz improvisation, and large-scale presentation. His collaborations have included Sting, Michael Buble, Herbie Hancock, Mark Knopfler, Vince Gill, Andrea Bocelli, Yo-Yo Ma, and David Foster.
In 2013, Botti won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Impressions. The record reflected his continuing interest in melody and featured contributions from several prominent musicians. After years of extensive touring and live performances, he returned to a smaller-scale standards setting with Vol. 1 in 2023. Across his career, Botti has remained identified less with strict genre boundaries than with a distinctive trumpet voice that makes jazz-based instrumental music accessible to a broad audience.