FINALLY, a premier performance in Cincinnati of a great record! The date is Thurs. Sept. 19th, ONE NIGHT ONLY!: https://gregchako.com/event/5713360/693613424/greg-chako-mason-daugherty-duet
When this album first came out, my friend bassist Ron McClure reviewed it and said:
"Masterful precision ... constantly lyrical and swinging ... Absolutely amazing! They’ve redefined playing together!”
I figured if Ron thought so highly of it, I should ask some other experts to offer their opinion too, and here's just a small sampling of what I got:
“Greg set out to feature the bassist in more than an accompanying role with these compositions and it is really a seamless conversation between two great players.This is some beautiful music! - Dave Stryker, World-renowned jazz guitarist, composer, educator and recording artist”
“A great sound! Class musicians” - Jimmy Bruno, Master Jazz Guitarist and Educator
“These guys are attached at the hip capturing the essence of each track with great feeling and clarity ... Extremely polished ... covers a great deal of moods and harmonic diversity in the entire superb program. There are huge surprises too! This is World-Class and will inspire repeated listening. BRAVO to two consummate Jazz musicians” - Rufus Reid, Master Jazz Bassist/Composer
“Beautiful CD!! Phenomenal interplay, great compositions, and a vibe that is all it's own due the players' singular voices and mutual respect. Played with courage and great artistry” - Pete Bernstein, Master Jazz Guitarist
"Intelligent compositions and swinging, lyrical lines . . . a pleasure to listen to." - Ben Monder, Master Guitarist and Educator
"Greg’s got something going with this duo, and I’m a fan!” - John Clayton, Grammy© winning Bassist/Composer/Educator
“. . . a beautiful set of music in a rare combination. The tunes are rich, the songs swing, and the tone is warm. This is music to sit back, relax, and enjoy the artistry. Wonderful!”- Rodney Jones, Master Jazz Guitarist/Educator
“I was immediately struck by the cohesion, chemistry, compositional prowess, and brilliant playing. I dare say Greg’s outdone himself with this record! The mix is PERFECT. Give this one a spin right now!” - Taylor Roberts, Master 7-string guitarist
“There have been many duet collaborations in the jazz world but none as interesting, challenging and groundbreaking as this one." - Edward Blanco, Allaboutjazz.com and WDNA.88.9FM
Some of the other players who highly praised this release were: bassist/educators: Lynn Seaton, Aaron Jacobs, Marcus McLaurine, Rick Vizachero, & Dominic Duval; guitarists/educators: Bob Roetker, Brandon Coleman, Joe Finn, & Royce Campbell.
So, if renowned players like these thought so highly of this record, why did it take over a year to get an album release performance on the books in the hometown of these two Cincinnati artists? I don't know the answer to that, but I am grateful to now have a date when Mason and I can share this music with you LIVE! It would mean SO much if you're living in the Greater Cincinnati area, to come out and support us on Thurs. Sept. 19th @https://thepointclub.weebly.com
If you're not living nearby enough to come out, please consider buying the album from: https://gregchako.com/music-store (scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full CD one-sheet by Scott Yanow) AND! get a FREE copy of the full chart for “As a Button,” featured in the video link below:
This is a video of us recording one of the tracks live in the studio: https://youtu.be/4U_mzqhcHPY?si=vwyoI5t88asPmWlA
If you're interested in learning more about this CD, the process and inspiration leading up to it, please read my 5th blog here: https://gregchako.com/blogs/gregs-blog/posts/7344221/blog-5-a-place-for-bass
Greg Chako, Blog Post #20, from “2024 Highlights"