His previous 2 releases as a leader have shown trumpeter Chris Botti to be a force in modern instrumental pop. Slowing Down the World is his most fully realized musical statement yet: A romantic set with equal measures of sophistication and soul. With lush instrumentals and sunny melodies, the album is highlighted by Sting's vocal on the Sinatra classic "In the Wee Small Hours," Botti's vocal debut on Randy Newman's haunting "Same Girl" and the NAC single, "Drive Time."