When Chris Botti and Sting perform at Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) Marriott Grand Ballroom on March 3, it will mark the first time the two Grammy award-winning artists share the stage together on our shores. Although the two have performed solo in the country before, they certainly are no strangers to each other when it comes to live collaborations, having toured together on many occasions. In fact, Botti and Sting’s history extends far beyond what most people would expect.
“I certainly owe Sting most of my career for giving me my big breaks,” shares Botti. “In many ways, I have patterned my career after what I learned being around him for those two or three years on the ‘Brand New Day’ Tour. When I was in his band, he gave me so much exposure by doing solos with me and really promoted my career in a big-time way, but it was his urging that really made me and the opportunity to be his opening act throughout the world that really launched my career in a big-time way. He’s always been the biggest supporter and the best friend, and he’s like my big brother, really.”
It has been twenty-one years and 10 studio albums since Botti first made a name for himself in the music scene and as the celebrated trumpeter himself says, he owes most of it to Sting. Be that as it may, however, it could be fairly argued that Sting might not have taken notice had Botti not dazzled him with raw talent in the first place. Having picked up a trumpet at the tender age of nine, Botti’s epiphany came at age 12 when he heard Miles Davis play ‘My Funny Valentine’.
“I think the emotional impact of Miles Davis’ sound resonated with so many people, but for me as a 12 year old kid, it was like a lightning bolt,” explains Botti. “I had never heard music played that melancholy and free, so I knew at that moment, I wanted to make the trumpet my career. I didn’t think about coming to Manila necessarily, or any of the big career stuff, but I knew I wanted to play music for the rest of my life.”
And if ever he needed validation regarding his chosen career path, it would ultimately come from the be-all and end-all of music gods, as far as this Oregon native is concerned. “I’ve been fortunate to work with many supremely talented musicians over the years,” states Sting. “I tend to surround myself with people whom I can learn something from, and my strategy has always been to play with musicians better than myself. Chris brings the trumpet to its most poetic, vocal-like quality. He’s altogether unique in that respect. His sound provides a compelling complement to my vocals and it’s always a true joy to perform with him.”
Such mutual respect and admiration for one another can only be born out of a deep appreciation for the other’s craft. Both are intensely passionate musicians possessing the maturity and dexterity to complement the other’s musical style, and the product of this reality is what will take place on the stage of the Marriott Grand Ballroom on March 3.
Tickets for Chris Botti with special guest Sting Up Close and Personal are now available at the Resorts World Manila Box Office (632) 908-8000 loc. 7700 and TicketWorld (632) 891-9999. RWM members may exclusively avail of two VIP tickets by earning points from January 15 until February 15, 2016.
Visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (632) 908-8833 for more details and upcoming special events at Resorts World Manila.
Conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality and is home to four lodging brands, (MAXIMS Hotel, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, REMINGTON Hotel, and BELMONT Hotel), a three-story convention center housing the country’s largest hotel ballroom (Marriott Grand Ballroom), and two more hotels (SHERATON Hotel Manila and HILTON Manila Hotel) currently under construction.
Also home to RWM is NEWPORT Mall which features international luxury brands, state-of-the-art movie theaters at Newport Cinemas, an award-winning, ultra-modern Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), and a cozy, 24/7 entertainment hub at Bar 360. Dine in one of almost 50 restaurant outlets offering a diverse selection of local and world cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and foreign chefs and paired with a wide selection of the finest wines and popular liquors.
Resorts World Manila— Nothing Compares.
