Integration : "Hard Bop is the focus of most cuts often mixed with rhythms and sounds of the Far East. The biting, driving caustic tenor of Otrie Barrett Jr. has a major role throughout. He's heard to good effect on the title tune where his sax weave [+]Integration : "Hard Bop is the focus of most cuts often mixed with rhythms and sounds of the Far East. The biting, driving caustic tenor of Otrie Barrett Jr. has a major role throughout. He's heard to good effect on the title tune where his sax weaves in and out with Chakos' guitar and Singaporean native Joshua Wans' piano. This cut recalls those exciting hard blowing small group sessions of the 1960s which featured Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd and Jackie McLean et. al. There's an effective mix of hard bop and Latin on "Coming Home" with Otrie Barretts' sax and former Miles Davis' percussionist Steve Thorntons' bongos leading the way on an exciting eight plus minute album opener. The didjeridu is featured along with the percussion on the exotic "Sulawesi Sky", with the Australian instrument emitting sounds of the Australian outback. Matters turn bluesy with "Inspiration Blues" and the jazz funk on "Funky Monkey" with Barretts' sax taking on a Jimmy Forrest mien on the latter. Chakos' single stringed guitar playing highlights a lovely ballad "From the Heart".
Chako wrote all compositions but one. All show a flair for imaginative application of tempo and harmony filled with some unexpected jagged rhythmic diversions guaranteed to keep listener attention. Integration is recommended! - David Nathan, All Music Guide, USA, 2001
"Chako, the composer, takes his inspiration from the rich Blue Note lode. Echoes of Shorter, Hancock,and Dorham reverberate through these tunes with the opening "Coming Home", and the driving "Inspiration Blues", powered by Edmond Bransons' offbeat high-hat setting the tone. " From the Heart" ventures into more contemporary, easy-listening jazz territory. Otherwise, the pieces all sound like they could have found a home in the Jazz Messengers' book. They fall easy on the ear and sound like they'd be rewarding to blow on, and as such fulfill the composer's intent. Chako benefits from uniformly heartfelt performances from all hands, and his own playing is, as usual, clean-lined and to the point. This is a fine addition to his growing discography." - Cadence Magazine, USA, 2001
"Chako has a laid back approach with clean and attractive guitar lines... Pianist Mei Sheum has a delicate touch and provides stimulating accompanying lines... Perera
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