If you like jazz, you will love this.

Some inspirational instrumentalists join Greg Chako as he glides effortlessly through a repertoire of standards of the genre mingled with some lesser-known tracks. From the opening bars of "The Days of Wine & Roses" through to the fabulous "Take the A Train," the listener is submerged in the velvety tones of a great musical genre.

Chako and company give full vent to their love of the music, and you get extended versions of most of the pieces with many lasting over seven minutes.

For your minimal outlay you get tracks like "Portrait of Jenny," "Time after Time" and "Mean to Me." One of my favourites has to be "If," featuring the vocal talent of Andrea Hopkins on the lyrics of David Gates.

This is a wonderful album for a relaxing night in or a laidback party soundtrack.

by Nicky Rossiter
Rambles.NET
16 June 2007

[ visit the artist's website ]