Chris Standring (gtr); Alex Bennett (keys); Phil Mulford
(bs); Jack Pollitt (dms).
(Review/photo by
Ken Drew).
Chris Standring attracted a large audience to the Globe –
30+ in pre-sales - with many coming from as far afield as Durham ,
Teesside and Edinburgh SE England and what a Band they form! As solidly tight
and polished as Clark Tracey’s quintet which performed here in November.
A totally different style to mainstream, straight ahead
or improv jazz, the music was totally funk and groove based (not sure where
the Smooth Jazz label comes from) but the audience thoroughly enjoyed the
driving funk rhythms. It’s not a style of jazz I’ve followed – but many
obviously do, as seen by the keen attendance of his
Chris’s guitar playing was spot on throughout, playing
several techniques with ease across different styles and rhythms, the drumming
(Jack Pollitt) was constantly driving yet varied with maestro solos by Alex
Bennett on keys and Phil Mulford on bass. The standout exception to the
funk was the Jobim number How
Insensitive in the second set which provided a more gentle pace and a
wonderful contrast bringing the guitar (and Chris’s musicianship) centre stage.
On their way out, the audience had obviously enjoyed the
night and those that I spoke to thought making the trip to the Globe Jazz Bar
was well worthwhile. Another successful night, drawing in many new faces
to the still-developing venue.
Ken D.
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