by Vince Lewis.

Everybody's Got A Name

“Boppin at Berlitz” is the opening track. It is a relaxed tempo that maintains a nice swinging groove throughout. Chako has a full, rich tone and his phrasing shows his commitment to preserving the mainstream genre. Whether playing single note lines or chordal passages, his solos are very well crafted. There is never a doubt as to the harmony that he is hearing as he improvises. “Boppin’ Swing Thing” is an original composition in the Charlie Parker bebop vein. The title track, “Everybody’s Got a Name,” moves from a complex opening line to staccato rhythmic punches, then into a strong Afro-Cuban section. Chako mentions in the liners that he wanted to create a composition that would verify the musicianship of the players. The track certainly accomplishes his goal.

Chako is joined on the CD by Mark DeRose (drums and percussion), Yasuhiro Hasegawa (bass), and Hiroshi Tanaka (piano). Each is a top level player. They are all fine accompanists and soloists who match Chako’s style perfectly.

The album is comprised of mostly original material penned by Chako. “All Roads Lead Home” is a thoughtful ballad. “Apache Junction” goes from a latin introduction into a fun up-tempo romp. Chako’s compositions are always melodic and solid in their harmonic movement. They are interesting, yet traditional enough to please fans of any jazz style.

There are some classic standards included in this set. “The Lamp is Low” is given a bossa nova treatment. There is fine percussion work on the Jobim tune “A Felicidade.” George Benson’s “Mimosa” is a very pretty melody that is not heard often. The closing selection is “From This Moment On” by Cole Porter performed as a jazz waltz.

Chako mentions that the purpose of the artwork and overall presentation is twofold. It offers a nod to the classic old jazz recordings by replicating some famous covers. It also makes a statement that there are not-so-famous players that definitely deserve a broader audience. In the case of Everybody's Got A Name, Chako is definitely correct.

Title: Everybody's Got A Name
Reference: CP 88-9

Recorded Oct 17-20, 2007, except track #11, which was recorded in Jan `07.
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by John Herbert at Lion Studios, Singapore.
All songs composed and arranged by Greg Chako except where otherwise indicated.
Track 11: bassist Christy Smith replaces Hasegawa
Cover Artwork by Jamie Belton

Track Listing
1. Boppin` At Berlitz (G. Chako)
2. Bop-n-Swing Thing (G. Chako)
3. Everybody`s Got A Name (G. Chako)
4. All Roads Lead Home (G. Chako)
5. The Lamp Is Low (Peter DeRose & Bert Shefter)
6. Apache Junction (G. Chako)
7. Yamanashi Snow (G. Chako)
8. Mimosa (George Benson)
9. Felicidade (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
10. Blues For Redd (Greg Chako)
11. From This Moment On (Cole Porter) (Bonus Track)

Related Link
Greg Chako