Standard Roots
Mint 400, 2024
8/10
The 17th release from the guitarist Greg Chako, the 13 tracks present take help frm Mason Dougherty and Michael Meloy, as Chako returns to his roots with plenty of standards.
“Just Friends” opens the listen with Meloy’s frisky drums amid Chako’s fluid guitar lines for the intricate jazz, and “I’ll Be Around” follows with an intimate appeal thanks to the dreamy guitar tone.
Further along, “It Might As Well Be Spring” pairs the light drumming with warm guitar lines, while “Cedar’s Blues” indeed embraces the blues via Dougherty bouncy bass lines.
Close to the end, the modern “Beatrice”, by Sam Rivers, is full of emotive qualities and dynamic interaction between the trio, and deeper still is the lively and memorable “I’m Old Fashioned”, where the catchy drum, meticulous guitar and strategic bass make an indelible impression.
A well executed affair that recruits balladry, swingin’ fun and Latin influences, Chako and company use grooves, improvisation and a whole lot of skill to their advantage.
Travels well with: Olin Clark- Ephemera; Strat Andriotis- Exits