Tight, flowing originals with flavors of world music, funk, and blues; swinging bebob & ballads, and melodic guitar by a jazz poet.

10 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Post-Bop, WORLD: Drumming

Details:
The title of this CD is inspired by my
approach to the guitar and music. It
echoes the kinds of comments I've gotten
from other musicians about my playing.
I've been told over the years on more
than one occasion, "...you paint a
picture...", or "...your solo tells a story...",
and each time I hear that, I take heart
that my musical goal may have been
achieved. I contrast those comments with:
"...nice lick!...", or "...you have amazing
technique!...". For while most players are
pleased to know their technique is
admired, the more important aspect of
one's playing is, do you SAY anything! Do
you have a style that is significant and
your own? This is what I aspire to. Each
time I put together a CD, I think long and
hard about making a unique statement,
which tunes to include, in what order to
present them, the instrumentation, etc... I
have always done this, but I hope this CD
in particular exemplifies that ideal, and
satisfactorily displays the culmination of
my recording, composing and playing
experience.
I hope for you, the listener, it paints a
picture, or tells a story...
Greg Chako Jan. 2007

Volume 30/Number 272
July 30, 2007
MIDWEST RECORD
 
KARI ON PRODUCTIONS
GREG CHAKO/Paint a Picture Tell a Story: Chako has established himself as a
guitar man to be reckoned with.  On his latest outing, he ropes in some dead
solid cats that round out the sound and make his work even more of a jazz
record than a busman's holiday.  Immersing himself in a group identity, the
cats he's brought on board raise his game and he's there for the challenge. 
A hard hitting date from a guitarist that's making sure he has a place in
jazz that will be remembered.
88 (Chako Productions) recvd july 30

Greg Chako - PAINT A PICTURE, TELL A STORY:  Our first listen to Greg's wonderful guitar work is deeply satisfying, & (without doubt) an excursion into the adventure that his music imparts... over half the tracks are originals, and (as many who read this 'zine know), that makes it an automatic winner for this reviewer.  There is just something about tunes penned by the artist that lets you know right where they are coming from!  My favorite original on this outing is "Murtabop" - influences all the way from NYC to China & back (including some Indian food, which is where the title comes from).  This cut is like a trip 'round the world in 6:32, & is relentless in the energy it conveys for getting ones' fingers wrapped 'round LIFE... certainly brings out the theme of the title - I can see those outdoor markets I used to cruise through in Thailand, or Korea, very clearly when I listen to this sweet little tune.  Another favorite is track # 7, "What da' Funk"... some real (& legitimate) groovin' happening here; when the rhythm doubles up, you'll be itchin' to get on yer' FEET, peepz!  True jazz aficionados will HAVE to have this one in their collection - Greg is a master!  I'm impressed enough to declare this one the "PICK" of this issue for "best all-round jazz" - without qualification, it is MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Get more information from Greg's site, at www.gregchako.com or look at the promo kit, HERE!  Rotcod Zzaj recvd Aug 1 Celebrity Cafe


Greg Chako - Paint a Picture, Tell a Story
- âPaint a Picture, Tell a Storyâ from Greg Chako is a jazz album that includes whimsy and sensual tunes. The instrumentation displayed on the record definitely tells anecdotes and no words are needed.

âCyclesâ has cool percussion work along with what sounds like a saxophone. The guitar work has an electronica splash to it, which gives the song a unique twist. The light drumming in the background also makes the track quite catchy.

On âNextâ the vibe changes to a more arousing one. A smooth jazz rhythm is produced by the deep beats of sax and guitar. This song could be one played in a motion picture where two drifters meet by chance and the encounter breeds a smoldering relationship.

âMurtabopâ has high-pitched instrumentation beside a big band tone. The drum, percussion, guitar and cymbal play all mesh together to form a melody that might confuse some and rally others.

On âBallad for Andyâ a tribal rhythm takes over as what sounds like bongos are being lightly beaten. Bongos are two small drums attached to each other. The drums are different in size, the larger drum is called a hembra, and the smaller drum is called a macho.

âMarilynâs Dilemmaâ is an expressive song with lively sax, guitar and percussion play. The zealous instrumentation impugns the title of the song, but her conundrum might be one that is easily rectified.

Greg Chakoâs âPaint a Picture, Tell a Storyâ does just that. Chitchat is not a necessity as Chakoâs jazz prowess forms joyous melodies as well as steamy ones.

