The blog
From the bandstand
News, stories and updates from the road, the studio and the classroom.
Latest
A Project I've Wanted to Create for YearsMelody Mastery Is Finally OpenFor years, students have asked me the same question:"Greg, is there one place where I can access your complete teaching…Teaching · June 5, 2026 · 1 minRead more →All posts
Everybody Loves MusicA New Chapter: Music, Purpose & CommunityAfter returning home from the Philippines recently, I’ve found myself reflecting quite a bit, not only on music, but on purpose, community, hospitality,…May 11, 2026 · 2 min
Everybody Loves MusicWhy I Created EverybodyLovesMusic After 50 Years in MusicThere have been many chapters in my life as a musician: performer, educator, promoter, organizer, student, traveler, and bandleader. But after more than…April 18, 2026 · 4 min
Life & musicA Season of Gratitude, Growth, and New Beginnings By Greg ChakoAs we move into Thanksgiving week, I find myself filled with a deep and genuine sense of gratitude, not only for the exciting musical opportunities…November 23, 2025 · 4 min
Life & musicFrom International Recognition to Local Anonymity.The other night, during a break from our trio show at Vivaldi's Restaurant in The Symphony Hotel in Downtown Cincinnati, I met a charming couple, the wife…February 2, 2025 · 7 min
Life & musicThe Jazzman Fall 2024 UpdateNext week I go into the studio to record a ‘sequel’ to Standard Roots with my trio featuring bassist Mason Daugherty and drummer Michael Meloy. It will…October 15, 2024 · 4 min
Life & musicCookin' w/Jazz!In between preparing for gigs, recordings and teaching music, I can get pretty busy in the kitchen! I made my own version of a Morrocan Tomato Soup a…October 1, 2024 · 43 photos
Recordings"These guys are attached at the hip capturing the essences of each track with great feeling and clarity" - Rufus ReidFINALLY, a premier performance in Cincinnati of a great record! The date is Thurs. Sept. 19th, ONE NIGHT ONLY!:…September 2, 2024 · 3 min
Life & musicThe Jazzman - A Life Playing & Promoting - New Video Release2024 has brought many highs and some scary lows too. On the high side, I released a trio album of all-originals with former Miles Davis alumni Steve…August 26, 2024 · 1 min
Life & musicGratitude for a life FILLED with MUSIC and good folks!My newest group, David and the HeartStrings, competed last Sunday in the Cincy Blues Challenge @Elements Eatery. We didn't win, but we had a good time as…June 14, 2024 · 3 min
TeachingTeaching, the noblest of professions.My mother was a career teacher for Cincinnati Public Schools and I never thought I'd follow in her footsteps as a teacher, but I did! I received my first…May 8, 2024 · 5 min
Life & musicKeep your eye on where you're going, but never forget where you came from!This post follows up the last two blogs of mine, in which I ponder and pontificate the merits of doing other peoples music as opposed to ones own, and the…May 6, 2024 · 3 min
Life & musicWhat? Another tribute band?Today's blog piggy-backs on the publication of my most recent article for Just Jazz Guitar, a marvelous online magazine of which I'm an author of…April 8, 2024 · 5 min