Chris Standring Interview Page 4

Smitty: Yeah, man. It’s gonna be good to see you out there.  I know some of the dates that we’re looking forward to is with BB Jazz out there at Wilson Creek (Winery).

CS: Yes, yes, are you coming out to anything?

Smitty: I’m gonna try to get out to that one, man.

CS: Yeah.

Smitty: That’s always a fun gig out there.

CS: You know, we’re also doing the Pasadena Jazz Festival.

Smitty: Oh, now, you know that’s a party.

CS: That’s right.  July 22nd.

Smitty: Yeah.

CS: That’s gonna be a big gig for us.

Smitty:  Yes indeed. And, you know, you mentioned Jody Watley and Jeff Lorber.

CS: Yeah.

Smitty: That’s a powerful combination to have you three together doing some shows. 

CS: Well, yes, I think it is. I mean, you know, Jody has not really been exposed to this demographic, the Smooth Jazz audience, but of course, a lot of the people that grew up with her are now part of this format, so I think she’s going to be pleasantly surprised to see so many people that have followed her career over the years.

Smitty: Oh yes.

CS: And, of course, you know, she’s sold 20 million records in her time, so I have to say that had I known that before I’d asked her to be a part of this tour, I might have been a bit embarrassed to do so. (Both laughing.)  But I didn’t know that at the time (laughs). So she said “Yes, I’d love to do it.”  (Both laughing.)

Smitty: Please pass along my congratulations to her and she’s quite warmly welcomed to the format.

CS: Yeah, I will.

Smitty: It’s gonna be great to see her.

CS: I think she is, I know.

Smitty: Yeah.  And Jeff Lorber….he has the one distinction that I have landed on him that I don’t land on anyone else. I call him the “Schiznick” of the format.

CS: Really?

Smitty: Yeah, he’s the “Schiznick”. He is just a funky keyboard player.

CS: Yes, he is, yeah. And, I mean, that’s really why I wanted Jeff to be part of this thing because this whole tour that I’m putting together is a little bit more than your regular Smooth Jazz thing. We’re trying to make this a soul/funk explosion.

Smitty: Yeah, man. Can’t wait to see and hear it!

CS: Yeah, so Jody and Jeff are perfect for that.

Smitty: Yes indeed.  Jeff, that’s my Philly boy.

CS: Yes.

Smitty: Chris, I’ve really enjoyed this record so far and I’m glad I’m one of the few that have listened to it so far.

CS: Yeah.  I hope you’re gonna be one of many.

Smitty: Oh, I think so.  And keep your hand out for a Grammy, would ya?

CS: Yeah, I sure will.  (Both laughing.)

Smitty: They may put one in your hand.

CS: Yeah, well, we’ll see.

Smitty: Yes indeed, my friend.

CS: I won’t be holding my breath.  (Both laughing.)

Smitty: Well, it’ll be a nice pleasant surprise if nothing else, huh?

CS: That’s it, that’s it.

Smitty: Yeah. Chris, best of everything on this great record for this year and the tour.

CS: Great.

Smitty: And you’re to be congratulated and I’m honored to have it in my possession, and let’s get together later and hopefully I’ll see you out on the road, my friend.

CS: That sounds wonderful. Thanks very much.

Smitty: All right, we’ve been talking with Trippin’ n Rhythm recording artist Chris Standring. He has a magnificent great new project, it’s called Soul Express, look fot it to hit the street May 9th, and I highly recommend this great project. And the live express we’ll be out on the road this summer. Please catch the live show. Chris, thanks again, and big ups my friend.

CS: Thank you very much.

Baldwin “Smitty” Smith

For More Information Visit www.chrisstandring.com or www.trippinrecords.com.