Much like a prism refracts light into a colorful spectrum,
guitarist Chris Standring’s “Sunlight” reflects rays of multihued jazz into a
vibrant sonic palette of joy and positivity. The Los Angeles-based, native Brit
will drop his twelfth album on March 23 on the Ultimate Vibe Recordings label,
marking the twentieth anniversary since the release of his debut disc
(“Velvet”). Paving the way for the new collection penned and produced by
Standring is the jaunty “Love Street,” set to cast an alluring spell as the
first radio single.
Diverse
strains of jazz reign on “Sunlight” with Standring’s clean electric jazz guitar
shining brightly throughout the ten tracker plus a reprise that closes the
session. The prevailing sounds and engaging textures create warm, organic
backdrops for his nimble fretwork forays that traverse lush rhythms and
grooves. Wave after wave of Fender Rhodes keyboards and Hammond B3 organ wash
over the taut beats serving as the rhythmic spine. Vintage elements offer a
compelling contrast to the imaginative electronic nuances, deftly making the
recordings feel retro, futuristic, experimental and visionary all at the same
time while Standring’s cool-toned guitar slices through to the fore cranking
out nifty licks, precision fills and impassioned melodic sojourns.
Helping
flush out his vision for “Sunlight,” Standring shares the spotlight with
contemporary jazz forefather Bob James (piano) on the stratospheric exploration
“The Revisit” and UK soul-pop chanteuse Mica Paris on the lusty R&B, jazz
and electronic hybrid “No Explanation,” the latter a tune he wrote with
seven-time Grammy nominee Lauren Christy. Also lending their artistry to the
platter are noted saxmen Pete Christlieb and Brandon Fields, keyboardists John
Novello, Mitchel Forman and longtime collaborator Rodney Lee; bassists Jimmy
Haslip, Andre Berry and Roberto Vally; and drummers Chris Coleman and Dave
Karasony.
“For the
first time, I feel a huge degree of comfort stylistically. ‘Sunlight’ seems to
be a much more refined version of who I am. Musically, I can't shake off who I
am. It just is. It's a fusion of my traditional be-bop background with
infectious soul and funk grooves, and a sense of arranging and orchestration
that comes very easily now. My influences are not from my contemporaries. They
come from orchestral music, traditional jazz and European chill, lounge and
progressive club music plus a good dose of R&B. It's a weird mix, but I
guess that's what results in everything sounding like me when it all comes
together,” said Standring who purposely infused the set with uplifting notes of
hope and glee.
Perhaps a
commentary on our times or just a thoughtful embrace of a longtime personal
favorite, Standring reimagines Brian Wilson’s “God Only Knows” as a serene
guitar meditation.
“The album
is upbeat and joyful for the most part. Perhaps it is somewhat reactionary to
these challenging times we are presently living through, but I am inherently a
positive soul who tends to see the bright side of things, albeit with a touch
of British cynicism. Sunlight represents positivity and joy to me, hence the
title.”
Standring
celebrated three No. 1 singles in 2017: his solo hit “Like This, Like That,”
and duet collaborations with trumpeter Cindy Bradley (“Category A”) and
two-time Grammy-winning producer-guitarist Paul Brown (“Piccadilly Circus”).
The classically-trained guitarist’s ambitious catalogue of instrumental R&B,
soul jazz and electronica includes his hit debut single, “Cool Shades”; the No.
1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz Track of the Year in 2010, “Bossa Blue”; and a
2014 Billboard No. 1 single, “Sneakin’ Out the Front Door.” Coming to the U.S.
after a lengthy and prosperous run at the BBC and on London’s West End in
theatrical orchestras, Standring was a session ace who recorded with Jody
Watley and Bebe & Cece Winans among many others. He partnered with Lee to
form the acid jazz outfit SolarSystem before touring extensively backing
trumpeter Rick Braun. Standring issued “Velvet” soon after, launching his solo
mission that continues to climb in trajectory and scope.
“Sunlight”
contains the following songs:
“Static In
The Attic”
“Aphrodisiac”
“Love
Street”
“The
Revisit” featuring Bob James
“No
Explanation” featuring Mica Paris
“God Only
Knows” featuring John Novello
“Like
Paradise”
“Moon Child”
“Do Not
Adjust Your Set”
“The
Principle Of Pleasure”
“Static In
The Attic (Reprise)”
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