Istanbul travel sketch -1- Chris Botti concert

The travel sketch of Shanghai was not completed, but let me drop a note about Chris Botti concert in Istanbul first, because some of you are waiting to hear about it :)

8/Oct, on the heaviest raining evening, Chris Botti and the band performed in beautiful Istanbul.
I sat in the 2nd row, in front of the piano which has a great view!

Show started a little past 9PM.
He opened the show with beautiful Ave Maria.
I didn't want to miss A SINGLE note. Because I came there all the way from Japan to see his concert!
Oh my.... it was the hell long way via Dubai... I didn't calculate exact how much time it took, actually.
I knew that I was stacked at Dubai airport for over 9 hours, at least!

And that I was very very... moved and excited that the show finally started. The show that I dreamed of almost every night recently.

When I Fall in Love was followed afterword. I always look forward to Chris' and everyone's solo in this song. Chris's solo was powerful and COOL this time too!

Caroline Campbell appeared on the stage!
It was my very first time to see her perform. How beautiful is she and talented!
Loved her performance! Very touched.

Chris had another very special guest that night. Very famous Turkish jazz pianist, Fahir Atakoğlu had a duet with Chris for "My funny valentine".
It was wooow.... so sensitive, heart-warming and beautiful.
I hope that it was recorded and would be shared with everyone.
Fahir Atakoğlu looked indeed famous in Turkey! Because when he walked on the stage and sat by the piano, some photographers rushed beside of the stage and took some photos!
(I believe that those photos will be disclosed in Turkish media soon!)
It was the sweetest My funny Valentine!

Lisa Fisher also appeared.
Very first time too for me.
She was so talented, confident and she has a great skill of singing!
Her "translation" of those songs were also new to me.
Every musician must have different way of translation and expression.

Another new stuff for me was Nessan Dorma!!!
Wooaaa..... it was wonderful..... I was totally absorbed.

Band of the night was Billy Kilson on the drams, Mark Whitfield on the gaiter, Geoffrey Keezer on the piano (which was also new to me!) and Andy Ezlyn on the key. (I am very sorry that I missed the base player's name... he was new to me as well.)

Funny but lovely thing  happened at the very last song. Audience came close to the stage, and they enjoyed the last song just in front of the stage! Chris encouraged them to come, actually!
(That is never going to happen in Japan in terms of security)
There are some standing ovations during the show and the the last standing ovation was very big!
I knew that EVERYONE in the audience enjoyed the show and was amazed!
Me.... totally!

Chris said at the beginning something like that he was honored to play in such beautiful Istanbul, and he came there to perform 4 years ago too.
(Mark said to Chris "speak slowly...." haha)

Chris Botti, Caroline Campbell and Fahir Atakoğlu appeared for meet and greet.
I missed say hi to Caroline that I looked forward to.... She disappeared when I made line for Chris Botti...

Very honored to say hi to Fahir Atakoğlu and could tell him I loved he perform My Funny Valentine.
He softly smiled me back and we shock hands each other.
( I should have taken photos with him if it was allowed...)

Chris Botti sat behind the table signing to everyone. (Jeremy controlled audience as usual, looked very busy!)
Chris told me what a surprise that I came there, and chatted a little. (I appreciate it!)

As always.... I don't think I could tell him how much I loved his performance and "how slow the moments go till" I finally could attend his concert! Because I always worry about the people behind me in the line and know that I shouldn't take long time to talk to him for them.
But again, I very appreciate for that he makes such opportunity for us to say hi to him after the concert while he must be tired!

It should be tougher than I could imagine that Chris and the band are doing every day.
Air port, plane, airport, (sometimes worrying about lost luggage or delaying!) and doing their best in their concerts!
It is definitely so respectful.

I met WONDERFUL people and made friends with there.
I can't write about it in this blog, but will write separately...!

Photos....
Sorry in advance that they were not good....
I am so sorry that you guys looked forward to the photos, right?
I tried, but not sure how to adjust my camera....
Here it is.... just in case....
(I missed asking Chris Botti to pose with me.... My brain became totally WHITE and forgot almost everything just in front of Chris Botti....)

More to come about Istanbul travel sketch (other part than the concert!)