Second Cup Cafe: Chris Botti

(CBS)  He's one of the most well-known and respected musicians in the business today, approaching the 3 million mark in worldwide album sales and playing to fans all over the world.

His latest effort, titled "Chris Botti in Boston," highlights a two-night run at Boston's historic Symphony Hall and features performances from Sting, Josh Groban, Steven Tyler, Yo-Yo Ma, John Mayer and Katharine McPhee.

Botti stopped by the The Early Show Saturday Edition's "Second Cup Cafe" to perform "Emmanuel."

Considered one of the world's top-selling instrumental artists, Botti, like Yanni to the piano and Kenny G to the saxophone, has made the trumpet amazingly hip, cool and contemporary.

Botti, who puts a unique spin on pop, jazz, and classical genres, released his first solo album in 1995. He hasn't shown any sign of slowing since: He's performed 250 concerts in the past year alone!

Botti largely credits Sting for his success. The music icon made him quit his band and take the spotlight as his featured soloist on the "Brand New Day" tour, which ran for two years.

"That was the very first time I opened for him, and he essentially gave me my career," Botti told the Palm Beach Post. "He calls me his evil younger brother. I gotta tell you, all my big breaks lead back to Sting, every last one of them. Going around the world with him, he gave me so many fans. ... It all leads back to him and his constant friendship."

His best-selling albums include: "When I Fall In Love" (2004, #1 Top Jazz Album, #37 Billboard Top 200), "To Love Again: The Duets" (2005, #1 Top Jazz Album, #18 Billboard Top 200), and "Chris Botti Live with Orchestra & Special Guests" (2006, #2 Top Jazz Album).

Joining Chris on the Second Cup stage were Billy Kilson (drums), Billy Childs (keyboard), Tim Lefebvre (acoustic bass) and Lucia Micarelli (violin).

For more information on Botti, click on his official Web site.

[lightthestars]

What happened? Right in the middle of the song, you went to commercial. How unprofessional of you. Couldn't that have been scheduled better?
For those who are asking, the song is Emmanuel, the violinist is Lucia Micarelli (formerly with Josh Groban) and the song is on his new DVD/CD Chris Botti Live In Boston. On my station, both Chris and Lucia were introduced.

[daisykitten]

Totally disgusted with the way you cut off Chris Botti and Lucia Micarelli. The way Chris was treated, after all the times he has been on the Saturday Morning Show, was just plain rude. Your people didn't even say as much as a hello to him. I hope he never comes on your show again.
Denise in Chicago

[trueblueusa]

The Answer IS

Violinist Lucia Micarelli accompanying Chris Botti

[jimmorley1]

I agree with SDW, the hosts did not give credit to the violinist. Embarrassing for both Gotti and the violinist. Can you give us her name?

herk123

[noreechan4997]

Music is the center of my being. This AM Mr. Botti truly took that being to another level. Thanks CBS for bringing a great talent to your Cafe. Would like to know if he has recorded this song on a CD.

[ky1951]

thanks, CBS, for breaking out with a more diverse "Second Cup". BTW, can u furnish violinist's name ?

[lohmal]

Agree with SDW. The violinist is equally impressive. Can't find her name on Botti's website at least not easily. Who is she? I like the combination of two.

[trueblueusa]

Chris Botti is Fantastic
I have seen him twice,once with Diana Krall and he's a Great Musician:
Sting picked him for his ' Jazz Band ',..& that speaks Volumes !

[shirley6171]

I am very disappointed in how little attention was given to the female violinist in this piece after their performance. They were both spectacular and yet the hosts only greeted and commended Chris Botti with little or no acknowledgement to the violinist; I dont even know her name. The hosts dropped the ball on this one.

SDW