Reviewer: Sari N. Kent Improvijazzation Nation

By: Edward Blanco (EJAZZ NEWS)

American-born guitarist Greg Chako now lives and plays regularly in Tokyo, Japan and has seven previous recordings produced in Asia from Malaysia to Singapore and China.
âPaint a Picture, Tell a Story,â is Gregâs eighth album and clearly one of his best. A master composer as well as guitarist, Chako provides six original charts and includes standards from Frank Wess, Billy Higgins and the legendary tandem of Rodgers/Hammerstein covering ten wonderful tunes.

Chakoâs quartet consist of a cadre of players with whom the leader has called upon for various projects and include Mark DeRose (drums), Christy Smith (bass), and the versatile Greg Lyons (tenor and soprano sax). For this recording the guitarist also employs the help of special guests Delfeayo Marsalis (trombone), Don Byron (bass clarinet, tenor), Joe Jayaveeran (tabla) and Jayagowtham (mridangam).

To tell this story, Chako opens the music with âCycles,â one of his favorite compositions in which he plays beautiful melodic lines on the guitar as the horns form the harmony. This is followed by one of the best cuts here with his interpretation of the Frank Wess tune âNext,â featuring nice bass line work from Smith tastefully engaged by Chakoâs finger play on the strings. The result is a soft and warm melody and clearly a standout number.

âBallad for Andy,â is essentially a light ballad featuring a soprano solo from Lyons and a guitar run from the leader. The band turns to a little swing with drummer Billy Higginsâs âMarilynâs Dilemma,â a nice bebop score. No other tune on this album showcases the talents of Chako like the eighth track, Reddingâs âThe End of a Love Affair,â a beautiful love ballad thatâs all Greg Chako.

The set ends with the bluesy âWith Full Heart and Teary Eyes,â and the Rodgers/Hammerstein standard âPeople Will Say Weâre In Love.â Chako and crew succeed in painting a masterpiece with âPaint a Picture, Tell a Story.â The story told here is quite simple, intelligent charts, excellent musicianship and a fine cast of players that results in one enjoyable musical tale.

Year: 2007
Label: Self Published
Artist Web: www.gregchako.com

142 Reads  

Greg Chako is a guitarist whose style is smooth but never weak. His thumb plucking style (i.e. no guitar pick) will please those who love the softer playing of Wes Montgomery and George Benson. The sound is great to hear, and on
Paint A Picture, Tell A Story... (Chako Productions) he does so with a little help from his friends.

The album features his band, which includes Christy Smith (bass), Mark DeRose (drums), and Greg Lyons (tenor and soprano sax). Lyons is a player who knows how to create color within a song, or to add his presence in an already vivid picture. Sometimes he'll play in a way not unlike Sonny Rollins, while other times his playing would make it possible for Chako to get some smooth jazz radio airplay. One song that may not get smooth jazz airplay, but should get attention on many jazz radio shows, is "Murtabop", an Indian-flavored track complete with tabla and mridangam, along with a great bass clarinet solo from Don Byron, whose presence on the album is nothing but some nice incregients to Chako's already impressive stew. For a bit of that gumbo, Delfeayo Marsalis brings a bit of the New Orleans spices into the mix, especially when he solos in "Hurry Up And Wait", "What da' Funk!" and "With Full Heart And Teary Eyes". In a way, it's everyone in the studio waiting in line for lunch, and they all have to play in order to get in, and these guys can play their asses off.
The music on Paint A Picture, Tell A Story... moves in a lot of different directions, or at least the stories being told are different from one another. Different stories, different flavors, coming from a unique collection of musicians who are different and yet the same, playing for a common cause. There's joy, pain, heartbreak, and love within these songs, and hopefully Chako will continue to "paint" more audio pictures for years to come. (Music for America, by da bookman)
(Paint A Picture, Tell A Story... is available from CDBaby)

Now there is another task to perform for Greg Chako, namely with his new CD;  Paint a Picture, Tell A Story but donât worry, we donât have to do so because Greg does that for us together with some highly skilled (as Greg himself) musicians.  This CD takes a few different directions in styles, resulting in never a dull moment when listening to this CD, and as far as my opinion goes; The title for this CD is not complete, it should have been;â¦.. Paint a Picture, Tell A Storyâ¦. Andâ¦..Enjoy The Music! ..I would also like to give this CD a subtitle,  same as the title of the 2nd hour of my program Jazz & Blues Tour; â¦. âLean Back and Enjoyâ,  and if you do you will discover the finesse of this production.
Joost van Steen, Host/Producer  Jazz & Blues Tour  with ASFM105.4  in The Netherlands
 
