Chris Botti in Concert: Who has seen him?

TF1216 · « **on:** 5 Dec 2009, 03:17 pm »

I saw Chris Botti perform last night at the Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Many members of this forum have commented on how great Chris Botti's recordings are. I let these opinions sway me to purchase his music which I quickly fell in love with. My comments ahead are not because I am not a fan.

A friend attended the concert with me who entered the hall with an open mind and the expectation to be blown away. Immediately after the first song commenced we looked at each other in agreement and conveyed our thoughts on how muffled the music sounded. To us it was like each member tried to out-play the other. I would say it sounded like the most talented garage band assembled. It was "just noise".

The two of us sat 17 rows back in the dead center of the theater. When half the band took a break and Chris Botti played alone with a violinist and the pianist the sound was much better. I was still not completely moved but I felt I got my money's worth. Every other song played were overdone with smeared drum sounds and rumbling bass. I love bass but I could not understand why I hated it here. I got a stomach ache at one point during the concert.

I understand my words are not articulate but I am trying to take something from this experience. I guess I want to ask if others have had similar experiences in the past. Everyone in the concert hall seemed to have enjoyed the music. What makes my friend and I different?

I thought these venues were designed for music to be enjoyed from anywhere one sits. Does anyone have experiences in this hall? I have a Minnesota Orchestra recording which I think is remarkable. I believe many find the Minnesota Orchestra to be one of the best in the world. They play in this hall. What the heck was with me last night?

jkelly · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Dec 2009, 03:29 pm »

BTW Chris Botti in Boston is currently playing on PBS channels.

stlrman · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Dec 2009, 09:40 pm »

I saw him over a year ago in Pittsburgh. My seats were in the balcony. sound was good!! I was blown away by the drummer and drum solo !! I liked it .
Todd

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Dec 2009, 10:13 pm »

I've seen him several times over the years. I'm not a critic of the sound or whatever. A Chris Botti concert is always enjoyable. I call him "Mr. Smooth". Nuff said. I'm sure you all get what I mean.

Cheers
Charlie

BobM · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Dec 2009, 12:40 am »

I saw DB about 2 years ago now. My impression was that his band at the time was a fine amalgam of very talented musicians who played their pants off. Lots of chops and lots of good feel and vibe. I enjoyed them a lot, and the sound was very good in this small venue (IMAC Theater on Long Island).

CB did what he does best ... play long and emotional tones and melodies. He is absolutely and most definitely not a chops hound. Can he play fast or complicated? I dunno. Can he swing and boogie and get the audience on its feet? I dunno. He just doesn't do that in concert or on his albums. He is very, very controlled.

In my opinion the band he had touring with him 2 years ago played circles around him. But that's just my opinion.

Bob

laserman · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Dec 2009, 02:04 am »

tf121682 ,
I have seen Chris play several times in an enclosed facility and outdoors. The outside venues achieved the best sound quality because I arrived early and picked my seating spot based on how the sound check went. The other concerts were all very good in balanced sound.

Chris is Mr. Smooth for sure. Chris puts on a great show because he genuinely wants to please his audience. During one outdoors event he allowed a guest to record him on a very sophisticated digital recording unit. I have personally meet he twice and he's a very soft spoken gentle person.

I have been an avid supporter of Manchester Craftsmans Guide in Pittsburgh for the past 10 years and attend the majority of their Jazz concerts. MCG also records cds which have won Grammy's for their mastering and production skills. I have attended four said recording sessions and the sound they arrive at from their on stage mic panel is far superior to what any member of the audience hears. IOW, the sound you and your friend heard may have been the fault of how the sound board guys set it up or the theather itself. Hard to tell without experiencing it first hand.

BobM,
IMAC was a wonder venue and it's a shame it closed down.

Lou