The Memoir · Volume I
A Life Improvised
Volume I · From Forest Park to the Far East · by Greg Chako
A story of music, risk, reinvention and an improvised life, beginning in Cincinnati and moving through Massachusetts and New York before nearly two decades in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Japan.
Available exclusively from Greg through December 31, 2026.
Prefer to hear about signings first? Get book news →
Readings, book events & speaking
For bookstores, libraries, clubs, organizations and other groups, with live music as an option.
Hospitality Articles
Writing on hospitality, entertainment programming, guest experience and the role of live music in a venue.
A series in 6 parts · GregChako.com · Jul 3, 2026A Hospitality Partnership in Search of Its Next HomeAfter more than fifty years as a professional musician, I've reached an interesting point in my career. People sometimes ask me what I'm looking for next.Hospitality Net — October 29, 2026
Drawing on a firsthand guest experience at Hocking Hills, Greg Chako explores how genuine hospitality, emotional connection, and thoughtful service influence guest loyalty, repeat business, and the bottom line.
Read on Hospitality Net ↗ (opens in a new tab)HOSPEMAG Perspectives — October 26, 2026
Drawing on decades of experience working with luxury hotels across Asia and the United States, including seven years at Raffles Hotel Singapore, Greg Chako explores how consistency in service, atmosphere, and live entertainment contribute to a property's identity and long-term guest loyalty.
Read in HOSPEMAG Perspectives ↗ (opens in a new tab)Columns for guitarists
18 articles since 2022 on practice, improvisation, composing, and building a life in music, including 2 listed under Hotel, Restaurant & Hospitality (above).
Research
Research and writing from Greg’s graduate studies, including his doctoral work in Jazz and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music.
Final paper · Jazz History (JCM 441)
Eastman School of Music · Professor Jeff Campbell · May 5, 2013
Inspecting Horace Silver more closely, this paper questions the validity of how greatness and legendary status is judged, proposing that a subtle shift in our focus is advised if we wish to give ample credit to those artists who are most deserving of it.
41 pages
Read the paper →Ethnographic field report · DMA independent study
Eastman School of Music · with Dr. Beth Bullard · March 2014
An ethnographic field report based on observations and field notes from Amma’s three-day spiritual program in New York City, July 11–14, 2013, written for an Eastman DMA independent study research seminar.
77 pages
Read the paper →Seminar paper · Wagner’s Ring Cycle
Eastman School of Music · Dr. Beth Bullard’s advanced seminar · 2012
Indian religious philosophy and Schopenhauer’s writings helped Wagner evolve his world vision and his art in meaningful ways, certainly with regard to the Ring’s ending.
33 pages
Read the paper →Ethnography · Introduction to Ethnomusicology
2012
An ethnography of how the St. John Fisher College tennis teams use music they choose for relaxation, focus and peak performance as a routine part of preparing for practice and matches.
9 pages
Read the paper →From the bandstand
Stories, essays and reflections from the road, the studio and the classroom, 34 posts on GregChako.com.
Signing events, the February 2027 publication, and new writing, sent through Greg’s mailing list.
