Hi,
a new review for this Fantastic double Greg's CD on air on
RADIOVINILEMANIA in Italy

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

Ciao ciao P

courtesy: http://www.allaboutjazz.com

Where We Find Ourselves
Greg Chako | Self Published (2006)
By Jim Santella

With his sextet of jazz improvisers and program of original tunes,
guitarist Greg Chako stretches out with a smooth session of aural
impressions. Warmth, inner passion and heartfelt charm pervade his
writing, which addresses matters of the heart.

The ensemble casts a varied shadow that's dominated by the sound of
saxophone, trombone, guitar and a flowing rhythm section. Chako's
fluid guitar brings cool harmony and mellow improvisation to the
scene, while his band colors the performance with surrounding walls
of consonance.


"Takachan," a contrafact of "Emily," features bassist Mark Tourian
in a lovely soliloquy that jibes well with solo spots from guitar
and soprano sax, each portraying lyrical depth through the song's
graceful melody.


Singer Kaleb James interprets "Creators of Life" and "Where We Find
Ourselves" with a light demeanor that sails smoothly through
reflective lyrics. The latter piece, Chako's title track, employs
acoustic guitar in a duet with a personal message. "April Wind," a
reinvention of "I'll Remember April," features drummer Mark DeRose
in a driving ensemble interpretation and finds Chako picking
staccato phrases with leaping intervals to emphasize the song's
underlying surges.


"You of All," which is based on "All of You," features bass
clarinet, trombone and tenor in a hot ramble. This intense and
direct piece, the best part of Chako's session, allows plenty of
room for adventure. "Dirge for Didge" features Andy Bevan on
didgeridoo along with tabla, bongos, and other exotic sounds from
the realm of world music. Pat Hallaran's muted trombone solos cry
out in anguish, complementing Bevan in a thrilling display of
unbridled passion.


"Josephine," a contrafact of "Beatrice," features soprano saxophone,
trombone and bass clarinet in a lush arrangement that flows evenly.
Chako lets his guitar gently weep with strong rhythmic support at
his side. "Love Goes Fourth," from the changes to "Love for Sale,"
features tenor and trombone in an uptempo romp that has Chako moving
incessantly with guitar splashes in rapid-fire motion. Fast and
quick, but always seamless and fluid, the guitarist paints a
peaceful landscape throughout this two-CD release that's recommended
for its smooth countenance and adherence to tradition.

Visit Greg Chako on the web.


Track listing: Voyage Down; Wave of Love; Winter Solstice; Takachan;
Love Goes Fourth; Creators of Life; April Wind; It's Only You; Long
Summer Samba 69; You of All; Josephine; Dirge for Didge; 7- Up;
Takachan; Where We Find Ourselves.

Personnel: Greg Chako: guitar; Mark Tourian: bass; Mark DeRose:
drums, congas, bongos, percussion; Andy Bevan: tenor saxophone,
soprano saxophone, flute, didjeridu; Robbie Belgrade: bass clarinet,
pandeiro, tabla, percussion; Pat Hallaran: trombone; Kaleb James:
vocals.

Style: Mainstream/Bop/Hard Bop/Cool