Unable to sleep at the crack of dawn, I turned on the television and channel-surfed a bit.
A dazzling concert (captured for posterity on film in Boston) - featuring popular horn player Chris Botti and a roster of high-profile talent - was being broadcast on San Francisco's KTEH (9) as part of a fundraising effort for the Public Network (PBS) which focuses primarily on the fine Arts.
The well-rounded concert featured jazz, pop, and classical selections by leading minstrels of the day.
"The greatest aspect of the Boston concert is the variety. In essence, it's a gem," the handsome musician with the shock of blond lustrous hair underscored with pride.
"When an artist is on stage, it shouldn't be a performance only. The occasion should draw in the audience," Botti asserted to the rapt host.
Although the performers in this concert hailed from different strains of the musical arena, there was a lot in common with each, Botti underscored n so many words.
"They're all showmen with unbelievable artistry. The level they've reached in their careers is similar."
And, of course, the sold-out house roared their approval.
An appearance by Sting was surprisingly low-key.
Is the headling front-man slowing down, or was he just clued into the fact that the Tyler show-stopper would be difficult to top?
Uh-huh!
It was smart not to go there!
Josh Groban's appearance - while entertaining - appeared to be a bit experimental in nature.
The curly-haired pop tenor warbled a tune that was somewhat free-form in style (to his disadvantage).
Mr. Groban is better suited to song material that is more structured - in particular, musical compositions that build and arc and single out his range (and richness of voice) - with greater emotional intensity.
Botti's instrumentals on the horn were pure magic, on the other hand, and prone to uplift the spirit throughout the course of the glittering concert.
The closing number - "Time to Say Goodbye" (backed by a glorious full orchestra) - was performed so eloquently that shivers literally ran up and down my spine at one point.
Bravo!
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