GREG CHAKO

“Integration II”

Greg Chako is a dynamic American jazz guitarist based in Singapore. Chako and his band have now released “Integration II” as a sequel to their “Integration” album from a year ago. “Integration II” features 10 original jazz compositions and over 65 minutes of music, which covers the entire spectrum of swing, Latin rhythms, blues, ballads, and Brazilian drum sounds. Compared to its predecessor, “Integration II” offers a fusion blend of these styles with a tropical island feel.

Born in 1958, Greg Chako showed interest in music at an early age and attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music before teaming up with dozens of top jazz artists. Chako put his music on hold temporarily to be a commercial Real Estate Agent in New York City before moving to Hong Kong to pursue life as a professional musician. After overcoming a bout with carpal tunnel syndrome, Chako performed in a number of Broadway musicals and jazz clubs overseas. In 1994, he moved to Singapore and formed “Chako Productions Pte Limited”, keeping himself immersed in the industry as a musician, agent, and event organizer, which he continues today. “Integration II”, his fifth recording effort, is an exotic mix of diverse jazz melodies, each offering a unique sound and feel. The guitar playing is delivered with a warmth and precision, providing an inspirational element to each track. Chako’s tropical island inspirations can clearly be heard on aptly titled tracks like “French Island Fantasy and “Afro-Asian Chant”. With Chako covering nearly every jazz style in one package, this effort is ideal recommended listening for first time jazz listeners as well. Overall, “Integration II” is enjoyable listening from start to finish, with Chako and his band delivering well-crafted melodies and harmonies with a unique combination of instruments played to perfection.

Greg Chako is a talented musician and composer with an outstanding supporting cast. If you ever get to Singapore, be sure to check out Raffles Hotel Bar and Billiard Room, where Greg Chako and his band perform every Monday through Thursday evening. If traveling isn’t in your plans of the near future, then sit back, relax, and give Greg Chako’s “Integration II” a good listen. Close your eyes, and you’ll be where you want to go in no time.

- Don Sikorski

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