Guitarist Chris Standring
Chris Standring is a British-born guitarist and composer who has spent nearly three decades expanding the language of contemporary jazz. After arriving on the scene with Velvet in 1998 and the breakthrough track “Cool Shades,” he developed a sleek, instantly recognizable sound that blends jazz harmony, soul, funk, electronic texture, and cinematic atmosphere.
Across an extensive catalog released through his own Ultimate Vibe label, Standring has earned numerous Billboard top-ten singles and multiple number-one radio hits. Albums such as Soul Express, Sunlight, Wonderful World, and the 2026 project Time of Change show an artist equally comfortable with crisp groove music, orchestral color, intimate ballads, and playful experimentation. His technical command never overwhelms the melodic hook.
In concert, Standring is polished without being distant. Expect fluid guitar lines, sophisticated rhythm, witty interaction, and a set that can shift from laid-back cool to danceable funk. The St. James Live room is an ideal setting for hearing the detail in his tone while still feeling the pulse.