Trumpeter Chris Botti, who toured and played with international star Sting for many years, has also branched out this year with numerous guest appearances on albums by a wide range of artists. His latest appearance is on the debut album by Grammy-nominated R&B/pop songwriter Johnta Austin, whose work appears on albums by Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige. Botti's trumpet sounds appear on the tune "This Evening," from Austin's new set Ocean Drive, due December 26th.

This year, Botti's elegant trumpet appears on George Benson & Al Jarreau's Grammy-nominated album Givin' It Up, and on veteran artists Gladys Knight's jazz standards set Before Me. Earlier this year he contributed to saxophonist Gerald Albright's Grammy-nominated set New Beginnings.

He also plays a supporting role on pop vocal king Tony Bennett's star-studded Duets: An American Classic, and spices up pop singer James Taylor's new holiday set, James Taylor At Christmas.

In the classical crossover arena, he supported tenor Andrea Bocelli on "Verano," a tune from the all-star album Amor, released last week.

With several albums enjoying chart status and a non-stop touring schedule, Botti's career has reached the stratosphere. For the holiday season, the artist is actually putting in an extended run in his home city of New York, with dates at the Blue Note from December 19th through the 31st. For more on the artist, go to www.chrisbotti.com.