For Chris Botti, performing at a college campus brings him closer to his musical roots.
Looking back on his career, he said his main mentor was his college trumpet teacher.
"My experiences with him changed my life and have a lot to do with why things work for me today and why I have the sound that I do," Botti said.
While he is mostly known as a jazz musician, Botti, a two-time Grammy winner, has made the transition into adult contemporary music and is no longer constricted to one genre.
"I strive to create a specific atmosphere with my music. The sound of my records are best late at night, penthouse setting, romantic lighting, moody, surrounded by great architecture," he said.
Returning to Muncie with this unique jazz sound, Botti will play music from his new album "Italia" as well as some of his older records at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Emens Auditorium.
An Oregon native, Botti pursued his music studies at Indiana University and appeared with jazz legend David Sanborn at Emens in 2006.
"Italia" includes the newly-composed title track featuring the vocals of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli as well as a new interpretation of "The Very Thought of You" with guest vocalist Paula Cole.
"Ultimately, the musical backdrop changes whether you are playing jazz or classical music," he said, "but I have been fortunate enough to have the solitary tone of my instrument connect with a worldwide audience."
Botti attributed his mother for introducing him to music. He said she was the reason he started playing trumpet at age 10.
"She got me into the piano and, like most kids, I sort of rebelled against it," he said.
His interest in the instrument piqued further when he discovered some of the artists who are still his favorites today, he said.
"I saw Doc Severinsen on television and thought the trumpet would be cool. I picked one up and then a few years later, when I was 12, I heard my first three notes out of Miles Davis' trumpet," he said. "That pretty much solidified it for me. To this day I listen to and follow the music of Miles Davis daily."
From there he landed his first professional job playing with Frank Sinatra on a two-week concert tour. He has also spent time touring with Paul Simon and two and a half years with Sting. As a performer, being onstage is still what Botti said he loves the most.
"There is nothing more rewarding than having the opportunity to get up on stage in front of a live audience of enthusiastic fans each night and play with my outstanding band. I have been very fortunate being able to perform on a regular basis and this is what energizes me each time we go out onstage," he said.
With Botti's show Saturday, Emens begins another semester with something for everyone. Bob Myers, director of Emens Auditorium, is optimistic about the upcoming year. The venue will play host to a variety of events including Jeff Dunham, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, a number of theater productions and Umphrey's McGee, an act that many students have requested. Many of the performances at Emens are available to Ball State students for $5 and some are free with a student ID.
Like many of the shows at Emens, Botti's concert offers students a way to expose themselves to a different type of music., Darcy Wood, associate director of marketing for Emens said.
"For $5, it's a really good opportunity for students to see somebody who's at the pique of their career," she said. "I think it's something people could try to experience something new and different."
Cameron Banks, a sophomore music education major, is a long time fan of Botti and his music. He is excited to get a chance to see a famous musician at such a discounted price.
"Being a trumpet player I always loved listening to Chris Botti's music," he said. "I have always wanted to see him live, and outside of Ball State that would cost me something around $50 or $60," he said.
If you goBotti will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for kids (age 18 and younger) and $5 for BSU students with valid ID. Call 285-1539 for more info.
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