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 plays the
Australian didjeridu which adds substance on 'Sulawesi Sky'...
'From the Heart' is a good ballad with interesting counter
lines from trombonist Hill, and a mellow solo from the leader...
the title track, 'Integration', is a brisk Latin styled swinger
with appropriately well integrated ensemble work and solid
solos (with the leader in Wes Montgomery mode)... the percussionist,
Thornton, gets a good workout and nice trading with the drums...
alot of work has gone into the preparation and arrangements
for this session and the result is very enjoyable mainstream
jazz!" - Jazz Journal International,
UK
Put nine original jazz compositions, one excellant guitarist
and some talented jazz cats in the studio. Add a dash of Latin
rythmn and an occasional sprinkle of Australian aboriginal
instrument, the didjeridu. Mix well and savour slowly. The
product: a musical concoction so potent, it'll have listeners
craving for more! ...Chako tries his hand at composing and
the results exceed expectations, bringing us on a musical
journey through funky grooves, laidback tunes and romantic
ballads. The cast oozes with class and style, making listening
a sheer joy. 'Integration' is a magnificent showcase of immense
jazz talent sure to turn heads among jazz aficionados worldwide..."
- IS Magazine, Singapore
The playing all around is marked by effortlessly fluid solos,
and Chako's playing manages to be appropriately groovy ('Funky
Monkey'), tense-spacey ('From the Heart'), and ferocious (the
boppish blues 'Inspiration Blues'), while sacrificing none
of that coming- right-at-cha feeling..." - 8
Days Magazine, Singapore
Many nationalities, but one great sound!... Chako executes
a dashing solo on the medium-fast 'Coming Home' to open the
proceedings. 'Saito's Serenade' is a tender waltz, followed
by fusion-flavored accents on 'Sulawesi Sky'. 'Inspiration
Blues' is a twisting tune unleashing a burst of energy for
the swinging solos that follow. Chako switches to a mellow
mood and legato phrasing on 'From the Heart', with a neatly
done trombone voicing behind the guitar. 'Poinciana' is given
a swaying rendition, enhanced by didjeridu background. 'Funky
Monkey', perhaps the highlight of this CD, locks into an infectious
Latin groove that's relaxed and catchy... Chako is determined
to leave an imprint, enriching the local entertainment and
cultural scene for a long time..." - Straits
Times, Singapore
A musical gem deserving wider recognition... tastefully fuses
local ethno-cultural influences into his music... the improvisations
and the compositions are strong... everyone sounds like they
were having a ball in the studio and the line-up is impressive...
the best thing is that it covers a wide range of jazz styles,
an inspiring CD made all the more so by a guitarist who plays
only with his thumb..." - The
New Paper, Singapore
"... a blend of musicians and music of different cultures.
His jazzy playing is relaxed and confident. Most of the upbeat
tunes share a groove that will your head bounce. Of note are
"Coming Home", " Inspiration Blues", and
"Poinciana"... solid and entertaining! Performance
4 stars, Sound 4 stars" - Jazz
Newsletter O's Place, USA
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