Celebrity Info
He’s an award-winning jazz trumpeter who made a huge splash in the music world when he took home the 2013 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album with Impressions, his standout 2012 release. Over the years, he’s earned several other Grammy nominations, including one in 2010 for Chris Botti in London and another back in 2008 for Italia. Before rising to fame, he studied at Indiana University but made a bold move—leaving just one year short of graduation to go on tour with legends like Frank Sinatra and Buddy Rich. That kind of opportunity doesn’t come around every day, and it definitely helped shape his career. He was born in Portland, Oregon, where his family lived at the time, though they later moved to Italy for two years during his childhood—an experience that may have influenced his musical style. Growing up, music was always part of life; his mother was a classically trained pianist and worked as a piano teacher, so it’s no surprise he ended up following a path in music. Throughout it all, he’s remained a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, consistently delivering performances that showcase both technical brilliance and emotional depth. His journey—from early exposure to classical music at home to sharing stages with iconic artists—really underscores the dedication and talent that define his legacy.
He spent about ten years on the road and in the studio alongside Paul Simon, starting from 1990. During that time, he really made a name for himself, contributing significantly to the music they created together. It was a major chapter in his career, one that helped shape his artistic journey over the years. He often reflects on those days with pride, knowing how much he grew both as a musician and as a collaborator.
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