Trumpeter Chris Botti's new CD Italia, inspired by the sights and sounds of Italy, is available today (September 25th). The new collection features both original music and versions of Italian favorites, including Puccini aria "Nessun Dorma," two Ennio Morricone soundtrack themes, and, thanks to technology, a duet with a much-younger Tony Bennett on "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face."

After the success of orchestral blockbuster releases like When I Fall In Love and To Love Again: The Duets, Botti says that he does plan to return to a more contemporary sound eventually, but he has been entranced by recording in the lush, classic style: "At some point I'll probably get back into doing records that are electronic by nature like what I've done in the past or a mixture of the two. But for right now I'm loving the idea, I can't wait to get back to London and L.A. and sit there with those incredible arrangers and musicians and just have a field day and enjoy the ride of making a record with all this great material on it."

For more on the artist, his new recording and his tour schedule, log onto chrisbotti.com.


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