O's Notes: â...Guitarist Greg Chako is a worldly jazz musician who spends a great deal of time in the Pacific. And this recording was done in Singapore, a collection of mostly originals with selected covers. He has good company with guest artists Delfeayo Marsalis (tb), Don Byron (cl, ts) joining him, notably on "Murtabop". The core band is also above par with Mark DeRose (d), Christy Smith (b) and Greg Lyons (ss). This is Greg's album but he shares the spotlight, which makes the experience rich and enjoyable. However when the time is right for him to insert his ax, he steps up as on "The End of a Love Affair". It's a cool session...â - Oscar, Os Place

Greg's Picture Painting
Bruce Von Stiers
I have reviewed a couple of albums by Greg Chako. He is an excellent jazz guitarist. Now I get to review yet another album by Chako. This one also features the talents of Christy Smith and Mark DeRose. The title of the album is Paint A Picture, Tell A Storyâ¦.
Greg's style has been called straight ahead jazz with a swinging style. His playing has been described as warm, spontaneous and respectful, with imaginative and original lines. Quite nice things to say about a jazz guitarist. But once you have heard Greg play, especially on this new album, You will tend to agree with what others are saying; Greg Chako is a fantastic jazz guitarist.
Not only did Greg grab up the talents of bassist, Smith and drummer DeRose, he also has saxophonist Greg Lyons playing on songs. And if that isn't enough, there are a couple of guest performers. Don Bryon plays bass clarinet on several songs. Joe Hayaveeran plays tambla on one song. Joe's nephew Jayagowtham plays mridangam on the same song. And the great trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis plays trombone on the album.
Cycles is the first song on the album. An original composition by Greg, this is a nicely paced tune. It kind of reminded me of an old â60's movie street scene, with the female leading meandering down a busy street.
The second song, Next, has a lot of nice bass and tenor sax. This is complemented well by Greg's guitar.
Murtabop is a very busy song. This is the one that features the mridagam and tambla. In the liner notes for the album, Greg says that the song is named after the Indian food dish called Murtabok. In the same note, Greg tells us that a bit of the song will remind the listener of Coltrane's Countdown. I would tend to agree. Some parts of the song do sound a bit like they might have been done by Coltrane.
Ballad For Andy begins with an interesting drum solo and then provides the listener with some really good soprano sax and guitar solos. The sax is long and lingering. It might remind you of a lost love lament.
Marilyn's Dilemma brings the pace back up. It is a fun song with nice tenor sax and drum solos. Greg also has a decent guitar solo in the song.
Hurry Up and Wait has a wonderful trombone solo.
I think that my favorite song on the album is What da Funk! The song is quite a bit like the title suggests, a funk laden tune. There are cool bass lines, fantastic sax and trombone mixed in with guitar and bass clarinet. In other words, a tough smorgasbord of hot jazz sounds.
Things slow down with a slow and easy love song called The End of A Love Affair.
Moderately paced, With Full Heart and Teary Eyes, might remind you of another one of those 60's movie scenes that I mentioned earlier.
The album ends with a really nicely done rendition of the Rodgers and Hammerstein tune, People Will Say We're In Love.
Greg Chako is indeed a great jazz guitarist. With the music on this album, and the talent that supported his guitar playing on it, fans are sure to be delighted. And if you haven't had a chance to hear Greg Chako's music before, this is a great way to get introduced to it.
Paint A Picture, Tell A Story⦠is available at CD Baby, iTunes, Emusic and other online and digital outlets.
To learn more about Greg Chako, visit www.gregchako.com .

Working in the jazz genre is more often than not a labor of love. There is a joke about how many jazz musicians it takes to change a light bulb, the answer being three hundred: one to change the bulb and two hundred ninety-nine to explain how they would have done it better. Yet there are few things that match the thrill of walking into a club and hearing a bunch of players meshing perfectly, in the pocket, getting it right without getting too far out.
So we come to Paint a Picture, Tell a Story by guitarist Greg Chako, with bassist Christy Smith, drummer Mark De Rose, and saxist Greg Lyons. Paint a Picture, Tell a Story walks that fine line where the borders of improvisation and accessibility overlap, making this one of those rare discs that the jazz aficionado and the casual listener can both listen to and appreciate. Made up primarily of Chakoâs compositions, Paint a Picture, Tell a Story consists of ten intricate tracks which are always considerate of the listener, from the opening Cycles, an intricate guitar piece beautifully augmented by additional solos by guest musicians Don Byron (clarinet) and Delfeayo Marsalis (trombone) to the closing, respectful jam on the classic People Will Say Weâre In Love. The tone of the disc overall is quiet, though very energetic, even approaching frenetic at times. Chako, however, maintains that perfect balance that results in moderated improvisation; nothing every becomes discordant or unlistenable, and while Paint a Picture, Tell a Story doesnât enter any new territory, it explores nicely the ones it visits.
Paint a Picture, Tell a Story is the perfect disc for someone who wishes to jump into improvisational jazz and to actually enjoy it while studying it. Chakoâs track-by-track liner notes are simply fabulous for that purpose, a considerate touch with a disc that is always considerate of the listener. Recommended. - music-reviewer.com Nov 07

