Hi
a review for 2 Greg Chako's CDs on air in the next days on
RADIOVINILEMANIA in Italy

http://www.vinilemania.net/vGREGCHAKO.htm

Ciao ciao Pietro


Article Courtesy AllAboutJazz.com


Integration,Integration II

By Stephen Koch

One big question that comes up every now and then is "what direction
is jazz going?" The answer you get depends on who you ask.


Guitarist Greg Chako is a forward thinker and this two disc set
presents his vision, serving as a musical road map. The combination
of Chako's acoustic guitar with horns, percussion, keyboards, and
acoustic bass lends his group a wholly original sound. These songs
move through swing, the blues, and ballads.


Two tunes from the first disc, "Saito's Serenade" and "Inspiration
Blues," present a solid traditional jazz sound. But there are sweet
surprises all over this set. "Poinciana" kicks off with the horns
stating the melody, and when Chako takes his guitar solo later in
the tune, he cleverly brings it right back to the horns. The return
is refreshing. "Integration II" moves into new territory by
incorporating a funkier feel. All the tunes on the second disc are
original compositions, except for "The Hunny Lady," written by
pianist Michael Stanton. It also features some interesting
percussion work on the tablas and surdo drum. Sonically speaking,
this set is oustanding. The cymbals are bright, the drums pop, and
each instrument comes out sparkling and clear.


In this age of reissues and alternate takes, it's refreshing to hear
jazz that takes some chances and looks the future right in the eye.