Greg Chako - Comfort Food
“Channeling the music of Miles Davis, Harold Arlen, Ira Gershwin, and Michel Legrand amongst other jazz luminaries, Cincinnati guitarist Greg Chako and band far exceed expectations on his latest release, Comfort Food. They recall the glory days of the organ trio format, performing time-honored standards led by a guitar master oozing with talent. These brilliant performances forge a new page in the history of the organ-trio experience. Comfort Food is one delicious taste of jazz you will not soon forget!” - Edward Blanco, WDNA Jazz Radio and AllAboutJazz.com
“Guitarist Greg Chako can always be relied upon to perform music that is melodic, thoughtful, quietly inventive and swinging! The performances are a relaxed musical conversation between three friends.” – Scott Yanow, Jazz Journalist/Historian
Guitarist Greg Chako delivers an appropriately titled album with a blue plate special of standards that is piping hot, filling, and flavorful. Protein-filled string work, spicy organ garnish, sleek bass lines and sublime beats. Chako is a master at setting a mood! He goes bel canto on a romantic “Moon and Sand” while changing to an in-the-know carney on“Freddie The Freeloader”. Can I get seconds? - George W. Harris, JazzWeekly
A few months ago, Todd, Wayne and I had a “one-nighter.” It was our first time together as a unit. It felt SO good that I suggested we should make a record! I'd played with each of them individually at times but that gig was, in fact, the very first and last time we ever played together until we met in the studio to make this album. Both of them have proven experience plus steady, winning personalities. How I feel working with musicians like them is so comfortable in all respects that it reminds me of "comfort food,” because that’s the kind of food you make when you want something that is easy, fast, and reliably delicious, i.e. the highest quality with the least amount of stress!
There was no rehearsing, writing or arranging of music prior to the recording, and all of the songs presented are “first-takes.” I chose material that I play regularly on gigs, or which I simply like but have never recorded before. The format chosen is one of my all-time favorites, and it harkens back to my early years in the Midwest when the organ trio was so prevalent and popular. As I listen to the music now, it sounds swinging and grooving! We’re not attempting to stretch any boundaries or reinvent the wheel, just playing the melodies with complete honesty, groove-n-swing. I hope you like it! -Greg Chako
