Chris Standring

Air Date: 10/24/2021

While I'm not a big fan of labels, they do come in useful at times. As long as they aren't used to bludgeon anyone into feeling bad about whatever particular music they may like.

So yes, we can classify Mr. Standring as a 'smooth jazz guitarist.' Not trying to pigeonhole anyone here, but it is helpful to understand that prior to his latest CD Wonderful World, Mr. Standring had released nearly twenty CDs and singles, all firmly rooted in smooth/groove. 

But now we have a batch of jazz standards, done Standring-style with string orchestra. It is not only the orchestra, however, that has the lush sound; so does Mr. Standring's guitar. Part of his appeal comes from that sweet tone, and it matches well in this setting when played, as he does, in a spare manner.

The first thing that comes to mind here is what happened when the jazz guitar god himself, Wes Montgomery, went out and did some recordings with strings. He was roundly bashed by the critics. Yet, at the time, those were his most popular albums. 

I think the music on this CD has a certain feel to it, and it is subtle. It is not trying to be flashy. It is not trying to bridge any gap between smooth jazz and traditional jazz. It is simply how Chris Standring hears jazz standards, which to some extent forms the foundation for the other music he likes to play.

I've got the title track for you toward the end of the first hour. It features a great vocal from Kathrin Shorr, a new artist for me. Also there's a groove track for you right in the middle of groove hour. You'll hear more from Mr. Standring in the coming weeks.

To your health.

Marty


HOUR ONE: Contemplative Morning

Armagos\Promises 2021\You Say
Steve Million\JazzWords 2021\The Way Home Feat Sarah Marie Young
Armagos\Promises 2021\You Say 2
Kristin Callahan\Lost In a Dream 2021\Lost In a Dream
Rachael & Vilray-Rachael & Vilray (Disc 1)-01 Without a Thought for My Heart 2019
The Herbie Nichols Project-Strange City-01 Moments Magical-2001
Rosana Eckert-Sailing Home-06 Blue Flower 2019
Quartet Indigo-Quartet Indigo-07 Come Sunday 1998
Steve Kuhn Trio-Love walked in-09-Lines
Orrin Evans-The Magic Of Now 2021-07 Dave
Chris Standring-Wonderful World 2021-05 What a Wonderful World feat Kathrin Shorr
Victor Gould-In Our Time 2021-05 Showtime
Jackson Potter-Restless 2021-04 Sophia's Waltz

HOUR TWO: New For You

Herb Silverstein, Michael Ross-Magic Hands 2021-04 Century Remembered
Armagos\Promises 2021\July Song
Lena Bloch\Rose of Lifta 2021\3. New Home
Greg Germann-Tales of Time 2021-06 Perspectives
Gerry Gibbs-Songs From My Father Disk 2 2021-07 For Keeps
Rodney Whitaker-Outrospection- The Music of Gregg Hill 2021-02 New Sunday feat Rockelle Whitaker
Rick Margitza-Sacred Hearts 2021-03 Sacred Heart
Dave Zinno Unisphere-Fetish 2021-09 Over The Horizon
Royce Campbell-Cool School 2021-01 Don't Stop the Music
Falkner Evans-Invisible Words 2021-03 Brightest Light
Steve Million\What I Meant to Say 2021\Old Earl
Susan Krebs With Mixed Remotions-Daybreak 2021-06 Listen Here

HOUR THREE: Brazil/World

Antonio Adolfo\Jobim Forever 2021\09 Estrada do Sol
Stacey Kent-Songs From Other Places 2021-09 Imagina
Eliane Elias-01 Brasil (Aquarela Do Brasil) (2015)
Sergio Pereira-Nu Brasil-05 Nu Brasil 2018
Roditi, Ignatzek, Rassinfosse-Three For One-07 Waltz For Walter 2002
Roditi, Ignatzek, Rassinfosse-Light In The Dark-04 Rapaz De Bem 2005
Ricardo Peixoto-Scary Beautiful-05 Morro Da Paixão 2018
Ricardo Peixoto-Scary Beautiful-04 Nereids 2018
Otmaro Ruiz, Bruno Mangueira\Essência\Living Pictures 2019
Kenia-Kenia Celebrates Dorival Caymmi-01 Eu Não Tenho Onde Morar 2010
Kenny Barron-Sambao-08 On The Other Side 2008

HOUR FOUR: Groove, Baby

Ray Obiedo\Latin Jazz Project Vol 2 20216 Uno Dos
Pieces of a Dream\Fired Up 2021\02 - Ear Candy
Marion Meadows-Twice As Nice 2021-03 Pandora
Charles Langford-Powerless 2021-10 New Day
David Finck\BASSic Instinct 2021\BASSic Instinct
Chris Standring\soul-express\soul-express
Najee\The Morning After\Trip to the Moon 2013
Basia\The Sweetest Illusion 1994\Simple Pleasures
Marion Meadows\Twice As Nice 2021\Don't Wait Up
Pieces of a Dream\Fired Up 2021\Livin The Life
Ray Obiedo\Latin Jazz Project Vol 2 2021\Big World
The Sax Pack-Power of 3-02 Back In Style 2015

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