Superstar trumpeter Chris Botti heads for San Francisco

Some very big names recognized Chris Botti’s potential at a very early age.

Indeed, the trumpeter was still in his early 20s — and still studying at Indiana University — when he was called upon to tour with Frank Sinatra in the mid-’80s. He followed that up by performing with many other top-tier talents, including Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Joni Mitchell, Roger Daltrey, Sting and Paul Simon (who spent a good decade working with Botti).

After making his name as a sideman to the stars, Botti — a player who is known for his smooth tones and his ability to blend jazz and pop sounds — ventured out on his own and fashioned what’s become nothing short of a blockbuster solo career.

He’s had several albums top the jazz charts, including 2004’s “When I Fall In Love,” 2007’s “Italia” and 2012’s “Impressions.” The latter also won the Grammy for best pop instrumental album in 2013.