by Joseph Taylor
josepht@soundstage.com
Musical Performance 4 out of 5

Recording Quality 3.5 out of 5

Overall Enjoyment 4 out of 5


American jazz guitarist Greg Chako has been living and working in Asia since 1992, which might explain why heâs not better known here in the US. The three musicians who round out his quartet are also westerners based in Asia. Drummer Mark DeRose and bassist Christy Smith are from the US, and sax player Greg Lyons is from England. Chako must be respected among musicians, since two prominent players, Don Byron and Delfeayo Marsalis, are guests on six of the ten tracks on his new disc, Paint a Picture, Tell a Storyâ¦. Chako is a gifted composer and improviser whose attack on the guitar is reminiscent of Wes Montgomeryâs -- not surprisingly, since Chako also uses his thumb rather than a plectrum, just as Montgomery did.
Chako doesnât copy Montgomery, although he shares the latterâs impressive command of the guitar. Chakoâs single-note and chord-based solos are emotionally rewarding and clearly developed, true to the title of the disc. His melodic tunes are richly complex, and his formidable command of the fingerboard allows him to present his musicians with harmonically challenging foundations. They respond with intelligent, sensitive performances. Byronâs bass clarinet on "Murtabop" and "What da Funk!" mesh nicely with Chakoâs warm, fluid tone, as does Marsalisâs bluesy trombone throughout the disc. Lyons, a highly inventive player, holds his own with the more famous guests, and the rhythm section is responsive and fluid throughout.
Paint a Picture, Tell a Story⦠was recorded in Singapore by John Herbert at Lion Studios, "The warm home of analogue sound in Singapore." While I might wish for slightly more forward sonics, the instruments are cleanly separated and presented without artifice. Indeed, the discâs space and atmosphere won me over quickly.
Greg Chako is a world-class player, and I hope to check out more of his extensive discography.

Greg Chako is an experienced jazz guitarist who graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. He played in Broadway musicals and with many esteemed artists: Junior Cook, Bill Hardman, Othello Molineaux, Johnny Lytle, Curtis Fuller, Richie Cole, Bobby Watson, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Raney and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
Including "Live at Raffles" CD, the aforementioned stuff is the 8th album in Greg's solo discography. Beside Greg, the rest of band members are: Mark DeRose (drums, percussion; Danobi), Christy Smith (bass) and Greg Lyons (tenor and soprano sax). There are also some guests on the CD: Delfeayo Marsalis (trombone; Elvin Jones, Art Blakey, Abdullah Ibrahim, Slide Hampton, Max Roach), Don Byron (bass clarinet, tenor; Duke Ellington Orchestra, Daniel Barenboim, Salif Keita), Joe Jayaweeran (tabla; Bobby McFerrin, Nestor Torres, Gypsy Kings) and Jayagowtham (mridangam - a double-headed Indian drum).
After launching a few CDs, Greg didn't want to surprise us with something unpredictable. He offers us a subdued light jazz with a composed and emotional playing. Many parts are improvised, but they are rather modest. It concerns both originals as well as some classic diamonds: Frank Wess' "Next", Billy Higgins' "Marilyn's Dilemma", Edward C. Redding's "The End of a Love Affair" and Rodgers-Hammerstein's "People Will Say We're in Love". A guitar parts deftly embrace a specific bass clang making this music a great tool for relaxation. All the tracks are instrumentally excellent and adroitly performed. I think that Greg's music won't drive up, but it will calm you down. If you need a driving force to fight the world, you should reach out for another item with faster tunes. It is chamber and noble kind of music for your sacred serenity. You can do yourself a sonic massage with this CD and consider it a perfect remedy for the dog-eat-dog world we live in!

People who are interested in Wes Montgomery Kenny Burrell Pat Metheny should consider this download.