Hip Sway

Chris Standring

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 22, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 22, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Instinct Records
• ASIN: B00004786D
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #117,608 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

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

From Jazziz

Guitarist Chris Standring, a young upstart, earned some smooth-jazz radio play last year with the single "Cool Shades" from his debut album, "Velvet." Standring's sophomore effort, "Hip Sway" (Instinct), finds him continuing to draw on the '60s groove-guitar styles founded by Grant Green. It also draws on more recent trends like drum 'n' bass and features guest artists like Richard Elliot."

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you're not a fan yet, YOU WILL BE!, March 3, 2000

By A Customer

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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hip Sway - Way Cool - Cool Jazz, November 20, 2002

By	Martin J. Callahan "Stay-at-home-Dad" (Newington, NH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ContemporaryJazz.com, May 19, 2000

By	By Brian Soergel (San Diego) - See all my reviews

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