Paying dues is a rite of passage for just about everyone. Many folks try to forget their experience coming of age in the working world.
And then there is Chris Botti. The trumpet player, who cut his musical teeth by playing with such icons as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Tony Bennett, has fond memories of his early days as a professional musician.
"Bob Dylan was one of my first album credentials," he says. "I was in so many great recording artists' bands in my early days. Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, just to name some of them. I had my share of great opportunities, and I made the most of them."
That's certainly so as a solo artist. After performing in Paul Simon's band for five years, Botti went on his own in 1995 and released "First Wish."
The album, much like the rest of Botti's work, is filed under "smooth jazz" but it's darker and richer than what is usually found in the subgenre. Botti has managed to create music that is arty and accessible. His albums routinely land in the Top 40.
"I've been very fortunate," Botti says. "It's worked out well for me."
Botti, 47, is particularly adept at wringing emotion out of a ballad. "I always loved the way Miles Davis played ballads," he says. "Miles Davis certainly played with a considerable amount of energy and virtuosity, but he nailed it with ballads. All the great trumpet players played ballads, and I've always had an appreciation for ballads."
Bank on Botti to render his share of ballads when he performs Monday and Tuesday at the Carolina Theatre. Botti is an engaging live entertainer. His recent work, "Chris Botti in Boston," which dropped in March, is an excellent example of what he is capable of when he hits the stage. The performance, also captured on film, is full of energy, inspired combinations and stellar musicianship, especially when Botti delivers romantic numbers.
Such disparate musical figures as Josh Groban, Yo-Yo Ma, Steven Tyler and The Boston Pops Orchestra joined Botti in Beantown.
"What makes those type of performances work is friendship," Botti says. "I've always been comfortable working with big names."
That obviously goes back to Botti's salad days. "I don't look at these guys that I've played with as big stars," he says. "I enjoyed playing with them because they're great musicians. It's a wonderful challenge to play with people like that."
It's also a challenge to make compelling music for the masses. "I think I learned a lot from Sting, when it comes to that," Botti says. "I saw him night after night when I toured with him, make music that's sophisticated but also appeal to everyone. Hopefully some of that rubbed off."
