Greg Chako

Born: June 12, 1958

Greg Chako – Jazz Guitarist, Composer, and Bandleader

Cincinnati-born guitarist Greg Chako has spent over four decades performing, recording, and promoting jazz across the globe. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Chako has played with legends including Junior Cook, Curtis Fuller, Richie Cole, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Raney, and Delfeayo Marsalis. His career has taken him from the jazz clubs of Hong Kong and Singapore to festivals and concert halls throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States.

As a bandleader, Chako has released many acclaimed live and studio albums, ranging from swinging trios to horn-driven ensembles and intricate solo guitar works. His recordings — praised for their warm tone, lyrical phrasing, and inventive arrangements — have earned spots on the JazzWeek, CMJ, and RMR charts. Critics have described his playing as “muscular sound wrapped in gloves of velvet” (Jazz Journal) and “a wonderful showcase” (Just Jazz Guitar).

DiAMOND SWiNG JAZZ

Active since: 2020

We are a drummerless swing trio specializing in cool and cocktail jazz.

Inspired by the cocktail sounds of the 1950's cool jazz vocal genre, DiAMOND SWiNG JAZZ services all those looking for something soothing from yesterday to escape from today.  With a stripped down accompaniment of electric guitar and upright bass, elegant vocals float over syncopated rhythms. As the band likes to say, "Swing is our middle name."

Michael Joseph Harris

Born: August 2, 1967

In 2012, after years of performing mostly Brazilian and Latin influenced original music, guitarist Michael Joseph Harris began studying and playing the music of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt which led to the creation of The Hot Club of Baltimore later that same year. Harris then formed the band Ultrafaux in 2014 to perform his original Gypsy Jazz compositions. In 2015, Harris founded and remained Artistic Director for Charm City Django Jazz Fest which is the only annual Jazz festival in Baltimore, Maryland. Michael was named one of the top ten musicians by Baltimore Style Magazine and he was featured on a full spread article in The Baltimore Sun Weekend Section as well as Baltimore Magazine