‘Blue Bolero’ by Chris Standring was one of the most talked about releases of 2010. Its innovative use of a string quartet demonstrated, perhaps for the first time, how contemporary jazz could fuse with classical influences in the most perfect of ways. Consequently for his latest CD, ‘Electric Wonderland’ (which is due to hit the streets on March 20) he has for the most part retained the string section but, in so doing, gone for a vibe that is more dreamy, romantic, joyful and hopeful than anything he has previously produced. The result is magical in the extreme and even at this early stage seems destined to be one the album’s of the year.
Indeed, much like the title suggests, this is a wonderland that should be richly explored and the first chance to do so comes with the understatedly funky ‘Pandora’s Box’ which although possessing a groove reminiscent of his work on recordings such as ‘Soul Express’ and Love & Paragraphs’ includes stunning keys from regular collaborator Rodney Lee as well as a sumptuous string backing from Nikki Garcia, Barbra Porter, Tom Tally and Cameron Stone.
In fact Standring dispenses with strings for only three of the ten outstanding tracks and one of them is the languid, easy grooving ‘Wishful Thinking’ which is held down in fine style by Andre Berry on electric bass. Another is ‘Nightingale’s Bridge’ that finds Standring at his most mellow whereas the third, ‘Oliver’s Twist’, is the first to be released to radio. This rhythmic masterpiece is an absolute gem while elsewhere the cinematic ‘Escapade’ might best be described as orchestral funk. The way it counterbalances Standring’s enticing guitar licks with a velvety string backing is really very special and much the same can be said of the particularly pleasing ‘Castle In The Sky’ where Dan Lutz on acoustic bass also contributes.
The almost deconstructed nature of ‘Heart Of The Matter’ and ‘All That Glitters’ exposes a raw beauty that fans of ‘Blue Bolero’ will both recognise and appreciate whilst when Rick Braun joins Standring for the happy vibe of ‘Almost September’ he helps deliver a tune that is compelling yet relaxed.
However, in terms of personal favourites, and some might say right out of left field, there is nothing to surpass the enchanting ‘Merry Go Round’. With the string section replicating to perfection the easy paced fun of the fair, and a splendid piano solo from Mitchel Forman, this one is a delight
‘Electric Wonderland’ is Standring’s seventh solo release. For more go to www.chrisstandring.com