Chris Standring is back with a new single and a new album for 2020.
One of contemporary urban jazz’s most prolific hitmakers since the late 90’s with 13 Billboard Top 10 singles and 6 #1’s, Chris Standring takes the opportunity on his 13th solo album to acknowledge the sometimes-harsh twists and turns of Real Life. Yet rather than give into circumstances beyond his control, the British born, L.A. based guitarist offers a truly uplifting way forward on this joyful soul-jazz infused retro-flavored set.
The album is called Real Life and he describes it as “one of my more joyful albums, but also perhaps the most authentic.” Like most artists, he turned to life around him for inspiration while composing music – a compelling amalgam of slick jazz, soul-singed R&B, funk grooves and bright pop harmonies - for the session. However, what he saw - chaotic times globally and much closer to home, his aging parents’ decline due to dementia – could have resulted in a dark and somber album. To his credit, Standring vigilantly maintained sight of the silver lining thus an optimistic tone prevails. It’s a refreshing and honest listen laced with an uplifting sense of urgency.
“The album’s theme is a wake-up call that I believe people who listen to my music will relate to. 'Real Life' suggests a world we need to embrace without shoving things under the rug. This is real. Life is no rehearsal and this notion becomes ever more present the older I get. Carpe Diem!”
Seizing the day with Standring on “Real Life” are Mitchel Forman (piano), Andre Berry (bass), Kevin Axt (upright bass), Matt Rohde and Hans Zermulen (keyboards), Ronnie Gutierrez (percussion) and drummers Chris Coleman and Dave Karasony.
The album Real life drops March 20th.
Last year, Standring issued “Best of Chris Standring Remixed,” which spawned his 13th Billboard Top Ten single when his reimagining of “Kaleidoscope” shot up to No. 4. Smooth Jazz Network named him Artist of the Year, not just for his own recordings, but for producing and co-writing the Billboard No. 1 hit, “Eddie’s Ready” for guitarist Thom Rotella. Standring, who debuted in 1998 with “Velvet,” has topped the Billboard chart six times as a solo artist.
In the meantime, check out a taste of the album, with the music video for Is There A Doctor In The House?.
You can check out Standring live throughout the year.
February 27-29 Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho London, England
April 16 Soul Kitchen & Jazz Parlor Philadelphia, PA
April 22 Catalina Bar & Grill Hollywood, CA
April 26 Pier Park Panama City Beach, FL
May 8 & 9 Spaghettini Seal Beach, CA
June 6 The King Center Melbourne, FL
August 2 St. James Live! Atlanta, GA
August 8 Elmira Jazz Festival Elmira, NY
October 14 Yoshi’s Oakland, CA