It’s known that the best chefs trust the basic flavors of their recipes, eschewing adding gobs of spices and herbs to cover up one’s insecurities. Similarly, a guitarist like Greg Chako sticks to the timeless tradition of warm tone, classic timing and lyrical excursions without resulting to overstating the point on this embracing trio album with drummer Michael Meloy and bassist Mason Daugherty .
Also, like the best of cooks, he sticks to the family recipes of the three major musical food groups, standards, bop and bossas. Of the former, his #3 pencil lined tone works well on the sleekly lined “Just Friends” and is soft and intimate for the glorious take of “I’ll Be Around”. For the modern side of things, Chako takes on Sam Rivers’ “Beatrice” and has his chords stroll calmly along, while Daugherty’s brush create a pilaf of support for Chako’s deft digits on “Solar. Most inspired are the collection of Latin Lovers, as Meloy’s calypso’d cadence creates a table dance for Chako on a sublime “Star Eyes”, the brushes assuage the beat on a sensuous “O Grand Amor” and the leader goes bel canto on “Triste” with quite chords on his guitar.
The simple and basic ingredients of guitar, bass and drums without pedals, electronics, effects, computers and programming make for a delicious meal with an aftertaste that you only get with the best of meals. Dig in and enjoy!