Vol. 1 Review by Matt Collar Chris Botti's first studio album in over a decade, 2023's Vol. 1 is an ardently delivered standards-and-ballads recording that feels like a distillation of his cool romantic aesthetic. Produced by David Foster, the album follows 2012's Impressions, for which he won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Pop Album. However, where that album was an extravagantly produced affair full of guest singers and verdant orchestral arrangements, Vol. 1 takes a much more back-to-basics approach. For much of the past 20 years, Botti has held down a yearly residency over the Christmas holidays at the Blue Note in New York City. Those shows usually find him backed by his adept small group and playing through some of his favorite songs. Working with Foster, Botti applies a similarly intimate approach to Vol. 1, sinking into cozy renditions of classics like "Danny Boy," "Two for the Road," and "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered." Here, he is joined by his most current touring ensemble, featuring pianist Taylor Eigsti, bassist Zach Moses, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Pianist Foster also joins in on several tunes, including "Someday My Prince Will Come," where his playing works as a pleasant contemporary contrast to Eigsti's more traditional, post-bop style. There are also gorgeous contributions by guitarist Leonardo Amueda, saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, pianist Esteban Castro, and acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell, the latter of whom jumps on board for a tender rendition of "My Funny Valentine." In fact, it was Miles Davis' classic version of "My Funny Valentine," used as the title track to his 1965 live album, that purportedly first inspired Botti's passion for jazz trumpet. Certainly, Davis' influence looms large over Botti's career, and Vol. 1 is no exception. Along with "My Funny Valentine," he also offers his own muted, close-eyed take on "Blue in Green," one of the key modal ballads off Davis' iconic Kind of Blue. Yet, as with all of his playing on Vol. 1, Botti builds upon his influences, transforming each song with an elegance and warmth that is singularly his own.

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