Smooth jazz guitarist Chris Standring was born and raised in Buckinghamshire, England; classically trained at the London College of Music, he further honed his skills during a decade spent working for the BBC as well as a number of theatrical orchestras on London's West End. From there Standring relocated to Los Angeles, where he became a top session player after recording with everyone from Bebe & Cece Winans to Jody Watley to Carole Bayer Sager; in 1996, he also teamed with keyboardist Rodney Lee to helm the acid jazz combo SolarSystem. After touring for a year and a half with trumpeter Rick Braun, Standring issued his solo debut Contraband in 1999, scoring the smooth jazz radio hit "Cool Shades"; Hip Sway appeared a year later. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi