Search - Chris Standring :: Hip Sway

Hip Sway
Chris Standring
Hip Sway
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

Continuing in the vein of his 1998 CD, Velvet, is the thickly blues-based and more self-assured Hip Sway. Beautifully invoking a sense of old-school jazz sensibilities, Hip Sway mixes acid-jazz ambience and the powerful so...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Chris Standring
Title: Hip Sway
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Instinct Records
Original Release Date: 2/22/2000
Release Date: 2/22/2000
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Smooth Jazz, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 720841050223

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Continuing in the vein of his 1998 CD, Velvet, is the thickly blues-based and more self-assured Hip Sway. Beautifully invoking a sense of old-school jazz sensibilities, Hip Sway mixes acid-jazz ambience and the powerful soul touches of coproducer Rodney Lee. The title track finds Standring echoing his muted Wes Montgomery-bound melody with wah-wah punch lines, then duetting casually with the eager tenor of Richard Elliot before exploding into an irresistible brassy hook--all over Lee's moody blue synth harmony. "Glamour Girls" features a propelling vamp reminiscent of Lee Morgan's "Sidewinder" under Standring's note-for-note duet with tenorman Dino Soldo, while Lee does double duty on a Hammond B-3 solo over the synth-created vamp.Fast forwarding to the present, Standring invokes a bit of ambient master Brian Eno on "What Is Is," as he and Lee exchange distant, distorted melody lines over a spaced-out synth wash as Dave Karasony's train-track drum patter continues to hypnotize. Ditto the gentle hypnosis on a cover of 10cc's mystical "I'm Not in Love"; Standring doesn't do much improvising with the melody, but his alternating guitar tones and the enveloping atmosphere--complete with barely audible synth horns--are just like, well, Velvet. --Jonathan Widran

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CD Reviews

If you're not a fan yet, YOU WILL BE!
By Brian Soergel | San Diego | 03/04/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"English guitarist Chris Standring's project, "SolarSystem" released prior to "Velvet" is funky for those who like funky acid jazz. Then "Velvet" was released in 1998 and shed a whole new light on smooth jazz style...breaking the mold. Now, after two years, "Hip Sway." This is a SPECTACULAR project. Chris and his band expertly blend the sounds of smooth jazz synthesized keyboards accompanying incredible harmonica and saxophone, a never-ordinary beat, and of course the Chris Standring signature sound coming from Chris' infamous Cremona Sunburst Robert Benedetto custom archtop guitar (with a little echo-plexing at times)...ahhhhh... it's an unforgetable musical experience! And...a bonus...Richard Elliot guests on the title cut! Smooth Jazz LOOK OUT! Standring's got a new one and he's hot!"
Hip Sway - Way Cool - Cool Jazz
Martin J. Callahan | Newington, NH United States | 11/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like smooth jazz half as much as I do, this album definitely belongs in your collection. If your plans this evening include kicking back in your favorite reading chair with your feet up and the lights down low, grab a good book and crack open that bottle of Cab Sav Shiraz! Chillin' and Hip Sway: what a great combo."
ContemporaryJazz.com
By Brian Soergel | San Diego | 05/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hip is defined as something familiar with the latest ideas, styles, etc. Sway is defined as to move or swing to and fro. Combine both terms meanings as "to excite or swing emotions and favorable dulcet sounds." Standring has produced a winner for his sophomore effort. The title track is the epitome of blending acid jazz flavors with soulful motions. The catchy tunes on Hip Sway solidify Standring as a pioneering guitarist of this new decade. "Big Feet Big Shoes" is a cool, hip song which you can envision a carefree individual stepping through downtown amongst a large crowd without any apprehension of time or people engulfed all around, but this person knows the meaning of "cool" by their demeanor and walk. Hip Sway establishes many swinging moods and feelings, which are delectable and vast. Grade: A"