Customer Reviews

Soul Express

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently got XM radio and I kept hearing this tune, looking at the display and by the 3rd time, this name Chris Standring soaked in. I've actually heard of hm before but this is the first of his CDs I purchased. Now that I have listened to the whole thing, I didn't even need to listen to a 2nd time to heartily recommend it for anyone who likes a jazz guitar CD. I can't say it is this or that, This guy has a distinctive sound. The first tune Catwalk is simple but resonates. The title track Soul Express has a quiet sophisticated mood. And the tune that caught my attention on XM was I Can't Help Myself. This was money well spent!!!!

Chris Standring's latest CD, "Soul Express" is truly awesome. If you like smooth jazz, smooth techno music, and some acid jazz, this CD is a highly recommend for your collection. It's a mix of groovy, funky, and melodic music. This CD is mostly instrumental with some melodic background vocals. If you like George Benson, Ronny Jordan, or Avenue Blue, you will enjoy this CD.

"Catwalk" has groovy beats with soul guitar licks. "Kaleidocscope" is little more like chill music. "Constellation" is pretty much like ambient club music. "A Method to the Madness" has a funky smooth jazz sound with George Benson-like background vocal. "I Can't Help Myself" is a smash hit on smooth jazz radio. The title track, "Soul Express" is hypnotic with a lyrical guitar synthesizer. "Through the Looking Glass" is a song that he recorded back in the 90's as a single and was not available on any of his CD's in the U.S. until now with improved re-mixed version. "Mumbo Jumbo" also has a melodic George Benson-like vocal sound along with deep rhythmic bass. Stevie Wonder's "As" has a harmonica added to the mix, and you'll hear soothing vocals in the background. The swinging rhythmic of "Shooting Stars" is filled with a dexterous guitar. John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" is kind of like a smooth electronica with an acid jazz guitar in the foreground.

I really enjoy listening to "Soul Express," and it can be addicting. I probably will never take this CD out of my CD changer. It's perfect for your workplace, driving, playing fun games, or else that keep you going smoothly. Grade: A

If you're looking for something upbeat, funky, & at the same time relaxing, then you'll love this one!!! Chris' unique guitar playing is great, as always. With a bit of techno in songs like Constellation, this is another cd by chris that'll leave you wanting more!!!

Tom R.
Albany N.Y.

Having known Chris for more than 30 years and his various tastes in music, I was not surprised when he stamped his mark on the Smooth Jazz scene with Velvet. He went from strength to strength with Hip Sway and then the follow up 'Groovalicious', but his maturity has really moved with the times and his melodic mix of smooth jazz with the DJ scene has created an all round and outstanding album. The melodies and the hooks all create a real smooth jazz junkies trip of melodic surprise, which leads up to the finale - 'Giant Steps'. Chris has done himself proud with this new album and has put his heart and soul into a recording which I have no problem recommending. So what are you waiting for, you know you wanna buy it.

I'll be the first to say that I miss rummaging through used record and CD bins looking for those undiscovered gems. Heck, that's how I "discovered" most of my music. The Internet and Amazon has forever changed the CD discovery game. However, I'm not sure if I would have found Chris without Amazon. His CD was one of the recommended CD's for another CD I was scoping. So I listened to a few of his samples & decided to take a chance on Standring's "Hip Sway." Now I'm hooked. With me being a lover of jazz music, I can't believe Chris was not on my radar screen. Well he's squarely in the cross hairs now; I'm two CD's into his catalog and lovin' it!!! "Soul Express" is phenomenal! You know how Smooth Jazz can get, well how do I say it, umm boring? Well, Chris' sound is just the right tonic to beat the smooth jazz blahs!!! From his funky originals, Kaleidoscope, Through The Looking Glass, Mumbo Jumbo (although the bass line in this song reminds me of another song that I can't recall right now) and his cover of Stevie Wonder's As, Strandring's creativity and musicianship is STELLAR. "Soul Express" is definitely a keeper, I won't be returning to the Used Record store to sell it back!!

Ah Hah. I remember the song that the bass line in Mumbo Jumbo reminds me of, Outstanding by the The Gap Band (The 12 Inch Collection & More)

this is simple. if you love smooth jazz, especially guitar, this album is an absolute must. smooth, crisp, melodic, and funky. it's beautiful, from BEGINNING to END. when was the last time you enjoyed a cd in it's entirety? i've purchased two copies, one for the car, and one for the house. it's that good.

this is the perfect album after a long day at the office and you want to relax. Of course pour up your favorite beverage and let Soul Express to you to another level. A must buy!!

This is by far one of my best musical purchases this year! And... I should know because I run an internet station and buy a lot of music!!

This album, and really, all of Chris' albums, are smooth and sexy - extremely multi-layered with fantastic instrumentation that's easy to get lost in!!

LOVE IT!

I just purchased this CD and from the first song, I was immediately hooked. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD to everyone - excellent for those mellow evenings when you want to relax with a glass of your favorite wine and just chill. BEAUTIFUL MUSIC!!

Chris Standring has out done himself with his new CD. Great sound all around, he has put his heart and soul into this recording. This is a must for your collection.