Chris Standring : Love and Paragraphs - Ultimate Vibe/ 2008
Oct 21, 2008 -In radio land a programmer with great ears is always watching for the growth of musicians who make the format work on-air. It is both a curse and blessing as it’s easy to lean too heavily on the safe acts while other unfamiliar names may slip by the CD player. The first album I ever received from guitarist Chris Standring came in a plain white sleeve and it could have been easy to miss it if not for the advance shout out from a friend in Milwaukee.

Since then I've always followed his work and eagerly await the mail to hear his fifth CD and where his creativity will take him. After all “Soul Express” was a killer disc back in 2006 so the new had a high standard to follow, and on “Love and Paragraphs” the L.A. based British born guitarist delivers big. Ten self-penned tracks of magnetic force with impressive cool and irresistible grooves throughout.

Let’s look at some highlights and from the opening groove of ‘Qwertyuiop,’ the hook is immediate and catchy. Chris’ playful and soulful guitar trade licks with Everette Harps’ saxophone for a memorable track that is only just the first trickle of a flood of great music. The title track has a simple yet satisfying medley that has a pure and enjoyable hook. The production is excellent throughout the entire disc and the mix on this one in particular is sweet.

A major highlight is ‘Have Your Cake and Eat It’ with a slick urban groove and a subtle yet huge talk box guitar solo. The funk rolls out of the speakers here with a track guaranteed to get the head nodding to match the hook. Next is ‘Liquid Soul’ where has a Euro Jazz feel to it with Chris’ silky smooth guitar runs over a hypnotic bass groove resulting in a track that oozes coolness. This track was my original favorite at first listening. Next up is ‘Ooh Bop’ a funky and tight groove rolls out of the speakers from Chris’ guitar and keyboards with a tight groove from Rico Belled on bass and Dave Karasony on drums. The track is simple yet magnetic in its med tempo hook, and should be an instant toe tapper and a great track for the commute home from work.

‘That’s What I Thought You Said’ (one of the two best tracks on the CD) combines tasty acoustic and electric guitar over a light almost samba like groove resulting in a tune that just can’t help but make you feel good. It is pure ear candy. Then comes ‘Qu’est-ce Que Tu Fais?’ with some slick guitar work over a haunting keyboard building to George Benson like scat-vocals from Jeff Robinson, and a killer Fender Rhodes solo from Jeff Lorber. Chris’ fretwork here is extremely tasty and makes this one of the standout tracks on the disc.

Overall Chris Standring’s, “Love and Paragraphs” is well produced and the musicianship only reinforced my original belief that I felt way back when I first opened that plain white sleeve and heard Chris for the first time. He is a great talent for the Smooth Jazz format and audience, and as he grows musically as an artist we are lucky enough to come along for the ride. – by Paul Ericson