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Greg Chako
“From World to Bossa Nova to Jazz, this remarkable guy is the epitome of eclectic. The life story of this extremely gifted guitarist has all the required ingredients to make for a super screen play . . . Listen, and discover his jazz poetry in the making!
About Me
In a pro career spanning 50 years and five countries, Cincinnati-born jazz guitarist Greg Chako has released twenty two
albums and been the subject of a documentary called, An American Cat in the Lion City. One of his most prolific periods as a
recording and performance artist occurred while he lived in the Far East for 17 years, where he evolved into a masterful,
expressive composer with rich story telling abilities. His varied arrangements and 80 recorded original compositions merge
Mainstream, Hard Bop, Latin & World instrumental music. His music has spent time on the Jazzweek, CMJ and RMR Jazz
Charts, including multiple Top Ten spots, and has consistently received critical acclaim from the Jazz community.
In 2022, he signed with Mint 400 Records and Raining Music, their jazz oriented sub label. He is on track to exceed his past
successes in Asia by releasing 2-4 new albums per year since 2022. His 21st album, The Miami Project, came out in March
2025, and his 22nd, featuring an organ trio, titled Comfort Food, is due for release August 1st the same year.
Playlist
Theme Song
My Jazz Story
My House Concert Story
This is my most recent favorite House Concert Story. It's the liner notes of my most recent CD, "The Miami Project": "This concert was the brainchild of my friend and fan, Ed Blanco. He suggested the appealing possibility of my doing a concert at WDNA’s Jazz Gallery years ago, but due to life circumstances, not the least of which was COVID 19, we weren’t sure until much later if the idea would ever actually materialize. During a 2021 visit to Miami, Ed introduced me to bassist Jamie Ousley and that’s when the three of us began planning this concert in earnest. I began writing music for the album directly upon my return to Cincinnati. But when we realized in 2022 that the show might not happen, I released all the new Miami Project material I’d composed on my Life After 40 album which came out on Jan. 5th, 2023. But fortunately, none of the parties involved gave up on the project, and finally, in December of 2023, I returned to Miami for a glorious week of music as an honored house-guest of Ed and his lovely wife, Pilar. With Jaime’s assistance, I was featured with truly stellar players in an all-original program (except for the Cole Porter standard Love for Sale). The great vibe and hospitality I experienced in Miami was such that I really didn’t want to leave Miami at all, and I certainly look forward to returning! With thanks and sincere gratitude, I hope you enjoy The Miami Project!"
