Electric Wonderland

Chris Standring | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 20, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ultimate Vibe Recordings
• ASIN: B006STHW9E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,736 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #90 in Music > Jazz > Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo

Editorial Reviews

The success of Chris Standring’s groundbreaking 2010 CD Blue Bolero, which topped several year-end lists and produced a No. 1 single, made it a tough act for the guitarist to follow. But Standring has managed quite nicely with Electric Wonderland, his brand new 10-song CD of original songs that fuses elements of Blue Bolero’s orchestral touches with a deft jazz-pop touch that has been a hallmark of Standring’s stellar career. “I feel like it’s an extension of Blue Bolero, but a bit more playful and upbeat,” says Standring. “It also came out much dreamier. And of course I m playing electric guitar, so I wanted to merge the two when naming the CD.”

On Electric Wonderland, Standring’s longtime fans, as well as guitar aficionados, may recognize that he’s doing two new things here. The first is that, in keeping with the CD’s title, he’s traded his archtop jazz guitar which imparts a much more acoustic sound for a Fender Stratocaster, whose strings and solid-body infuses his music with a more expressive sound. “The Fender Strat guitar gives you an electric quality,” Standring says. “Because I’m a jazz player, I wanted to get a jazz sound out of that instrument, but to be expressive in the way a rock guitarist might, such as with bending the strings.”

The other thing Standring did on Electric Wonderland was to throw away his pick, for the most part. This leads to a difference in tone and an enhanced personal and intimate experience for the listener. “I went through a phase where I didn’t enjoy hearing myself play with a pick. It got in the way in what I was trying to express. When I put it down and played with my fingers and listened back to it, it felt more musical, much more intimate. I found myself gravitating more to that sound. It’s also how I’m playing live now.”

With Electric Wonderland, Standring is sure to draw more accolades from both music critics and his ever-growing fan base. JazzTimes Magazine has twice named his CDs the best of the year, while 2010 s Blue Bolero was named CD of the year by the influential Art Good s JazzTrax, and the song “Bossa Blue” which was No. 1 for nine weeks was named Billboard s Contemporary Jazz song of the year in 2010.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing and dreamy sound April 4, 2012

By Göran Wik

Format:Audio CD

Chris Standring has with this album made the summer. A cool, relaxed sound and feel to all the songs. I'm amazed how he can make a guitar express a mood like this. Almost September is a really summery song that makes me think of a warm sunny day with a cool beer or a soft drink with ice. It is also a cruiser song along with Pandora's Box. For the guitar interested the album is available as play-along as well, that I can recommend, as I try to do just that, but its very funny. I listen to a lot of artists like Peter White, Norman Brown, Dwight Sills, Brian Simpson and Jonathan Fritzén, Chris Standring is top notch to me.
/Wiken :)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent musical journey April 11, 2012

By chriskatanna

Format:Audio CD

We were first introduced to Chris with "Blue Bolero" a great album and decided to try "Electric Wonderland". We are again enjoying a different side of his music. He creates wonderful pictures with his sound and I recommend this album to anyone who enjoys beautiful flowing jazz.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous Music Master April 5, 2012

By Alta J. Cardiff

Format:Audio CD

I first heard Chris Standring on an email ad for Spaghettini's in Seal Beach. I listened to his music and was immediately hooked. This latest album of his is fantastic. I saw the video for 'Oliver Twist' off the Electric Wonderland album and was blown away. I watch it every day. Couldn't wait for the album release. If you like smooth jazz guitar music(and I do) he is one of the best. His Blue Bolero was amazing, but Electric Wonderland transcends. And as Oliver said in Oliver Twist "More, Please." Can't wait for his next album, they just keep getting better.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Chris improves upon perfection April 4, 2012

By John Egg of United Way

Format:Audio CD

I have enjoyed everyone of Chris's albums, thinking that with Blue Bolero he had reached his zenith. I am glad to say that I am wrong as Electric Wonderland has set new standards not only for Chris but the whole smooth jazz genre. Regardless of your mood or temperment, the music utlimately soothes and relaxes. I look forward to driving to and from work as this album continues to me feel good about the world! Keep up the great music, Chris.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Alan's take April 4, 2012

By Alan W. Smith

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Once again, Chris Standring has done it again. I've caught most of his stuff and really like it. Hell, I can even go back to when he played backup for the group Solar System. Remember those days Chris?? Mr Standring's guitar always has "bite" to it. A lot of musicians these days play some pretty watered down stuff and try to sound like everyone else. That's what sets him apart from most. Would love to see him in concert someday....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Electric wonderland says it all! April 21, 2012

By F. Salazar

Format:Audio CD

I have purchased this CD, Electric Wonderland by Chris Standring to my good fortune! I first heard Mr. Standring on an earlier tune, Liquid Soul, then Blue Bolero, but I had only purchased individual songs. I am happy that I purchased Electric Wonderland in its entirety! I hope to tell you in mere words how much of a treat it is to listen to Mr. Standring make his guitar "sing!" Oliver's Twist is already an ol friend and I dare you to try and sit still. It makes me happy. Another sweet tune is a collaboration with trumpet player Rick Braun, Almost September. Yeah man, it is a rich song you gotta hear it for yourself! My favorite is an intimate tune called Heart of the Matter. I been "feeling" music for awhile, but when real talent and raw creativity plow together to emit such a wonderful arrangement, I have to applaud! There are many tunes for you to explore, and I encourage you to experience Chris Standring on Electric Wonderland, and write of your own review and favorites.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Homerun ! April 13, 2012

By steveo7654

Format:Audio CD

I have every album Chris Standring has ever produced. This is an absolute must have for those who enjoy his music. All I can say is buy it, you will love it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars About Electric Wonderland April 7, 2012

By kathymyoung

Format:Audio CD

A great follow-up to Chris Standring's 2010 'Blue Bolero' with a new approach that will delight his existing fans and make a lot of new fans as well. 'Pandora's Box' is the perfect start into the journey of Electric Wonderland and each piece is refreshing and breathes a new sound into smooth jazz.

The 'wonderland' of the album are the orchestration pieces 'Almost September', 'Heart of the Matter', 'Castle in the Sky' and 'Merry Go Round' are quite lovely really. Chris plays with his fingers on a Guitarlele and that gives a more mello, expressive and intimate sound. The winning combination of violins, the clarinet and cello make for the dreamy and romantic feeling of a motion picture soundtrack. 'All That Glitters' and 'Nightingale's Bridge' are two of my favourites where Chris' electric Guitar shines.

There's something for everyone on this album. The fun and upbeat 'Oliver's Twist' will make you want to dance. The funky beat and doo-wops of "Wishful Thinking and 'Escapade' add to the eclectic mix. You will feel thoroughly entertained. Electric Wonderland