Wonderful World
Ultimate Vibe, 2021
8/10
The guitarist, composer and arranger Chris Standring has enjoyed a career that includes 13 Billboard Top 10 singles and 6 singles that hit #1, as well as being praised worldwide. On this 14th album as leader, he steps aside from songwriting and primarily interprets classics from the Great American Songbook, and he’s got an all star cast with him for the ride.
“How Insensitive” starts the listen with Standring’s eloquent and soothing guitar alongside David Karasony’s calm drumming and Geoff Gascoyne’s strategic bass in the light jazz climate, and “Night & Day” follows with Peter Erskine behind the drum kit and Chuck Berghofer holding down bass in the soulful and dreamy delivery.
Deeper into the listen, “What A Wonderful World” brings Kathrin Shorr’s stunning pipes to a lovely rendition of the classic, while “Green Dolphin Street” possesses no shortage of melody as Standring works superbly with Harvey Mason’s drumming and Darek Oles’ bass. “Falling In Love With Love” then benefits much from the orchestral arrangements alongside Berghofer’s charming bass and Erskine’s clever drumming.
Further still, “Sunrise” recruits Randy Beecker’s flugelhorn as a cozy groove is cultivated, and “My Foolish Heart” exits the listen with a cinematic quality where Standring’s intricate guitar work is on full display.
Standring and company retain the timeless spirit of these tunes while effectively putting a fresh coat of paint on them with a contemporary approach, and it’s an experience that comes with a 19 piece orchestra to complement the intimate and lush textures.
Travels well with: The Chris Saunders Band- Dancing With The Widow St. James; Eric Goletz- Into The Night