Botti and Company Wow at the Kravis

Chris Botti (third from left) and his musical all-[stars at the Kravis (NPBL Photo)

By GERRY BARKER

Trumpet player extraordinaire Chris Botti's world tour made a stop Jan. 25 in West Palm Beach at the Kravis Center, which Botti praised as "Carnegie Hall South" before a near sellout audience. 

The Grammy Award-winning musician (who told us he just turned 60), promised "an old-fashioned variety show," and for the next two hours, he, his band and special guests delivered just that.

Botti, as he always does, created musical magic on standards like "My Funny Valentine" and "I've Got You Under My Skin," as well as a selection of songs from an upcoming album. At the same time, you could tell he takes immense pleasure and pride showcasing the talents of the other musicians sharing the stage.

Band members Lee Pearson (drums), Reggie Hamilton (bass), Leonardo Amuedo (guitar) and Holger Marjamaa (piano) were able to spotlight their considerable expertise, including an extending jam session that had Marjamaa attacking the keys remindful of an early Elton John or Jerry Lee Lewis. At the conclusion, it was heartening to see the sometimes conservative Kravis crowd on their feet and clapping, as they did on several occasions.

Other highlights, and surprises, included:

-- Violinist Anastasiia Mazurok, with a pop and rock medley that included an electrifying version of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir." We didn't see that coming.

-- Smooth jazz great Andy Snitzer, who joined Botti onstage with his saxophone.

-- Want variety? How about an appearance by tenor Rafael Moras, who mesmerized with a soul-stirring version of "Nessun dorma," from Puccini's opera "Turandot ." 

-- Botti was also joined by fellow trumpet player and vocalist Benny Benack III, in town to perform at The Society for the Four Arts on Palm Beach Feb. 1. Botti noted it was the first time he's shared the stage with another trumpet player.

-- Vocalist Veronica Swift, described by Botti as an up and coming superstar, delivered an energetic set of songs that made us feel like we were in a posh, New York supper club. 

Overall, it was two hours of incredible energy and fun, experiencing musicians performing at the top of their craft. Next year, Botti is headlining "Chris Botti at Sea." Feb. 8-15, he and a group of all-star performers will sail out of Miami on Celebrity Summit. Cocktails and smooth jazz? Count us in!