Greg Chako
Jazz Artist · Hospitality & Corporate Event Music Specialist · Educator · Author
Five decades in music: from international stages and recording studios to luxury hospitality, corporate events, education, writing and community service.
A Life in Music
Greg Chako has built a professional life around music for more than five decades as a jazz guitarist, composer, bandleader, recording artist, educator, entrepreneur and, increasingly, author. His career began in the United States and expanded internationally through nearly two decades of living and working in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Japan.
Along the way, Greg’s work grew far beyond the bandstand. Through Chako Productions, he developed and managed live entertainment for leading international hotels, corporations, private clubs and special events, while continuing to perform, record and teach. His hospitality experience includes work with properties and organizations associated with Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Raffles, Westin and other international brands, while his corporate and luxury-event work has included organizations such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Coca-Cola and Toyota. His international career also included appearances with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and extensive hotel and club residencies throughout Asia.
Education and writing have remained equally important parts of that journey. Greg earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Arranging and later completed doctoral coursework, recitals, teaching and research in Jazz and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music. His work as an educator now includes private instruction, mentorship and Melody Mastery, an online educational program encompassing chord melody, harmony, improvisation, arranging, ensemble performance and artistic development.
Today, Greg’s work brings those different chapters together. He continues to perform and record, develops live-music experiences for hospitality and corporate clients, teaches and mentors musicians, and writes about music, hospitality and a life spent navigating both. His 25th album, Hard Bop: For the Record, was released in 2026; his memoir, Jazzman: A Life Improvised, is available now directly from Greg; and he serves as Founder and President of Everybody Loves Music (ELM), a nonprofit connecting music with education, wellness and community. He was inducted into the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame in 2025.
Greg’s complete career
Explore Greg’s Executive Portfolio
An illustrated career portfolio spanning five decades of music, international hospitality, education, entrepreneurship and community leadership.
View Executive Portfolio →or view the full documentWatch Greg Chako: Artist Profile
A 12-minute video profile tracing Greg’s musical journey, international career, influences, achievements and continuing work.
Watch Artist Profile →Explore Greg’s Work
Recording Artist
Explore Greg’s recorded work across more than three decades, from Everything I Love through his newest release, Hard Bop: For the Record.
Explore the Recordings →
CincyJazzman®
Refined live jazz for hotels, resorts, restaurants, private clubs, corporate functions and special events, designed to enhance the atmosphere and guest experience without overpowering conversation.
Explore CincyJazzman® →
Teacher
Personalized instruction and professional mentorship rooted in decades of performing, arranging and teaching, with emphasis on chord melody, improvisation, harmony, musicianship and developing an individual artistic voice.
Explore Teaching & Mentorship →
Author
Memoir, academic research, published articles and professional writing exploring jazz, hospitality, creativity, culture and a life built around music.
Explore Greg’s Writing →Currently
Hard Bop: For the Record
Greg Chako's 25th album returns to the hard-bop tradition through an original piano-less program built around guitar, saxophone, trombone, bass and drums. The album features Greg's original compositions and arrangements and was released in September 2026 by Mint 400 Records / Raining Music.
“Chako has clearly listened to the masters, but he does not sound trapped by his admiration for them.” — Paris-Move
#5 Roots Music Report Jazz Albums · #20 NACC Top 30 Jazz debut
Jazzman: A Life Improvised
Greg Chako's memoir: a story of music, risk, reinvention and an improvised life, beginning in Cincinnati and moving through Massachusetts and New York before nearly two decades in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Japan.
Available now direct from the author · Hardcover $39.95 · Paperback $29.95
Order from Greg →Greg Chako Trio · Harth Lounge
A featured appearance at Harth Lounge.
What People Say
“Greg is the kind of musician other musicians respect. He’s put in the work internationally for decades, and it shows in every note. Warm tones, thoughtful arrangements, and beautiful guitar lines… A master in the studio and on the stage!”
“Greg and his band were the hit of our party. They played beautifully, anticipated the flow of the party and received rave reviews from all of the party goers.”
“Their smooth melodies and vibrant energy transformed the atmosphere and provided the most perfect ambiance. They set the tone for an upbeat, positive and soulful event.”
“Best musician and teacher in Cincinnati. Stop now and use Greg Chako!”
Everybody Loves Music (ELM)
Greg is Founder and President of Everybody Loves Music (ELM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing people and organizations together through music, education, wellness and community engagement.
Visit Everybody Loves MusicStay Connected
New recordings, live performances, Jazzman book news, articles, teaching developments and occasional updates from Greg.
Get in Touch
For performance, hospitality, teaching, media or general inquiries, contact Greg directly.
Contact Greg- Phone
- 513-873-8772