1996
Sudden Impact
A strong, varied program of jazz from a guitarist who, in the tradition of Wes Montgomery, plays only with his thumb.
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About the album
Sudden Impact is a strong, varied program of jazz from a guitarist who, in the tradition of Wes Montgomery, plays only with his thumb. It includes 5 latin-jazz tracks and 4 original compositions in a trio, quartet and quintet format. With over 65 minutes of music, it showcases Chako’s lyrical, persuasive lines, and a fat, rich guitar sound, and also serves as a premier intro to his original and ever evolving writing and arranging style.
From the liner notes
In 1994 shortly after recording my 1st CD, Everything I Love, I moved from Hong Kong to the tropical island Republic of Singapore, where I began working as a guitarist/bandleader. I have been leading a steady trio at the Bar and Billiard Room of the famous Raffles Hotel six nights a week since October 1995.
For a couple of weeks we enjoyed the addition of two guest percussionists who, passing through town, had come to “sit in” with the band. We had so much fun jamming on jazz standards with the added latin beat that I suggested we get into the studio one day for an informal recording session. All the latin influenced selections on this CD are a result of that session.
Later, with the help of three guest players, I decided to record four of my original compositions. Those sessions produced the rest of the material for this CD.
Music certainly is a universal language. The musicians who took part in this recording come from very diverse cultural backgrounds, and like Singapore itself, this CD contains a healthy mix of styles. I hope you enjoy listening to the music as much as we enjoyed making it.
– Greg Chako, August 1996
Listen
Track list
- 01Sudden Impact5:16
- 02Nancy (With The Laughing Face)5:05
- 03Sussy's Song6:56
- 04You Don't Know What Love Is5:39
- 05Fried Curry Pies6:19
- 06Everything Happens To Me7:02
- 07Jones'in4:39
- 08People5:02
- 09I Remember You7:11
- 10Morning6:14
- 11Gone With The Wind8:20
One-Sheet
Videos
Fried Curry Pies (Live)
Greg Chako · “Fried Curry Pies” (Live) · Mint 400 Records / Raining Music
Sussy’s Song
Recorded live at JZ Brat in Tokyo with the Collaboration Quintet
Reviews
What the critics said
“…just warm, sensitive uncluttered lines that make for excellent rewinding… most of the tracks are upbeat, exceptional ones being Jones’in and Fried Curry Pies, both Chako originals… The jewel to Sudden Impact’s crown, however, is Chako’s re-read of the pop classic, People. The band rides the tide of the haunting melody mostly but still manages elegant probing by surging midway through the song… Like tai chi masters, Chako et al prove again that beauty lies in control and grace, not excess and discord.”
“…old standbys get spiced up with latin rhythms, experiencing a sudden ubiquity and fresh sound… The originals have a contemporary sound, colored with understated funk and backbeats, and girded with interesting structures… He uses his thumb to execute winningly lyrical lines made up of pillow-like notes… well worth exploring.”
“…warm, mellow guitar with gently flowing lines and occasional bursts of lush chords… Greg favors the use of his thumb to produce the rich sound he achieves… neatly pulsating lines, melodic, swinging and inventive. The music swings compulsively at all times… the leader’s exotic sound and constantly inventive lines, the mainstream appeal of familiar material being given a refreshing twist, and a driving rhythm section…”
“Enthusiasts will enjoy this album… relaxed groove, lovely trio settings, unusually bright post bebop style… and octaves are all handled authoritatively… a wonderful showcase for Chako.”
