The Miami Project
Mint 400, 2025
9/10
The veteran guitarist Greg Chako, along with Ed Blanco, had been planning this concert for years, and with the help of the bassist Jamie Ousley, they got it done in December of 2023.
The elegant yet frisky “Love For Sale” opens with Chako’s lively guitar and Ousley’s animated bass that emits much energy, and “Wayne’s Waltz” follows with a calmer pace, where Jim Gasior’s meticulous keys won’t go unnoticed.
“All Roads Lead Home” lands in the middle and radiates warmth and intimacy via the soft keys and dreamy guitar, while “Bassa-Nova” makes great use of the plucked bass and intricate guitar work for the lush album highlight.
“Organomics” and “Changes” exit the listen. The former swings playfully with bright melodies thanks to the quartet’s undeniable chemistry, and the latter allows for the precise rhythm section to guide the timeless jazz and upbeat mood.
The sound quality here is incredible and hardly seems live, and the interaction between Chako and company is stunning, timeless and definitely worth the wait.
Travels well with: The Furgos- Retrospective; Red 123- Newtown