Chris Standring | "As We Think"

Renowned contemporary jazz guitarist Chris Standring draws inspiration from James Allen's "As a Man Thinketh," a book he read as a child in the United Kingdom. The transformative impact of positivity and optimism, sown during his early years, blossomed in his sixties when he married for the first time last year. This newfound happiness and optimism permeate Standring's nineteenth album, "As We Think," set to release on April 5 through Ultimate Vibe Recordings.

Reflecting on the influence of James Allen's book, Standring shares, "As We Think" seemed like the perfect title to encapsulate my positive mindset and where I stand in the universe right now. Marriage, a recent and profound influence on my life, resonates loudly throughout these recordings." With a musical style that blends retro jazz, seventies soul and funk, vintage R&B, and modern electronic nuances, Standring distinguishes himself from other contemporary jazz guitarists.

The album opens with a quartet configuration featuring bassist Andre Berry, drummer Chris Coleman, and Grammy-nominated percussionist Lenny Castro. Notably, "Chocolate Shake" introduces a talk box to Standring's repertoire. Departing from recent recordings, "As We Think" features horn arrangements by Grammy and Emmy winner Walter Murphy, evident in tracks like "Good Gracious" and the Earth, Wind & Fire-inspired "Come Closer."

Standring explores a variety of musical elements, including the funky and groovy "Alphabet Soup," highlighted by a slick black and white video. The guitarist reveals his love for ballads with "Bedtime Story" and experiments with reggae vibes in "This Life." Collaborating with label artist Terry Disley on "Monday Madness" and showcasing his creativity in "Swings and Roundabouts," Standring offers a diverse and captivating listening experience.

The album closes with the romantic "Too Good To Be True," a heartfelt serenade to Standring's new bride. Drawing on his extensive career, which includes seven Billboard No. 1 singles and collaborations with various artists, Standring infuses "As We Think" with joy, positivity, and a celebratory spirit. The guitarist is set to share this musical journey through concert dates scheduled until October.

After playing in the jazz and hip-hop band Solar System, Standring debuted as a solo artist with 1998’s “Velvet” album. A dozen years later, he scored his first of seven Billboard No. 1 singles with “Bossa Blue,” which also was Billboard’s contemporary jazz track of the year. Standring notched an additional four more Billboard No. 1 singles as a featured guest soloist on singles by Thom Rotella, Cindy Bradley, Rick Braun and Richard Elliot. Eager to explore the unconventional and unexpected, he’s challenged himself by recording a live album in London with an orchestra and a collection of standards culled from the great American songbook that he recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios. Mixing things up literally last year, Standring issued a remixed set of his more sensual tracks titled “The Lovers Remix Collection.”