Greg Chako - 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!
