As we move into Thanksgiving week, I find myself filled with a deep and genuine sense of gratitude—not only for the exciting musical opportunities unfolding around me, but for the relationships that have shaped, supported, and inspired my journey this past year.
This has been a year of true forward momentum. I feel clearer in my purpose, more connected with my community, and more optimistic about the creative path ahead than I have in a long time. And as always, none of this growth happens alone. Everything I’ve accomplished has been built on the strength and quality of the people in my life—and for that, I’m profoundly thankful.
Gratitude for the People Who Lift Me Up
The Creative Team Behind My Recordings
My sincere appreciation goes to Joshua Deitner and the entire team at Great Wave Recording, whose tracking, mixing, and mastering work truly elevated my recent albums. Their artistry and attention to detail allowed my music to shine at its fullest potential.
My Fellow Musicians & Collaborators
Music is a shared language, and I’m fortunate to speak it with exceptional collaborators.
Thank you to:
Todd Remmy & Michael Meloy – drummers with deep groove, intuition, and sensitivity.
Matt Holt & David Lloyd – bassists who anchor every performance with musicality and trust.
David Ferrara - the fantastic guitarist & educator featured on my new Xmas album
Joe Simon - who has made all the amazing photos for my last 5 CDs!
Brooks Giles – my dear friend of nearly 30 years and a soulful player on both tenor and soprano sax.
Wayne Yeager – whose piano and organ contributions add richness to every stage and studio session.
David S. Burk – whose artistry on David & the HeartStrings and Merry Christmas from Greg Chako brought warmth and color to the music.
The Venues & Their Wonderful People
A heartfelt thank-you to Kyle Lucas, General Manager of Sorrento’s Italian Joint, who brought me in nearly a year ago to perform every Saturday night. Sorrento’s has become a meaningful musical home for me, supported by Kyle and the remarkable staff who make it a joy to return weekly. https://gregchako.com/blog/blog/7536841/the-perfect-local-gig
My Students & Their Support
Teaching continues to enrich my life. Special appreciation goes to:
Max Erwine, whose dedication to guitar and help with my marketing efforts means more than he knows.
Steve Bruce, a newer but deeply committed student whose enthusiasm inspires me.
My BNI & Networking Community
I’m fortunate to have built valuable professional and personal relationships through my BNI and networking groups.
Thank you to:
James Davis
Jim Clarke
And many others who have offered guidance, professional help, and thoughtful advice—often freely. These relationships have played an important role in my growing momentum this year.
And Above All… Jay
My deepest gratitude goes to my loving wife, Jay Chako. Her unwavering support, love, and belief in me provide the foundation beneath every note I play. She is my center, my calm, and my greatest blessing.
A Full Week of Live Music to Celebrate the Season
I’m thrilled to share a vibrant lineup of live events during this Thanksgiving season:
• Wed Nov 26 – Jazz Duo w/ David Lloyd
Hotel Covington Knowledge Bar — 7–10pm
• Sat Nov 29 – Jazz Duo w/ David Lloyd
Wine Bar inside Kroger Superstore – Anderson — 12–3pm
• Sat Nov 29 – “Groove Latin” w/ Patsy Meyer
The Palm Court at the Hilton Netherlands Plaza — 7:30–10:30pm
• Mon Dec 1 – The Greg Chako Trio w/ Al West Jr.
“Nat King Cole Xmas Show” – Memorial Hall (Jazz at the Memo Series) — 7pm
And right in time for the holidays:
🎄 New Album Release: “Merry Christmas from Greg Chako”
Streaming worldwide Nov 28 | CDs available now
Plus, two special Christmas shows at my musical home:
• Sat Dec 13 & Sat Dec 20 – David & the HeartStrings Trio
Sorrento’s Italian Joint — 6–9pm
Looking Ahead: Two Major Recording Projects
Just as exciting as the live shows are the major creative projects on the horizon—each one giving me tremendous optimism for the year ahead.
1. Live Album Recording — January 2 & 3 at Sorrento’s
On Fri/Sat Jan 2 & 3, bassist David Lloyd and I will be recording a brand-new live album at Sorrento’s.
The working title:
🎶 “Come to Sorrento’s”
I’m honored to capture the energy, warmth, and spontaneity of our performances in a place that has become a second home.
2. Album #25 — “Hard Bop: For the Record”
We are also deep in rehearsals for the upcoming studio album, which will become my 25th recording.
Tentative title:
🎷 “Hard Bop – For the Record”
Ten all-original compositions arranged for:
Guitar, bass, drums, tenor sax, soprano sax, and trombone.
Featured horn players:
Brooks Giles – tenor & soprano sax
Spencer Merk – trombone
This project is shaping up to be something special—a powerful, modern take on the hard-bop tradition, driven by strong writing, great musicians, and deep chemistry.
Closing Thoughts
As I reflect on this past year, I see clearly that any success I’ve achieved is rooted in the relationships that surround me. My musical life is enriched by students, colleagues, fans, friends, and the love of my family. I feel energized, grateful, and ready for what comes next.
There is so much to look forward to.
So much to create.
So much to share.
Wishing all of you a joyful, peaceful, and music-filled holiday season.
Thank you for being part of my journey.
With gratitude,
Greg Chako
