Chris and his exciting band’s recent performance at The Chicago Theatre did not disappoint. I was standing in the beautiful Chicago theatre alcove next to a sculpture of an angel for the beautiful opener of Ave’ Maria and felt instantly transported to an ancient church by the haunting strains of Botti’s interpretation of this classic piece.

I have seen Chris Botti before both as an opening act for Sting and as Sting’s soloist and was wondering how Chris would carry an entire evening of music by himself. Obviously the years of constant touring have paid off and did not jaded Chris in any way because he has become a consummate and accomplished showman with a great sense of humor and stage presence all his own. The beautiful thing about his playing is that although you sense he has tremendous skills, he never lets that interfere with the soul of the song he is playing. Chris has a wonderful way of letting the silence in each song, the empty spaces, and gentle pauses breathe and speak with eloquence.

Chris Botti’s entire band is composed of players as talented as he is and they take turns dazzling the audience. Drummer Billy Kilson is what I call “out of his mind talented” . Billy plays the complex and changing Jazz drum rhythms with all the heart and soul and explosive brilliance of a drummer in a full out rock band, so you won’t hear any cold, swishy, existential beats here.

I hate reviews that go through the entire set list so I’ll just mention that Botti’s rendition of the classic “My Funny Valentine” was so good it brought tears to my eyes. When he played “What will I do? (When you are far away)” so poignant and flowing with rare emotional overtones, it made the audience wonder what THEY would do when Botti was far away and they couldn’t hear him play live.

Botti has a great policy of meeting his fans after every show. Chris and some of the band stay for over an hour after every performance to sign CD’s and meet every single person who waits in line and at this show the line was very long. This is a nice practice not only to sell merchandise but to allow fans to meet the dynamic performer they just listened to and put a human face on what seems a supernatural talent.

Chris Botti’s demanding year round touring schedule means that he will be returning to Chicago and surrounding areas many times, so if you are looking for an evening of high quality Jazz with your loved one that will inspire you to reach Valentine’s Day levels of romance on an ordinary Saturday night you MUST check him out. Visit his website at www.chrisbotti.com for more information on his current tour, you will not be disappointed and as his beautiful album titles suggest you might just find the strength “To Love Again” or find yourself the lucky recipient of “ A Thousand Kisses Deep”!