After experiencing Chris Botti‘s captivating concert at The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, I delved into the multifaceted world of this jazz superstar. There exists a dichotomy in Botti’s artistry, between the mellowness of his records, and a dynamism that explodes on stage. At the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Botti, alongside an exceptional band, showcased his unexpected, explosive side.
A master of collaboration, he generously shared the spotlight, allowing fellow musicians to shine. The highlight was a spellbinding duet between the talented violinist Caroline Campbell, bedecked in a resplendent blue gown, and Botti, dapper in a fine dinner jacket. The performance unfolded on the cinematographic canvas of a moonlit Riviera Maya beach, their instruments weaving tales. Their renditions of “Emmanuel” and “Cinema Paradiso” from the Boston album were impressively dramatic. As the music resonated under the full moon, the audience was entranced. On the sandy beach, Campbell confided to Botti that he “felt nude” amidst the crowd, a testament to the intimacy and magic they created.
As the evening and the concert progressed, the emotional crescendo reached new heights with the introduction of spectacular sax solos, masterfully delivered by Chad Lefkowitz-Brown. The synergy between the musicians created an immersive experience that clearly resonated with the audience. The concert was full of surprises, with Botti inviting the brilliant Black singer Sy Smith to the stage. Smith’s unique ability to create DJ sound effects with her mouth added a layer of ingenuity to the performance.
The energy surged even higher when Veronica Swift, a vocalist reminiscent of the great Ella Fitzgerald, took the stage. Swift’s virtuosity and vocal prowess left an indelible mark, adding a visceral and all-encompassing dimension to the show. The ensemble, in their powerhouse configuration, delivered an all-out performance that resonated with the crowd. To close the show, they returned to the stage for a jubilant finale, playing for an exhilarating 20 minutes. The infectious rhythm invited the audience to dance, creating a collective ecstasy that lingered in the night air, making the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival a musical journey to remember.
The day after the mesmerizing concert, I sat down to reflect on an insightful pre-performance interview with Chris Botti. Only hours before he took the stage, Botti shared his excitement about the show’s eclectic lineup, emphasized the simplicity of his responsibility: “My job is to come here tonight and put on a show that hopefully these people will love, [that will]linger in their minds for some time [and make them]come back to see our show next time we’re here, or anywhere else. That’s my only job.”
He acknowledged the uncertain landscape for emerging jazz musicians, lamenting changes in the industry. Reflecting on the bygone era when record labels played a pivotal role in the development of musical careers, Botti expressed concern for the current generation of musicians, as they navigate a transformed landscape. He shared his apprehension about the future of jazz and the challenges faced by young artists in a world where traditional revenue streams have disappeared. The shifting dynamics, including the decline of television’s influence, have led Botti to ponder the future of jazz.
“You can’t have a music community unless you have stars that people want to go see,” he mused. Botti, ever the maestro, prepares to navigate the evolving musical landscape, embodying the spirit of jazz—improvisational, unpredictable, and endlessly vibrant.
Chris Botti’s journey reflects resilience. His live performance and influential mentorship set the example, and represent a glimmer of hope for emerging talents, who themselves are the future of jazz.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
https://rivieramayajazzfest.com/en
