Chris Standring creates a world of effortless cool, where the precision of jazz meets the deep, rhythmic pocket of 70s soul. His music feels like a perfectly tailored suit or a high-end lounge at dusk: sophisticated, warm, and undeniably stylish. The core of his sound is his hollow-body guitar tone, which is round and liquid, often punctuated by playful melodic flourishes that keep the energy light and engaging.
What truly sets Standring apart is his willingness to experiment within the smooth jazz framework. He often incorporates retro elements like the talk box or vintage synth textures, and his early work with SolarSystem brought a distinct hip-hop rhythmic sensibility to his arrangements. This isn't just background music; it is a carefully constructed homage to the 'nuances' of classic soul-jazz, updated with modern production clarity.
For those new to his catalog, starting with 'Blue Bolero' or 'Groovalicious' is essential. These albums showcase his ability to blend bossa nova rhythms and orchestral flourishes with his signature funky guitar leads. It is the ideal soundtrack for moments that require a touch of class without the weight of overly complex avant-garde structures.
Chris Standring (born 1 December 1960) is a British jazz guitarist known for his heavy use of 1970s-style musical nuances. Before launching his solo career with his 1998 album Velvet, he represented a third of the band SolarSystem, a band that combined elements of jazz and hip-hop. Hip Sway was co-produced with Rodney Lee in 2000. Groovalicious followed in 2003, then Soul Express in 2006. Love & Paragraphs (2008) spawned the title track hit radio single. Blue Bolero spawned the hit single "Bossa Blue" which went to No. 1 on contemporary radio across the US and stayed there for nine consecutive weeks. "Bossa Blue" was named 2010 Billboard contemporary jazz track of the year. Electric Wonderland was released on 20 March 2012.
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, serene (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, serene (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, sunday morning (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, serene (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, sunday morning (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, sunday morning (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, serene (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, serene (subgenre)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, instrumental only, sunday morning (subgenre)
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