Christian Botte - Narcissa’s Smile
Negril / Narcissa’s Smile is available on all streaming platforms. The album cover is a painting my cousin created.
I'm sitting here at a diner-style table in a home on the "good side" of Sunnyslope, Phoenix, reflecting on a chapter of my life that began in March 2021—a time when everything seemed turned upside down. It was a period marked by seismic upheaval, loss, and an unexpected journey that would forever transform my life.
On a Thursday, I was unceremoniously laid off from my corporate job, a position at one of the largest food distributors in the U.S. By Friday morning, my phone rang with rare urgency—a call from my mother. Her words confirmed my fears: her husband of 20 years, Bobby Zimmerman, had passed away suddenly during the night. These back-to-back blows left me reeling, untethered, and searching for direction.
Without hesitation, I decided to drive from Phoenix to Long Island to support my mother. For three and a half days, my Toyota Echo became both a sanctuary and a crucible, carrying me across the country at top speed—62 miles per hour. The journey was filled with grief, resolve, and the enigmatic pull of what lay ahead.
Arriving at Zimmerman’s wake, I found myself reconnecting with my cousin, Christian Botte, a Brooklyn-based musician and painter. It had been over a decade since we’d last seen each other at my mom’s wedding in the mid-2000s. Despite the years apart, our shared love for music quickly reignited our bond.
Christian, ever the visionary, was working on two new songs and saw in me the perfect collaborator for one of them: “Narcissa’s Smile.” The song’s concept resonated deeply, and the opportunity to channel grief into something meaningful was compelling.
Within days, we were en route to Moon Studios on Staten Island, navigating labyrinthine urban streets and the ever-present toll roads. The mission was clear: record a flamenco-inspired acoustic guitar intro for “Narcissa’s Smile.” Guided by engineer Henry Falco, the recording began. After resolving some technical hiccups, the intro captured the song’s emotional essence in a single take.
Beyond the intro, my contributions expanded to include bass and lead guitar. Layering textures and weaving emotions into every note became a cathartic process. The result wasn’t just a song—it was a lifeline. The collaboration brought Christian and me closer than ever, deepening our bond in a way neither of us had anticipated.
The album cover for “Narcissa’s Smile” features one of Christian’s original paintings. Haunting and evocative, the artwork reflects the themes of resilience and transformation imbued in the music. It stands as a symbol of our creative synergy and mutual respect.
Looking back, “Narcissa’s Smile” is more than a track. It’s a testament to the power of art to heal and connect. It’s a collaboration born from loss, imbued with love, and a celebration of resilience. The story of its creation resonates deeply, reflecting the transformative power of music and connection.
For those unfamiliar with Christian’s work, exploring his art is a journey worth taking. His creativity radiates through every medium he touches. Supporting his journey is not just an endorsement of his talent but a call to champion the transformative power of creation.
You can find his work on these platforms:
Spotify: Stream his albums and tracks.
Apple Music: Access his latest releases and popular songs.
YouTube: Watch his music videos and performances.
SoundCloud: Listen to select tracks and collaborations.
Pandora: Discover his music and similar artists.
Note: This narrative has been composed by Ishmael Nihil, chronicling the odyssey of Richard Nihil and the creation of “Narcissa’s Smile.”
Below is the entire outtake of my flamenco session, including where I couldn’t hear myself & Henry comes in to fix it. Followed by some pictures from the session.
