Integration II by Greg Chako

With a vibrant recorded presence, this is

HUGELY enjoyable stuff!" - Larry Nai, Cadence, New York, 2002

"...This is music that transcends geographic boundaries and cultures, and communicates the happiness and friendship that all music should provide... Chakos' tunes are well-crafted, harmonically strong, with catchy, memorable melodies (unlike many contemporary offerings today). Chakos' tone and phrasing are exceptional! Thoughtfully created and and perfectly executed, this is a very positive musical statement from an extremely talented composer and performer..." - Professor Vince Lewis, for Just Jazz Guitar, USA Feb 2002

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"Greg is a proven guitarist and a great talent. Integration II is full of nuances, integrating fusion, blues, and swing. His guitar shines and he creates a new style, breathing exotic jazz-ethno music full of spirit and solid musical foundation" - Jazz Dimensions, Germany, 2002

"Integration I & II is the culmination of many studio hours, tremendous discipline, concentration, and the ability to employ all musical strengths in every composition. These two recordings are a jazz mosaic painted with the very best of cultural, ethnic, and musical sensibilities. That striking combination provides a sumptuousness and extensiveness in the music that is rarely found in any genre.

Whether it's the be-bop of 'Funky Monkey' or the gentle acoustic flow of 'Smooth Ride' ala Joe Pass, this collection of songs has something for everyone's taste. Every jazz discipline, or parts thereof, is given an acknowledgement. Chako is up to the task on the electric or acoustic six-string, allowing the necessary elasticity for each song to build upon itself and congeal. After over 130 minutes of a trip around the jazz galaxy, I think it's safe to say that Greg Chako and his magnificent band are one of the world's best kept secrets. The word is now out; don't hesitate in seeking out this essential jazz experience." - Keith 'MuzikMan' Hannaleck, JazzReviews, USA, 2002

Integration II: "Chakos' strongest recording to date. "Tokong Burung", is a locally-inspired extended composition. The inclusion of didjeridu adds to the exotic sound mix while drums, percussion, and tabla maintain the restless underlying beat. On "The Sweet One", Chako shows off his sensitive side both as a composer and a guitarist. "Smooth Ride" is a confident swinger with a catchy call and response theme. French Island Fantasy has soaring solos and a happy feel, despite an underlying tension set up by the spacious first theme and the agitated funk of the second theme. Fine Aussie Weathered is neatly swinging. Ocean Blues marks a return to Chakos' trio roots, with a touch of Wes Montgomery. The Hunny Lady is the only piece on the album not written by Chako, and this breezy number is graced by good solos." - Straits Times, Singapore, 2001

"Greg Chako is a dynamic American jazz guitarist and Integration II features the entire spectrum of swing, Latin rhythms, blues, ballads, and Brazilian drum sounds. It's an exotic mix of diverse jazz melodies, each offering a unique sound and feel. The guitar playing is delivered with a warmth and precision, providing an inspirational element to all tracks. Chakos' tropical island inspirations can clearly be heard on aptly titled tracks like French Island Fantasy and Afro-Asian Chant. With Chako covering nearly every jazz style in one package, this is ideal listening for first time jazz listeners as well. It's enjoyable from start to finish, with Chako and his band delivering well-crafted melodies and harmonies with a unique combination of instruments played to perfection!" - Sound Waves Magazine, Don Sikorski, USA

" Integration II continues the trend (of Integration I), but with more fusion elements. Solid and entertaining modern jazz with Latin, straight ahead, and contemporary/fusion based songs. Performance 4 stars, Sound 4 stars" - Jazz Newsletter O's Place, USA

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