Though tracks from it received smooth-jazz radio play, Chris Botti’s 1997 set Midnight Without You is equal parts moody adult instrumental and active ambient styles. The assured trumpeter had expressed a love of European art rock by the likes of Peter Gabriel and Bryan Ferry. On this sophomore effort, Botti was also able to supplement the legacy of the cult Scottish band The Blue Nile in two ways: original member Paul Joseph Moore co-produced this set and plays keyboards on every number, while the title track (covered by Joe Cocker in 2002) features its vocalist and primary songwriter, Paul Buchanan. The originals “The Steps of Positano,” “Never Gone,” and “Alone in the City” showcase Botti’s wandering-romantic side, while “Regrooveable” and “Mr. Wah” are undeniably catchy and upbeat.