The mid-afternoon sun that hit the stage at Pier Park helped to usher-in British jazz guitarist, Chris Standring to the stage. Adorned inelegant black and accompanied by his Archtop Guitar, Chris statuesque suddenly appears before the audience with grace, class, and style. Supporting Chris musically, for this performance includes Andre Berry on bass, Chad Wright on drums and West Byrd on keys.
Chris opens with 'Shadow of Doubt,' a summer-cool jazz beat from his 2022 "Simple Things" album. On 'Static in the Attic,' Chris takes his first stroll on the cat-walk that extends from the main stage to greet the audience. Bass guitarist, Berry works the stage with Chris on 'Aphrodisiac,' the 2018 release from the album, "Sunlight". Next soft and pleasing, 'The Gist of You' also from the "Simple Things" album. Sharing additional songs of fan favorites the audience can tell, this contemporary jazz artist with his 2022 "Simple Things" album and more, plans to "Change the World".
SJM: Congratulations on twenty albums! Is this accurate?
Chris: I believe it is more like 16.
SJM: Since 1989! How do you feel about that? Chris: Old!
SJM: In watching you closely, at times you play with a pick, and then at times, no pick. What is the reasoning behind this change-up, and what quality in sound does it make for you?
Chris: Yes, when I play with my fingers, with a thumb it is a softer sound and if I play with a pick it is usually because I want to play faster, which I can't do with my fingers. Basically, May/Jun it is just a different tone, another dynamic.
SJM: So, I know you are originally from Britain, but you tour internationally. Do you focus on certain locations at a time or take advantage of opportunities as they come up? How do you plan out your tour schedule in advance?
This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Smooth Jazz Magazine.
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This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Smooth Jazz Magazine.
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