Chris Standring

Ten

Ultimate Vibe

If you like guitar to sound cool but with a funky feel look no further than this latest album from Chris Standring, who is a real master of the style. This, his 10th album, is a cracking collection of tracks full of jazzy tones, tempos and serious grooves. The funk drops now and again to make space for tracks like the gorgeous Magic Carpet Ride with its warm, ‘late night in the city’ feel. Chris switches to nylon-string for Carousel, adding yet another sonic dimension. It’s also full of mood swings: check out the gloriously sleazy Parisian Blue. Most importantly, the whole album is laden with melody so when the guitar goes off on tangents you still know exactly where you are. This is modern jazz at its most comfortable. It’s a listener’s delight from start to finish and comes very highly recommended indeed.