For over two decades, Grammy Award-winning master trumpeter and composer Chris Botti has amassed a spectacular variety of honors, including multiple Gold and Platinum albums, to become the nation’s largest selling instrumental artist. His mesmerizing performances with a stunning array of legends such as Sting, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Yo-Yo Ma, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Andrea Bocelli have cemented his place as one of the most brilliant and inspiring forces of the contemporary music scene. Whether he’s performing with illustrious symphonies or at renowned venues around the globe, his unparalleled crystalline and poetic sound transcends musical boundaries. The lineup accompanying Chris Botti includes:
Lee Pearson: An electrifying Baltimore percussionist with credits spanning Broadway’s Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk to major jazz and R&B stages. Pearson pairs a deep, classic rhythmic vocabulary with jaw-dropping solo execution, driving the ensemble with pocket-tight groove and explosive energy.
Barry Stephenson: ASCAP Louis Armstrong Award winner and former bassist for Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Stephenson anchors the group on both acoustic and electric bass. His technical fluency and warm harmonic foundation smoothly bridge intimate ballads and high-energy numbers.
Mark Whitfield: A premier hard-bop and soul-jazz guitarist, Whitfield has led acclaimed major-label projects and collaborated with legends Jimmy Smith and Chris Botti. He brings effortless fretboard mastery, sophisticated chordal work, and signature tasteful phrasing to the stage.
Andy Ezrin: A virtuosic keyboardist performing professionally since his teens, Ezrin’s vast resume ranges from jazz icon Wynton Marsalis to pop legends Sting and James Taylor. His versatile style effortlessly merges traditional acoustic jazz textures with modern keyboard arrangements.
Anastasiia Mazurok: Juilliard-trained and internationally award-winning violinist, this Saint Petersburg native delivers spellbinding classical brilliance, technical precision, and emotional depth. Her soaring melodies add a rich, cinematic dimension to the ensemble’s sound.
Sy Smith: A powerhouse neo-soul vocal pioneer who has toured with Whitney Houston and Sheila E., Smith commands the stage with a breathtaking vocal range, deep emotional delivery, and an unforgettable, audience-captivating presence.
