Chris Standring: The British Jazz Guitar Virtuoso
Chris Standring is a British guitarist and composer celebrated for his sophisticated blend of contemporary jazz, funk, and soul. Hailing from Aylesbury, England, his career is defined by a prolific output of solo albums and consistent chart presence on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz charts.
Early career
Born in 1960, Chris Standring began his professional journey in the London music scene after studying at the London College of Music. He initially worked as a session musician and later moved to Los Angeles in 1991, immersing himself in the city's vibrant studio and live music circuit. His debut solo album, Velvet, was released in 1998 on the Instinct Records label, immediately establishing his polished, groove-centric sound.
Breakthrough
Standring's commercial breakthrough arrived with his 2003 album, Groovalicious, released on his own Ultimate Vibe label. The record spent multiple weeks in the Top 10 of Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart, cementing his status as a leading independent artist in the genre. This success was followed by a string of Top 5 and Top 10 charting albums, including 2010's Blue Bolero, which showcased his ambitious forays into orchestral jazz.
Key tracks
Cool Shades — This funky, horn-driven single from the album "Soul Express" became a staple on smooth jazz radio.
Pandora's Box — A defining track from "Groovalicious," it exemplifies his signature blend of infectious rhythm and melodic guitar work.
Ready Steady Flow — The title track from his 2016 album highlights his impeccable phrasing and modern production sensibilities.
Sunlight — Featuring vocals, this accessible track from the album "Ten" demonstrates his skill in crafting radio-friendly jazz compositions.
Throughout his career, Chris Standring has collaborated with notable artists like bassist Jimmy Haslip and singer Kathrin Shorr. He has released over a dozen solo albums, with later works like 2019's Wonderful World and 2022's Simple Things continuing to receive critical acclaim and strong radio support. His music often features intricate arrangements that bridge traditional jazz harmony with contemporary electronic textures.
Fans of Chris Standring's smooth jazz and funk style also appreciate the work of similar artists featured on our site. Peter White shares a similar mastery of melodic acoustic guitar in the contemporary jazz realm. Brian Culbertson parallels Standring's funk-infused production and multi-instrumentalist approach. Norman Brown offers a comparable blend of soulful guitar grooves and vocal-like phrasing. Incognito delivers the same kind of sophisticated British-born funk and jazz fusion.
The sophisticated grooves of Chris Standring are a perfect fit for our network's contemporary jazz and smooth jazz FM stations. His tracks are regularly featured in daytime rotations and evening specialty shows, providing the ideal soundtrack for listeners seeking instrumental refinement and rhythmic energy. Online jazz radio streams across our platform frequently program his latest releases alongside his classic hits.
You can experience the polished guitar work of Chris Standring by tuning into the contemporary jazz stations available right here on onairium.com. Listeners can discover his extensive catalog, from early hits to recent albums, through our dedicated radio stations that showcase the best in instrumental music.
